The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) has partnered with Mobilitie to bring next-generation wireless connectivity to riders, which is currently underway.
The new digital network will modernize connectivity across tunnels, stations and rail cars to deliver 5G connectivity to riders, surrounding communities, as well as supporting BART’s new digital railway initiative.
"Providing passengers with seamless and uninterrupted connectivity is one of our top priorities to enhance the customer experience," said BART General Manager Bob Powers. "Working with Mobilitie for this digital transformation will improve broadband connectivity across our system and for our riders. Ultimately, people will have better access to real-time information and more convenient and easier to use transit.”
The BART network will encompass four major initiatives to provide riders with 5G wireless connectivity and improved communications:
- Underground Wireless (DAS) in San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) tunnels in downtown San Francisco;
- Wayside Wireless Communications and Small Cells along the rail line;
- Wi-Fi connectivity across the stations and trains; and
- A massive fiber plant installed along the entire rail right of way (RoW) which will provide a high-speed telecommunications broadband backbone throughout the Bay Area.
The underground wireless network will bring 5G connectivity to riders via a state-of-the-art Distributed Antenna System (DAS) that will be installed across the SFMTA system in nearly 11 miles of existing tunnels, 11 underground SFMTA stations and a new central subway line expected to be completed next summer. The wayside wireless communications will include the latest small cell technology deployed throughout the RoW, which will enable 5G connectivity to riders, in addition to improving coverage at more than 25 Bay Area cities.
To upgrade station and train connectivity, Mobilitie will deploy the latest Wi-Fi technology, Wi-Fi 6 or 802.11ax, throughout 48 stations, including BART’s Fleet of the Future trains that will be fully Wi-Fi enabled. BART is expected to bring connectivity to its entire fleet by 2023. Mobilitie will also be deploying a large fiber network along BART’s entire RoW and San Francisco’s MTA tunnel routes. These will include dark and lit fiber options to improve communication networks and broadband internet services, support for carrier hotels and data center connectivity.
“As one of the largest public transportation systems in the U.S., we are excited to be working with BART on this very important initiative to improve wireless communications in the Bay Area,” said Lisa Doumiaty, vice president of wireless solutions at Mobilitie. “BART has demonstrated a clear vision for improving the experience for their riders which is aligned with our mission in California and throughout the U.S. as we build the nation’s 5G infrastructure backbone.”
