On October 28, 2019, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) began pre-revenue operations on the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s 10-mile BART Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension. This significant milestone represents one of the final steps prior to starting passenger service, which is on track to begin prior to the year’s end.  

The first step of pre-revenue operations is training and system familiarization of the trackwork, stations and facilities for all personnel, including operators, systems and maintenance staff. Then comes simulated service, where the rail system is operated exactly as it would be when passenger service begins, but without passengers. This process allows for verifying schedules and the timing of trains. It helps ensure service starts off as safely and efficiently as possible.

The final step before trains can carry passengers will be VTA issuing a report verifying safety certification of the system along with BART’s notice of intent to operate the service to the California Public Utilities Commission(CPUC), before receiving approval from the state regulatory agency.