BART trains are experiencing major delays systemwide Friday because of an equipment problem near its Lake Merritt station in Oakland, and officials are suggesting that riders seek alternate means of transportation until the problem is resolved.

Crews were dispatched between the Lake Merritt and Fruitvale stations after a train operator reported seeing smoke at about 7:50 a.m., according to BART officials.

A smoking cable was discovered and crews are working to repair the damage.

One track was shut down immediately through the Lake Merritt and Fruitvale stations, and the service was still single-tracking trains as of 10 a.m.

Trains are delayed in the Dublin/Pleasanton, Fremont, Richmond, Daly City and San Francisco directions, according to officials.

Riders traveling to San Francisco from Dublin/Pleasanton or Fremont should seek alternate transportation, officials said.

There was no estimate as of 10 a.m. for when trains would be back on time.