Transit agency arrests San Francisco protesters

SAN FRANCISCO – Transit police have made at least four arrests on a San Francisco subway platform and closed the station as activists staged a small protest of the Bay Area Rapid Transit agency's decision to cut off wireless communication during a previously planned demonstration.

The four people were taken into custody by BART police after unfurling banners and refusing requests to stop their loud chanting. BART prohibits demonstrations on its platforms, citing safety concerns.

The small demonstration involving about two dozen protesters prompted BART officials to close the Civic Center station at 5:30 p.m. But it did not appear to be causing wide disruptions for evening commuters.

Last week, four downtown San Francisco stations were closed during a rowdy demonstration of about 300 people.

Demonstrators and computer hackers have been targeting BART for shutting down wireless service at Civic Center on Aug, 11 to quell a brewing protest over a shooting by transit police.