BART will slow all trains to 27 mph and briefly halt trains systemwide Thursday, Oct. 15, as part of the 2026 Great ShakeOut earthquake drill.

The agency plans to trigger its ShakeAlert early warning system at 10:15 a.m., according to BART's official announcement. Once activated, the system will send an automatic speed restriction to every train in service. After slowing, all trains will come to a brief stop. BART will also broadcast a systemwide announcement encouraging riders to prepare for earthquakes.

Walnut Creek BART riders should expect the short service pause. BART has not specified how long the stop will last.

How ShakeAlert works

The ShakeAlert system connects to a network of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) seismic sensors across California. When BART's seismic threshold is reached, the system sends a speed command directly to trains, bypassing human reaction time. In a real earthquake, BART said the system can slow trains before shaking reaches the tracks, depending on how far away the quake is centered.

Simulated inspections at all 50 stations

The 2026 drill adds simulated structural inspections. BART's Earthquake Response Team (ERT), made up of about 60 engineers and 30 maintenance employees, will fan out to all 50 stations to assess walkways, support structures, elevators and escalators. They will look for cracks, leaning, displacement, foundation damage, power outages, falling signage and water intrusion.

The ERT has never been activated for a real earthquake. Each member is issued two backpacks of emergency supplies, including batteries, measuring tools, safety vests and protein bars. One stays at home. The other stays at the office.

What riders should do

BART offered these safety tips for riders caught in an actual earthquake:

  • On a train: Sit down or grab a handhold. If evacuation is needed, emergency personnel will coordinate.
  • In a station: Back away from the platform edge. If in the concourse, do not proceed to the platform. Prepare to evacuate under BART staff direction.
  • Texting: Text family members instead of calling. Cell networks can be overwhelmed during emergencies.

After any real earthquake, BART holds trains in place until crews confirm it is safe to move to the nearest station. Trains in the Transbay Tube and Berkeley Hills Tunnel are excepted from that general hold procedure.

Earthquake retrofits already complete

BART completed its Earthquake Safety Program in September 2024, retrofitting high-traffic portions of the original system. The program was funded in part by Measure AA, a $980 million bond approved by voters in 2004.

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services is promoting statewide preparedness activities for the Great ShakeOut drill on Oct. 15.