November BART Shutdown in Hayward Caused by Fiber Optic Cable Theft Costs Agency Over $1 Million

A November BART shutdown caused by the theft of fiber optic cables cost the agency more than $1 million, according to recent estimates by authorities.

The shutdown, which occurred on November 21, affected BART’s service between Hayward and the Berryessa/North San Jose station for most of the day. The disruption was caused by a man who allegedly cut out 800 feet of fiber optic cable from an agency facility in Hayward and loaded several spools of the wiring into his truck, authorities said.

Initially reported to the public as vandalism, the incident is now being investigated as a grand theft.

Six days after the theft, a person driving a truck that resembled the suspect’s vehicle fled and successfully evaded police when a BART officer approached, authorities added.

No one has yet been charged in connection with the incident, which was part of a monthslong string of shutdowns and service disruptions for BART.

Staff writer Rick Hurd contributed reporting.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/15/recent-bart-fiber-optic-cable-theft-cost-agency-1-million/