BART Shutdown Disrupts Millbrae Commuters

Equipment problem forces trains to turn around at Colma, impacting travel to and from SFO

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:36am

A highly stylized, geometric illustration in shades of blue and grey, depicting the towering, streamlined forms of BART trains and stations, conveying the grand scale and transportation-focused nature of the system.A dramatic, Art Deco-inspired illustration captures the scale and impact of a sudden BART equipment failure that disrupted commutes for Millbrae residents.San Mateo Today

A sudden equipment problem on the BART system caused major disruptions for commuters in Millbrae, forcing trains to turn around at Colma and run short loops between the airport and Millbrae. With repairs still underway, travelers had to rely on altered BART patterns and SamTrans buses to get to and from San Francisco International Airport.

Why it matters

As a key transit hub, any disruptions to BART service can have a significant impact on Millbrae residents and businesses that rely on the system for commuting and travel. This incident highlights the importance of BART's reliability and the need for contingency plans when unexpected equipment failures occur.

The details

The equipment problem shut down regular BART service between South San Francisco and SFO, forcing trains to turn around at Colma. Travelers had to use altered BART routes and SamTrans buses to get to and from the airport, causing major delays and disruptions.

  • The equipment problem occurred on Thursday morning, April 11, 2026.
  • Repairs were still underway late Thursday morning.

The players

BART

The Bay Area Rapid Transit system, a major public transportation network serving the San Francisco Bay Area.

SamTrans

The public transportation agency serving San Mateo County, which provided bus service to accommodate BART riders during the disruption.

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What’s next

BART officials are working to resolve the equipment problem and restore full service between Colma and SFO as soon as possible.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of BART's reliability for Millbrae residents and the need for effective contingency plans when unexpected disruptions occur. It also underscores the interdependence of the region's various transit systems in providing seamless transportation options.