San Francisco BART Subway Resumes Service After Major Computer Issue

San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system faced a significant disruption on the morning of May 9, 2025, when a computer networking problem forced a complete suspension of subway service. The outage began around 5:00 AM Pacific Time and affected the entire system, prompting BART to advise commuters to seek alternative transportation options.

By approximately 9:17 AM PT, BART restored system-wide service. However, the transit authority warned riders to expect major delays across all destinations due to the earlier train control problem. The incident underscored the critical role of computer networks in managing modern mass transit operations.

During the outage, BART provided limited service in the East Bay with the following adjustments:

• Blue Line trains operated between Dublin/Pleasanton and MacArthur stations.
• Yellow Line trains ran between Antioch and MacArthur stations.
• Orange Line trains continued normal operations.

No service was available on the Red or Green Lines during the outage, and stations in San Francisco and San Mateo County remained closed until full restoration.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of transit systems to technology failures and the importance of robust cloud infrastructure and network management. Effective monitoring and rapid incident response are essential to minimize disruption and maintain public trust in mass transit services.

As urban transit systems increasingly rely on complex digital networks, integrating advanced cloud infrastructure solutions can enhance resilience and operational continuity. BART’s experience serves as a case study for transit authorities worldwide to invest in technology that supports real-time diagnostics and swift recovery.