11:34 AM: BART has restored service between two stations in Oakland after an equipment problem caused major delays systemwide this morning, officials said.
Crews were dispatched between the Lake Merritt and Fruitvale stations at about 7:50 a.m. after a train operator reported seeing smoke, according to BART officials.
Crews discovered a smoking cable that supplies power to the electric third rail, and immediately shut down one track between the two stations.
Service was delayed by more than 15 minutes in the Dublin/Pleasanton, Fremont, Richmond, Daly City and San Francisco directions while trains single-tracked between the two stations, and riders were advised to seek alternate transportation.
The problem was resolved around 11 a.m. and both tracks were open again between Lake Merritt and Fruitvale as of 11:15 a.m., BART officials said.
There are residual delays for some trains, but regular service was expected to resume around noontime, officials said.
10:22 AM: BART trains are experiencing major delays systemwide because of an equipment problem near its Lake Merritt station in Oakland, and officials are suggesting that riders seek alternate means of transportation until the problem is resolved.
Crews were dispatched between the Lake Merritt and Fruitvale stations after a train operator reported seeing smoke at about 7:50 a.m., according to BART officials.
A smoking cable was discovered and crews are working to repair the damage.
One track was shut down immediately through the Lake Merritt and Fruitvale stations, and the service was still single-tracking trains as of 10 a.m.
Trains are delayed in the Dublin/Pleasanton, Fremont, Richmond, Daly City and San Francisco directions, according to officials.
Riders traveling to San Francisco from Dublin/Pleasanton or Fremont should seek alternate transportation, officials said.
9:33 AM: BART is experiencing delays of more than 15 minutes on all trains passing through its Lake Merritt station in Oakland, a dispatcher said.
The delays began at about 8:15 a.m. and are due to an equipment problem on tracks near the station.
In a message sent by BART at 9:16 AM, BART hollered:
PLEASE SEEK ALTERNATE MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION TO ALL LINES. THIS IS DUE TO THE ONGOING MAJOR DELAYS OUT OF LAKE MERRITT STATION BECAUSE OF A TRACKSIDE EQUIPMENT PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE.
The delays were originally lasting about 10 to 15 minutes but some are now lasting longer, the dispatcher said.
As of 9 a.m., there was no estimate for when trains would be back on time.
9:11 AM: BART is experiencing 10- to 15-minute delays on trains passing through its Lake Merritt station in Oakland, a dispatcher said.
The delays began at about 8:15 a.m. and are due to an equipment problem on tracks near the station.
The delays are affecting all lines that go through the station.
As of 8:25 a.m., there was no estimate for when trains would be back on time.
Eve Batey contributed slightly to this report
Want more news, sent to your inbox every day? Then how about subscribing to our email newsletter? Here’s why we think you should. Come on, give it a try.
