Title
Provide Feedback on AC Transit Realign Draft Bus Service Plan Update Scenarios (Discussion)
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Transportation Commission
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
AC Transit Realign is a comprehensive review of its regional bus network to respond to major shifts in riders' travel patterns and prepare for future revenue shortages. To understand transit needs and priorities, AC Transit conducted an in-depth analysis and two rounds of public outreach, including a presentation to the Transportation Commission in August 2023. Based on this, AC Transit established equity, reliability, and frequency as guiding principles to shape the transit network future.
AC Transit seeks Alameda City Council input on three preliminary service scenarios, all of which involve changes to routes serving Alameda. This input will be shared with the AC Transit Board of Directors for its meeting on December 13, 2023. AC Transit intends to adopt a final service plan by spring 2024.
BACKGROUND
Public transit is a critical transportation choice in Alameda, providing a low-cost travel option that reduces congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. AC Transit provides bus service throughout Alameda County, including the City of Alameda.
The AC Transit website states, "We are updating our service to meet the travel patterns of the new normal. The pandemic led to a historic decline in riders, which resulted in unprecedented fare loss. AC Transit sought and received federal relief funds to keep bus lines moving. After three years, however, ridership has not returned to pre-pandemic levels and relief funds will soon be exhausted. As of March 2023, AC Transit's overall ridership is 69% of pre-pandemic levels. As Bay Area employers continue to operate remote and hybrid work schedules, we forecast that our ridership and fare recovery will continue to be adversely affected. To save East Bay transit, we must now assess the needs of current riders and travel patterns with new...
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