Boldyn Launches Major Wi-Fi Upgrade for BART Transit System

Sarah Mitchell · 2026-02-06

If you've ever tried to get online while riding BART in the Bay Area, you know the struggle. Spotty connections, dead zones in tunnels, and painfully slow speeds have been the norm for years. Well, it looks like relief is finally on the way. Boldyn Networks has officially kicked off a long-awaited Wi-Fi modernization project across the entire BART system, and for commuters and wireless professionals, this is a very big deal. This isn't just a minor tweak. We're talking about a foundational upgrade to the network infrastructure that millions rely on daily. For wireless LAN professionals, it's a fascinating case study in deploying robust, public-facing Wi-Fi in one of the most challenging environments imaginable: a sprawling, underground, fast-moving transit system. ### Why This BART Wi-Fi Upgrade Matters Let's be honest, public transit Wi-Fi has a pretty bad reputation. It's often seen as a check-box feature rather than a serious utility. But this project has the potential to change that perception. A reliable connection underground transforms commute time from dead time into productive time. It's about more than just checking email. It enables seamless streaming for entertainment, reliable navigation apps, and constant connectivity for public safety and operational communications. For the Wireless LAN Association community, the technical hurdles are what make this interesting. We're not setting up an office network here. The challenges include: - Maintaining signal integrity in long, curved tunnels - Handling rapid handoffs between access points as trains move at high speed - Designing for immense user density during rush hour - Ensuring backend network capacity can handle the surge ### What We Can Expect from the New Network While full technical specs will likely emerge, we can make some educated guesses about the improvements. The goal is almost certainly to move beyond basic connectivity to a high-quality experience. This likely means support for modern Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standards, which are far better at managing many devices simultaneously—perfect for a packed train car. Bandwidth will also see a massive boost. Gone should be the days of waiting minutes for a simple webpage to load. We should see speeds that allow for video calls, large file downloads, and HD streaming without constant buffering. Reliability is the other key pillar. The new infrastructure needs to provide consistent coverage, minimizing those frustrating drop-offs just when you need the connection most. > As one industry observer noted, 'Public transit Wi-Fi is no longer a luxury amenity; it's a critical piece of urban infrastructure, as essential as the rails themselves.' ### The Bigger Picture for Wireless Networking This BART project is part of a much larger trend. Cities and transit authorities worldwide are recognizing that robust public Wi-Fi is essential infrastructure. It supports the digital economy, bridges connectivity gaps, and enhances the overall user experience of public services. For wireless professionals, these large-scale public projects represent a growing and challenging field of expertise. Successful deployments like this one could set a new benchmark. They prove that with the right technology and design, it's possible to deliver enterprise-grade wireless performance in the most demanding public spaces. That's a win for everyone—commuters get a better experience, cities become more connected, and the industry pushes the boundaries of what's possible with wireless LAN technology. The rollout will take time, of course. These upgrades don't happen overnight. But the fact that the project is finally underway is the most important step. It signals a commitment to bringing BART's digital infrastructure into the modern era. For daily riders, the wait for a decent connection may soon be over. And for those of us in the wireless field, it's a project worth watching closely.