AC Transit and Berkeley Officials Launch a ‘Transit First’

Press Releases
12/05/2001

AC Transit has joined the City of Berkeley in an Eco Pass demonstration program aimed at countering auto congestion by providing city employees with fare-free access to the District’s network of more than 150 local and transbay bus routes. Berkeley officials, who have designated their city a “Transit First” community, helped to initiate this demonstration, which will run through December 2002. In the pilot program, as many as 1,600 municipal employees will be issued a special bus pass bearing the user’s photo and identifying information. City employees will be encouraged to use bus service not only for workday commuting, but also for leisure-time travel during off-peak hours. Just like many other AC Transit pass users, “Eco Pass” holders ride the system by inserting the card into an electronic reader each time they board a bus. The pass has a magnetic strip that is compatible with AC Transit’s automated electronic fare collection system, enabling the District to record and report accurate information about usage to Berkeley officials, who are funding the pilot demonstration at $60 per pass. That rate could be adjusted, in future employer pass programs, as a record of accurate data about usage patterns is developed. “Berkeley’s officials have demonstrated their firm commitment to provide city employees with environmentally-friendly transportation options – which the Eco Pass certainly is,” said General Manager Rick Fernandez. “This pass is good for the environment, good for the employees, and good for AC Transit. Its success will serve as an effective model for other East Bay employers.” The Eco Pass will be honored, for the next year, for unlimited rides on the 117 local AC Transit bus routes that now blanket East Bay communities from Richmond and San Pablo south to Fremont. It is also accepted on 36 transbay bus routes connecting the East Bay with San Francisco via the Bay Bridge. AC Transit’s service network includes 22 local and three transbay bus lines within the Berkeley city limits, 14 of which converge to serve the downtown area.