BART riders will soon be able to stream their favorite shows more easily.
The transit agency plans to have Wi-Fi installed at all its stations by 2024, officials announced Thursday.
The addition of Wi-Fi is part of the BART’s four-phase Bart Wireless Technology Program which aims to modernize the system by making it easier to text, call and use the internet while aboard trains and at the station.
“We are going to install the latest wireless technology including both wireless and Bluetooth, in both the paid and free areas,“ Jim Allison, BART Media Relations Manager, told KCBS Radio. “This will mean less buffering, better streaming, faster load times, and even the possibility for personalized notifications sent to your mobile device.”
Wi-Fi will be installed not just at the station but along the tracks with 150 low profile poles which will allow riders to have access to the network along any route while on the trains. According to Allison, BART will begin working on this part of the project in November and hopes to finish by Fall, 2025.
“The major benefit that users will get is just an ability to leverage the latest Wi-Fi technology,” Allison said. “You get to the station and you can work or enjoy a movie without any drop outs and continue that all the way until you get off BART.”
The WiFi service will be free for all riders.
Another phase of the program involves other parties installing fiber optic cables throughout BART to boost cellular speeds. Allison noted that this will generate more than $243 million for BART over 20 years, which will allow them the flexibility to improve the customer experience in the multiple forms, such as better service and cleaning.
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