BART Communications-Based Train Control – Oakland, CA

This Train Control Modernization Program is the largest and most complex of its kind in North America. It involves replacing 125 miles of fixed block signaling across 47 stations. Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) selected communications-based train control (CBTC) to replace the existing track-circuit-based signaling system. BART must maintain operations throughout the cutover from fixed block to CBTC service in this brownfield environment.

Program Goals

The CBTC deployment will help bring the signaling system to a state of good repair. It will also increase capacity through the TransBay Tube and the Oakland Wye, helping relieve passenger congestion. In addition, the program will upgrade end-of-life equipment.

This program is a key component of BART’s ongoing capital program. The broader program also includes major investments in a new rail car fleet and a state-of-the-art repair facility in Hayward, California. Additional work includes power supply refurbishment and replacement of the existing automatic train control system.

Planning and Procurement

We developed design-build contract documents to support the selection of a CBTC system supplier. The process included technical strategy papers and concepts for operations, maintenance and safety. We also conducted in-depth industry reviews with peer transit agencies.

We performed a user needs analysis to define stakeholder requirements for the CBTC system. This work included stakeholder engagement, systems engineering, interface definition and risk management. It also covered requirements analysis, requirements management and system safety management planning. We incorporated these requirements into the design-build technical and contract bid documents for CBTC procurement.

Risk and Implementation Support

We developed a comprehensive risk program to identify and manage technical and program risks. Our work included risk review meetings, risk register management, Monte Carlo simulation and risk analysis. We integrated the program into the overall Core Capacity Program risk register. We also serve as a strategic advisor to BART on modifications to existing train control systems. This includes strategies for broken rail detection and equipping revenue and maintenance vehicles.

Throughout the GES contract, we supported configuration management, CBTC training and enabling works related to BART’s existing infrastructure. We also helped manage organizational change and the cultural shift across BART. In addition, we worked closely with BART to plan track access and avoid unplanned service disruptions.

Design Services During Construction

Following our successful support of the program, BART awarded us the design services during construction (DSDC) contract. We now support BART during implementation of the CBTC system. Our scope includes technical oversight of the CBTC contractor’s work and reviews of contract deliverables. We also review the contractor’s development and deployment approach, migration planning, budget and project progress.

We provide guidance on fitting CBTC equipment onboard vehicles and integrating automatic train supervision into BART’s operating environment. We also oversee adaptations to the supplier’s Core CBTC product. This work helps ensure the product meets BART-specific requirements while addressing risks associated with each adaptation.

Multidisciplinary Project Support

Our multidisciplinary team has supported the project in the following areas: