BART May Close Early and Shut 15 Stations Without Transit Measure Approval
The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system faces significant changes if a crucial transit tax measure fails. The agency warns of potential station closures and service reductions by 2027. Without financial support, BART could shut down as many as 15 stations and cut evening service to 9 PM daily.
BART’s Urgent Financial Situation
BART describes its predicament as a ‘doomsday scenario.’ The transit agency operates under a looming $376 million deficit. This critical situation has prompted the need for funding via a half-cent sales tax measure, which will appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Proposed Service Cuts and Station Closures
If the measure does not pass, BART plans to implement drastic reductions:
- 15 stations may close in two phases.
- Evening service could end at 9 PM.
- Weekend morning service may not start until 8 AM.
Phase One Station Closures
The first phase could see these stations closing in January 2027:
- Antioch line: Orinda, North Concord/Martinez, and Pittsburgh Center
- Berryessa line: Oakland International Airport, South Hayward, and Warm Springs/South Fremont
- Dublin/Pleasanton line: Castro Valley and West Dublin/Pleasanton
- SFO line: Colma and South San Francisco
Phase Two Station Closures
By July 2027, additional closures include:
- Pittsburg/Baypoint and Antioch stations on the Pittsburg/Baypoint line
- Orange Line service ending at Bay Fair
- San Bruno and Millbrare stations on the SFO line
These changes will drastically affect service routes, including eliminating access to certain key locations.
Future Discussions
The BART Board of Directors will hold a workshop on February 12, 2026, to address these pressing issues. Board member Edward Wright emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding the agency’s financial future.
This discussion will be critical as the agency plans its next steps to avoid severe cutbacks. Without a tax measure approval, BART’s ability to serve its community could be drastically diminished.
