Thank You Voters For Passing Measure VV & Defeating Berkeley’s Measure KK

Press Releases
11/05/2008

Overwhelming Support for the Transit Agency Ensures Current Service, No Fare Hikes

Voters in Alameda and Contra Costa counties overwhelmingly approved regional Measure V V on Tuesday, ensuring a steady and reliable source of funding for AC Transit that will help keep East Bay bus service affordable for the next 10 years.

The parcel tax measure was approved by nearly 72 percent of voters – a remarkable show of support for AC Transit and its vital mission of providing affordable and efficient transportation to more than 240,000 passengers every day.

“We are honored that Measure V V passed so handily and we are grateful that the voters of Alameda and Contra Costa counties support our transit services in their communities,” said AC Transit General Manager Rick Fernandez. “Everyone will benefit from the approval of V V. Seniors, youths, high school and college students, and people with disabilities will benefit. The measure will also benefit the entire region by supporting our core mission of moving people out of their cars and onto the bus, reducing traffic congestion and improving the environment.”

Measure V V strengthens AC Transit at a time when fuel costs for the bus system jumped a staggering 55 percent over the past four years. Also, the agency this year must cope with a $19 million state budget cut for transit services. Measure V V helps AC Transit manage that unanticipated burden. .

“The passage of Measure V V and the defeat of Measure K K in Berkeley send a strong message that voters are incredibly supportive of public transportation, in general, and AC Transit, in particular,” said Fernandez. “We look forward to moving ahead with our plans for improvements and upgrades to better serve the people of the East Bay.”

Berkeley’s Measure K K, which would have required voter approval for HOV and bus-only lanes in the city, was rejected by nearly 77 percent of voters on Tuesday. The measure was opposed by transit activists, environmentalists and good-government groups because it was viewed as anti-transit, cumbersome and expensive.

The crushing defeat of Measure K K is a clear indication that voters understand the importance of the agency’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) proposal, which is essentially light rail without the tracks. BRT combines the speed and capacity of light rail with the convenience and affordability of riding the bus and it can be planned and built at much less expense and more quickly than traditional light rail systems.

The BRT system is proposed to run along East 14th Street in San Leandro into Oakland, where it will run down International Boulevard, though Downtown to Telegraph Avenue. It will travel along Telegraph to the UC Berkeley campus. There, it will turn down Bancroft Avenue to arrive at Shattuck Avenue in Downtown Berkeley.

“BRT will allow us to accommodate even more riders when it’s completed in 2014,” said Fernandez. “The system will be a critical improvement to the region’s transit networks as the Bay Area continues its trend of adding new residents and jobs every year.”

For more information about BRT and its benefits go to http://www.actforme.org/.