BART Service Cuts, Station Closures Could ‘Set Back the System 50 Years’

The agency could close dozens of stations and eliminate the Blue line between Daly City and Dublin-Pleasanton entirely.

1 minute read

February 10, 2026, 7:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


People boarding a white BART train at a platform.

BART could close 15 stations as part of a first round of service cuts that will affect the entire system. | James Kirkikis / Shutterstock

Facing severe budget shortages, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) says it could close as many as 15 of its stations and eliminate the Blue line between Daly City and Dublin-Pleasanton in addition to reducing service systemwide.

As reported by Bay City News Service, “The agency is trying to manage a roughly $1.2 billion annual budget that has been running yearly deficits of about $370 million, or about 30%.” Last week, the state approved a $590 million loan to support Bay Area transit systems through 2027. 

For long-term funding, BART is pinning its hopes on a proposed regional sales tax increase. If the tax fails to pass, BART will move forward with a three-stage contingency plan that will include the shuttering of dozens of stations and reduction in service and frequency across the board. “Jeff Cretan, a spokesman for the Connect Bay Area campaign, said the cuts would set back the system 50 years.”

Monday, February 9, 2026 in Bay City News Service

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