In order to offer seamless Wi-Fi and cellphone connectivity while travelling on a train throughout our 131 miles of track, BART will need to install wireless transmitters along our track that will broadcast a secure signal into our Fleet of the Future train cars.
This project is expected to be complete systemwide by 2025.
The trackside wireless transmitters will come in the form of short, low-profile poles to be installed approximately every .5 mile along our tracks. Some poles will be mounted to our aerial tracks and some will be installed to BART at-grade (ground level) right-of-way.
Pole installation has begun and is scheduled to be completed in fall 2025.
Extensive community outreach will be held prior to installation in all areas.
What neighbors can expect
Poles have a much cleaner, sleeker, more modern look than typical cellular poles.
(Below: Joint use pole on the left, non-commercial pole on the right)
The poles come in a variety of neutral colors including shades gray, blue, green, and brown. The color will be selected to match the surrounding area.
The poles have a stealth design with concealed antennas and equipment. They also offer customization options such as lighting elements for poles that are located near spaces where lighting would improve safety.
(Below: Joint use pole on the left, non-commercial pole on the right)
The poles meet all BART design standards as well as local, state and federal health & safety and exposure standards. The amount of Radiofrequency (RF) energy for anyone on the ground near the poles is less than one percent of the limits for safe exposure set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The poles from this project are safe to be placed near homes, schools, hospitals, or any other sensitive areas. The American Cancer Society notes there’s no strong evidence that exposure to RF waves from wireless communication facilities such as these poles causes any noticeable health effects
Height dimensions of the poles:
- Height for poles at grade: Up to 39 feet above the BART tracks
- Height for poles adjacent to aerial tracks: approximately 22 to 25 feet above the track infrastructure
Construction
Installation of each pole will take approximately one week, plus time to install supporting infrastructure such as power and fiber to each pole. For at-grade poles, a drill rig will be used for foundation holes and a small crane or an aerial lift will be used for installation. A truck and back-hoe will also be used.
Outreach and More Information for Neighbors
Neighbors and community stakeholders looking for more information about each specific construction site should visit our Neighborhood Outreach.