SF Transit Protects Bay Commutes With Shuttles

BART Transbay Tube closes Monday, AC Transit launches emergency shuttles to Oakland

BART Transbay Tube Closes, AC Transit Adds Shuttles

Your commute across the bay just got harder. BART's Transbay Tube closed Monday, cutting the main rail link between San Francisco and the East Bay, transit officials said. AC Transit launched emergency shuttle service between Salesforce Transit Center and 12th Street Oakland City Center BART station to keep riders moving during what officials called a high-severity disruption.

Context & Background

The Transbay Tube carries tens of thousands of riders daily and serves as the only BART connection between San Francisco and East Bay stations. When it closes, the impact ripples across the entire regional transit network, forcing commuters onto buses, ferries, and highways. AC Transit regularly coordinates with BART during service disruptions, deploying extra buses to handle overflow demand. Officials didn't say what caused the closure or how long repairs might take.

Key Details

AC Transit's emergency shuttles run between Salesforce Transit Center in San Francisco and 12th Street Oakland City Center station, officials said. Riders can also use existing AC Transit routes F, O, and NL to cross the bay, though those lines weren't designed to handle surge demand from a full Transbay Tube closure. West Oakland BART station is also closed and won't be served by shuttle buses, the agency said. Officials didn't provide shuttle frequency or how many buses they've deployed.

Timeline & Implementation

The closure took effect Monday, February 23, according to AC Transit's social media channels. Officials haven't announced when the Transbay Tube might reopen or provided an estimated timeline for repairs. The emergency shuttle service will continue until BART restores regular service, though the agency didn't say whether shuttles will run on modified schedules overnight or during weekends.

Rider Impact & Moovit

Commuters should expect major delays and crowded conditions on all alternative routes during the closure. Officials urged riders to allow extra travel time, work remotely if possible, or consider carpooling. Those who normally transfer at West Oakland will need to adjust their routes since that station remains closed. Moovit provides real-time updates for AC Transit shuttle service and alternative bus routes during the disruption.