Man Rescued from BART Tracks in Walnut Creek Highlights Ongoing Trespassing Concerns

Walnut Creek, CA – A recent incident at the Walnut Creek BART station, where an unauthorized individual was found on the tracks and subsequently picked up by a train, underscores the persistent challenges faced by transit authorities in preventing track trespassing. The event, initially reported via social media channels by @BartFareEvaders, stated, > "Per @SFBART radio: An unauthorized man was on the BART track in Walnut Creek a train picked him up 369i Trespass on Railroad Property." This aligns with a May 2024 incident where a man was rescued from under a train at the same location.

The individual involved in the May 2024 incident, identified as a man in his 60s, was removed from under the train and transported to a hospital. BART spokesman Jim Allison confirmed the station closure and service disruption, noting that the person was on the tracks for an unknown reason when a train approached. While witnesses suggested the incident was not malicious, the exact circumstances of how the man came to be on the tracks remain under investigation.

The reference to "369i" in the tweet points to California Penal Code 369i, which criminalizes trespassing on railroad property. This statute specifically addresses unauthorized entry or presence on railroad land that interferes with, interrupts, or hinders the safe and efficient operation of trains. Violations are typically misdemeanors, highlighting the legal ramifications of such dangerous acts.

Unauthorized track access is a significant safety concern for BART and other rail systems nationwide. Data from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) indicates that trespassing incidents, alongside suicides, account for a substantial percentage of rail-related fatalities. Rail transit agencies like BART implement various measures, including fencing, prominent "No Trespassing" signage, and public awareness campaigns, to deter individuals from entering restricted areas.

Despite these efforts, incidents of track intrusion continue to occur, leading to severe service delays, safety risks for both the trespassers and train operators, and substantial operational costs. BART police and emergency services are frequently dispatched to manage these situations, emphasizing the ongoing need for public vigilance and adherence to safety regulations around transit infrastructure.