San Francisco’s Train System Still Uses Floppy Disks—and Will for Years

According to a recent report, San Francisco’s train system, known as BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), still relies on floppy disks to operate critical functions. This outdated technology, which was popular in the 1980s and 1990s, is not only obsolete but also poses a potential security risk.

Despite efforts to modernize the system, BART officials have stated that they do not plan to fully transition away from floppy disks for at least another five years. In the meantime, the use of this outdated technology could leave the train system vulnerable to cyber attacks and system failures.

While BART has made some progress in upgrading its infrastructure, such as implementing new ticketing systems and train controls, the reliance on floppy disks highlights the challenges that public transportation systems face in keeping up with rapidly evolving technology.

It is clear that BART needs to prioritize updating its systems to ensure the safety and efficiency of its train operations. Continuing to rely on floppy disks in this day and age is not only inefficient but also puts passengers at risk. Hopefully, BART will expedite its efforts to modernize its technology before any serious problems arise.