Disabled BART train in SF causes morning delays; 2nd issue to frustrate riders in over 12 hours
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- BART riders faced major delays Wednesday morning after a disabled train in San Francisco disrupted service during the early commute, frustrating passengers across parts of the system.
The transit agency said the problem began just after 5 a.m. when a train became disabled on the tracks near the 16th Street Mission Station. At one point, BART stopped Red Line service and limited Green Line trains, creating backups throughout the morning.
"So disheartening what's going on with BART," said Oakland resident Larry Stone as he waited at Montgomery Street Station in San Francisco.
Stone, who does not ride BART regularly, said he planned to return to the East Bay after an overnight hospital stay in the city.
"I just showed up here about 20 minutes ago and noticed that the time wasn't moving, and then heard the announcements," he said.
BART began restoring service by the 7 a.m. hour, but delays continued through the morning, according to the agency.
The disruption came just over 12 hours after an equipment problem and another disabled train caused major delays during Tuesday's evening commute. Platforms and trains were crowded as commuters dealt with the service interruptions.
RELATED: Systemwide BART delay due to disabled train in Oakland frustrates riders
After a series of recent problems - including reports of trains filling with smoke, fires near stations and other technical issues - riders said their patience is wearing thin.
"It's not supposed to be like this. I've ridden BART ever since I was a little kid and it's never been like this," said Victor Turk of Oakland.
The latest delays come as BART faces a structural deficit of more than $350 million. The agency is hoping voters in five counties approve a regional half-cent sales tax measure on the November ballot. Without additional funding, BART has warned it could reduce service and close some stations.
"We should be throwing all the money possible at public transportation, because if it's not for that, we're just gonna have more cars on the road and we'll be back in the same problems we already have," Stone said.
BART did not respond to a request for an on-camera interview about the delays from Tuesday and Wednesday.
