The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system marked a significant milestone today, as it received the 1,000th Fleet of the Future train car from manufacturing partner Alstom. According to a report by BART’s official news release, the car, numbered 4690, arrived at the Hayward Test Track at approximately 4:30 am.
The transit agency is on track to complete the Fleet of the Future project by 2026, ultimately incorporating 1,129 state-of-the-art cars. Before officially joining the service ranks, each new car must undergo a rigorous testing protocol. As told by Transportation Supervisor Casey Ungar, these procedures are designed to prepare the cars for their introduction to the public thoroughly. Ungar revealed in its official news release that BART is the only agency to test cars up to 80mph on its test tracks. The process begins with a “kiss” of the third rail, bringing the vehicle to life in the early morning hours.
BART’s social media post, which echoes the details provided in the news report, highlighted the importance of this delivery and the subsequent journey of car No. 4690. Upon arrival at BART’s test track—a 2.25-mile stretch of rail—the cars face a battery of assessments administered by specialized BART and Alstom staff, as published on BART’s social media post…