Purple Line
Probably the best representation of the Purple line - short train on a "mostly closed" platform
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The shortest BART route was the SFO Airport - Millbrae Line (Purple Line), which existed in two brief spurts in 2003-2004 and 2019-2021.
From time to time, a shuttle between SFO and Millbrae starts up again due to "major delays" of various causes. Contents: Purple Line Maps Service History Purple Line Trains Photo Gallery The Purple Line is Back! (2/12/2019) The Purple Line seen again (2022) |
Purple Line Maps
2003 Map
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2019 map
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Service History
Based on Andre K's North American Heavy Rail
06/22/03 Began day & evening service SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT to MILLBRAE
02/08/04 Discontinued service
02/11/19 Resumed Mon-Fri daytime and Sunday day & evening service, 4 car train CBBC consist from ODY
3/22/21 End 4 car assigned train, use Red Line consists interlined with Purple line, but keep color on map
8/1/21 End Service on map as a color, replaced by Red Line
06/22/03 Began day & evening service SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT to MILLBRAE
02/08/04 Discontinued service
02/11/19 Resumed Mon-Fri daytime and Sunday day & evening service, 4 car train CBBC consist from ODY
3/22/21 End 4 car assigned train, use Red Line consists interlined with Purple line, but keep color on map
8/1/21 End Service on map as a color, replaced by Red Line
Purple Line Trains Photo Gallery
Click the Thumbnails to view the full size image
The Purple Line is Back! (2/12/2019)
Yesterday also marked the resumption of the “Purple Line” on BART – the Millbrae-SFO Shuttle. The service began in 2003 and ended in 2004 (5 car train every 20 minutes), and now it resumes with a 4 car train on a 30 minute headway. Here is a trip report from a short ride yesterday.
I arrived on a “Red Line” train at Platform 3. There was a 9 car train alongside (next to Platform 1/center), but no indication that it was or was not the shuttle … now that would be a long shuttle train!
I went upstairs to the mezzanine, and looked at the electronic signs – Platforms 1 and 2 were apparently out of service. Confused, I exited the paid area and went to the Station Agent booth (only one was occupied, as usual). I asked what platform was for the “Purple Line” and he said “there is no purple line” [sic]. He asked where I was going – SFO, and said head down to Platforms 1 and 2. Alright, time to go! Disregarding the many signs saying the platform was closed, I headed down.
The platform still looked closed. The destination signs above the platform were off, and I do not recall George/Gracie mentioning a train to SFO Airport. Nonetheless, there was a fellow passenger equally confused on where to go. This was a stark contrast to Platform 3, which by now had a fair amount of people…not going to SFO.
The 9 car train was still there – but after a few minutes it departed….Then a 4 car train arrived next to Platform 2 (far end). The only announcement was “Millbrae Station, final stop” and nothing about the next service. I estimate less than 10 persons departed the arriving train.
A few minutes later the doors opened and it was a wait until the scheduled departure. For note, the train was composed of: C1 car 301 (lowest numbered C1 car), B2s 1529, 1888, and C1 406. We departed and came to a crawl in the subway – M37 interlocking. Even on the shortest route, we had delays!
Door opening to door closing, it was around 4:51. We arrived in the center track and the doors opened for Platform 2 (towards the airside), next to a waiting “SF/Antioch” bound train. Here, it was functional with the destination sign units showing the line and ETD. However, the bank ribbons were still following the yellow platform edge tiles.
The fellow passenger (who had his own car behind) and I exchanged good wishes, and went our separate ways. Despite this light (2 including myself, I counted), ridership, I think it was friendliest ride I have taken. Not many times can you say you’ve met everyone on the train, on its entire route!
I went to the other side and had a few questions for the polite T/O on the service. I counted five passengers on the return (hopefully more in the future). A seamless transfer to Antioch train, and I was back home.
I arrived on a “Red Line” train at Platform 3. There was a 9 car train alongside (next to Platform 1/center), but no indication that it was or was not the shuttle … now that would be a long shuttle train!
I went upstairs to the mezzanine, and looked at the electronic signs – Platforms 1 and 2 were apparently out of service. Confused, I exited the paid area and went to the Station Agent booth (only one was occupied, as usual). I asked what platform was for the “Purple Line” and he said “there is no purple line” [sic]. He asked where I was going – SFO, and said head down to Platforms 1 and 2. Alright, time to go! Disregarding the many signs saying the platform was closed, I headed down.
The platform still looked closed. The destination signs above the platform were off, and I do not recall George/Gracie mentioning a train to SFO Airport. Nonetheless, there was a fellow passenger equally confused on where to go. This was a stark contrast to Platform 3, which by now had a fair amount of people…not going to SFO.
The 9 car train was still there – but after a few minutes it departed….Then a 4 car train arrived next to Platform 2 (far end). The only announcement was “Millbrae Station, final stop” and nothing about the next service. I estimate less than 10 persons departed the arriving train.
A few minutes later the doors opened and it was a wait until the scheduled departure. For note, the train was composed of: C1 car 301 (lowest numbered C1 car), B2s 1529, 1888, and C1 406. We departed and came to a crawl in the subway – M37 interlocking. Even on the shortest route, we had delays!
Door opening to door closing, it was around 4:51. We arrived in the center track and the doors opened for Platform 2 (towards the airside), next to a waiting “SF/Antioch” bound train. Here, it was functional with the destination sign units showing the line and ETD. However, the bank ribbons were still following the yellow platform edge tiles.
The fellow passenger (who had his own car behind) and I exchanged good wishes, and went our separate ways. Despite this light (2 including myself, I counted), ridership, I think it was friendliest ride I have taken. Not many times can you say you’ve met everyone on the train, on its entire route!
I went to the other side and had a few questions for the polite T/O on the service. I counted five passengers on the return (hopefully more in the future). A seamless transfer to Antioch train, and I was back home.
The Purple Line seen again (2022)
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This FOTF "Red line" train turned into a "Purple line" train at Millbrae, before heading to the airport.
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5/22/22, 10/1/22
