FCC Approves Waiver for Hitachi Train Control System

New signaling technology will replace aging infrastructure on Bay Area Rapid Transit

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:00am by

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D macro illustration of a futuristic train control system, with illuminated circuit boards, fiber optic cables, and other digital infrastructure components in a palette of neon cyan, magenta, and electric blue, conceptually representing the technological advancements that will improve the reliability and safety of the Bay Area's public transit system.Cutting-edge train control technology will modernize the Bay Area's aging transit network.San Francisco Today

The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology has approved a waiver sought by Hitachi Rail to operate a new train control system in the 3.8-4.2 MHz band. The system will be installed on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) network in the Greater San Francisco area, replacing a 48-year-old signaling infrastructure.

Why it matters

The approval of this waiver allows Hitachi to deploy its advanced train control technology, which will modernize BART's aging signaling system and improve the reliability and safety of the transit network serving the San Francisco Bay Area.

The details

Hitachi's new train control system will operate in the 3.8-4.2 MHz frequency band, which required a waiver from the FCC. The agency sought public comments on the waiver request last summer before granting approval on Friday. This new technology will replace BART's existing 48-year-old signaling infrastructure, enhancing the transit system's operations.

  • The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology approved the waiver on April 13, 2026.
  • The FCC sought public comments on Hitachi's waiver request in the summer of 2025.

The players

Hitachi Rail

A global provider of rail transportation systems and services, including signaling and control technologies.

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)

The public transportation system serving the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, and surrounding communities.

FCC Office of Engineering and Technology

The division of the Federal Communications Commission responsible for managing the nation's radio frequency spectrum and approving new wireless technologies.

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What’s next

The new Hitachi train control system is expected to be fully operational on the BART network by the end of 2027, improving the reliability and safety of the transit system for Bay Area commuters.

The takeaway

This FCC waiver approval allows BART to modernize its aging signaling infrastructure with advanced Hitachi technology, enhancing the performance and safety of one of the busiest public transit systems in the United States.