10/11/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/11/2024 13:17
Realign adds no new operating costs and maintains bus service at 85% of pre-pandemic levels
OAKLAND, Calif. - The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) Board of Directors approved the Realign Final Network Plan with a vote of 5 to 2 during its public meeting on October 9. Initially presented in spring 2023, Realign is an equity-focused review of all bus lines, designed to address significant shifts in ridership and commuting patterns since the pandemic.
The Realign Plan offers several key benefits for AC Transit riders and East Bay communities, including:
Realign was made possible through extensive public engagement, with 49 outreach activities, including community events and city council presentations, resulting in over 1,200 touchpoints recorded throughout AC Transit's service areas. To better understand the post-pandemic transit needs of disabled, elderly, and underrepresented riders, the Realign plan incorporated their lived experiences with support from United Seniors of Alameda County, Community Resources for Independent Living, La Familia, the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, and several other Community-Based Organizations. AC Transit sincerely thanks the riders and the collective efforts of East Bay CBOs for their contributions and outreach during the Realign planning process.
Additionally, the Board of Directors conducted four public hearings on September 9, 10, and 11, 2024, to gather formal public comments from communities and stakeholders.
Ultimately, in its 5-2 vote, the Board removed Realign+, a package of service improvements for prioritized bus lines that would have increased service to 100 percent of pre-pandemic levels, contingent on the transit district hiring more Bus Operators. Similar to other transit agencies, AC Transit is experiencing a decline in the number of applicants entering the industry. This, coupled with retirements, turnover, and competition from delivery and transportation companies offering higher wages, continues to make hiring new Bus Operators a significant challenge.
The Board approved the overall Realign Plan as it incurs no additional operating costs, which aims to maintain service levels at 85 percent of pre-pandemic levels while keeping Bus Operator positions at their current numbers.