On Saturday, Aug. 8, BART deputy general manager Michael Jones hosted Tool Time, an event where the public had a chance to explore the inner workings of BART and the people and equipment that keep it running.
The free, all-ages event was situated beside the active construction area at Fremont station, where BART is currently working to replace a vital interlocking nearing the end of its lifespan. Interlockings are fail-safe systems that allow trains to safely cross from one track to another. Heavy equipment such as high railers, a vactor truck, a speed swing, a “stinger” (truck-mounted crane) and other vital tools could be viewed up close, and staff was on hand to answer questions.
BART chief communications officer Alicia Trost led the process to present Tool Time. Drawing on experience with other BART special events, she knew that the public would enjoy getting to know BART better. “With the construction on the interlocking and attendant adjustments to service,” said Trost, “we wanted to do something fun for the neighbors and everyone that enjoys BART.”
Photos by Victor Carvellas
Photos by Victor Carvellas
Photos by Victor Carvellas
The highlight of the day was a live crane demo, featuring the project’s massive crawler crane capable of lifting 600 tons—the second largest of its kind on the West Coast. The demo was a favorite as attendees looked on in awe of the height (over 200 feet) and sublime grace of the titanic mechanical monster.
Other activities included a BART Police K9 demonstration where Kygo, a German shepherd, stole the show with demonstrations of substance detection and personnel reconnaissance. A favorite concession was BART’s merchandise store, Railgoods, selling caps, t-shirts, water bottles, tote bags, Clipper Card holders and more.
BART track engineers discussed the training that equipment operators undergo, the specialized uses of the various pieces on display and the coordinated team efforts required to build new infrastructure as well as maintain the 131 miles of track, bridges and power systems.
Operator Michael Schiefer talked about the challenging written and field testing he completed in order to operate the excavator, as well as how the vactor truck uses water jets and suction for precision excavation where large diggers won’t fit. Trackman Ed Noriega described how the speed swing is used to carefully lift and place heavy and unwieldy track lengths with speed and accuracy.
The latest ridership figures, scheduled maintenance, upcoming improvements and BART events can be found at bart.gov.
In particular, those looking specifically for events easily reached via BART should visit bartable.bart.gov, where farmers’ markets, eateries, great walks, concerts, kid-friendly activities and all the fun tourist attractions of the Bay Area can be found alongside BART maps and schedules.
