BART expands free Wi-Fi to more stations in time for FIFA World Cup

BART riders can now access free Wi-Fi 6E at four more heavily travelled stations, ensuring seamless connectivity for fans and residents ahead of FIFA World Cup-related events.

The four stations that recently went live are 16th St/Mission, 24th St/Mission, Glen Park and Balboa Park. Visitors to these stations are now provided with critical connectivity, especially during a busy ridership period with the Bay Area hosting an international event. The Wi-Fi access is essential for international visitors to communicate without a U.S. roaming plan.

This brings the total number of BART stations with free Wi-Fi to nine, following February's launch at the first five stations - San Francisco International Airport, West Oakland, Embarcadero, Civic Center, and Powell Street.

This is a comprehensive digital transformation project that will bring state-of-the-art Wi-Fi connectivity to all BART stations over the next couple of years, followed by onboard connectivity on all BART trains.

The Wi-Fi is powered by Boldyn Networks, a leading neutral host provider. BART riders will access the SSID network named "BART Wi-Fi," and no password or email is required. Sessions on the network will last 20 minutes, and users will be required to confirm they are still actively using the network beyond 20 minutes.

Once users select to join the BART Wi-Fi network, their device will present an option to connect automatically. If that option is selected, their device will remember the SSID. When within the coverage area of the network, their device will automatically join the SSID, and a captive portal page will be presented to ensure they are still active on the network.

"Providing high-quality Wi-Fi is part of our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our riders and enhancing the customer experience through reliable connectivity," said Ravi Misra, Assistant General Manager of Technology at Bay Area Rapid Transit. "Boldyn partnered with us to deliver this second phase of upgrades as the region prepares to host the FIFA World Cup, with additional improvements coming in the months and years ahead."

"As we get closer to the most important international sports event of the year, we are proud of our partnership with BART and the visible progress we're making in connecting more tunnels and stations with our fiber, Wi-Fi and 5G technology," said Dana Tardelli, Chief Operating Officer of Boldyn Networks, US. "A well-connected transport infrastructure will provide an unforgettable experience for the millions of locals and visitors getting to different destinations in the area to watch their favorite teams play".

Benefits of the new Wi-Fi service include:

• Eases strain on cell network during high-density events.
• Overall, phones perform better when connected to reliable Wi-Fi, especially in a congested area. It saves battery life too.
• Ensures riders can access digital fare payments and emergency communications.

Wi-Fi connectivity is expected to be deployed at BART's remaining stations in phases, with full project completion by early 2028.