Measure BB on the Nov. 2 Ballot
News Articles
09/10/2004
On August 4, the AC Transit Board of Directors voted to place Measure BB on the November 2, 2004 ballot. Should voters approve Measure BB by a two-thirds margin, AC Transit will use funds for the operation and maintenance of its service, which would help preserve affordable local public transportation services that allow seniors and people with disabilities to remain independent, and take students to and from school.
The AC Transit Board of Directors adopted a resolution on September 1, 2004, stating that if Measure BB passes, a scheduled five dollar ($5.00) increase in the 31-day pass for youth, and the monthly pass for seniors and the disabled, will not occur. The resolution permits the Board to consider imposition of the fare increase in January 2005 if Measure BB is not approved.
Measure BB increases an existing parcel tax by $2 per month and extends the tax for 10 years, until 2015. The existing independent citizens oversight committee will ensure that all Measure BB funds are spent only in cities and counties identified below and for the purposes approved by voters.
Members of the Oversight Committee
Members of the committee are: Janet Abelson, El Cerrito Councilwoman; Irma Anderson, Mayor of Richmond; Henry Gardner, former City Manager of Oakland; Beverly Johnson, Mayor of Alameda, and Mary King, former Alameda County Supervisor.
This past year, AC Transit faced a $50-million budget shortfall and declared a fiscal emergency. More than 25 percent of management positions were eliminated, more than 150 bus drivers and mechanics were laid off, nearly 17 percent of bus services were eliminated or significantly reduced, and fares were increased. In order to provide a steady stream of funding for AC Transit, the AC Transit Board of Directors voted to place Measure BB on the ballot.
Special Transit Service District 1 Votes on the Measure
Measure BB will be on the ballot only in that portion of AC Transit known as Special Transit Service District 1. This area spans San Pablo to Hayward. Only the cities of Fremont and Newark will not have Measure BB on the ballot.
All registered voters in Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Hayward, Oakland, Piedmont, Richmond, San Leandro, San Pablo, and certain unincorporated areas of Alameda and Contra Costa counties are eligible to vote on Measure BB.
Measure BB Ballot Language
Here is the language for Measure BB that you will see on the November 2 ballot:
“To preserve affordable local public transportation services that allow seniors and people with disabilities to remain independent, take students to and from school, help East Bay residents commute to work and reduce traffic and air pollution by reducing the number of cars on the road, shall the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) increase its existing parcel tax by $2 per parcel per month for ten years with an independent fiscal oversight committee and all money staying local?”
Voter Information
Last day to register to vote in this election: October 18, 2004
Last day to request an absentee ballot: October 26, 2004
Election Day: November 2, 2004
Polls open: 7:00am to 8:00pm
To request an absentee ballot to vote by mail, call:
Alameda County: 510-663-VOTE
Contra Costa County: 925-646-4166
To find your polling place, call: 510-272-6971
Contra Costa County: 925-646-4166
See For Yourself
- Measure BB Q&A Brochure
- Resolution 2141