Bus Improvements Proposed For Central and Southern Alameda County
Press Releases
05/07/2013
Public Input Solicited On Plan For More Efficient/Direct Routes
AC Transit will hold a community forum and a public hearing to outline a series of route adjustments designed to make bus service faster, more reliable and more compliant with specific needs in Central and Southern Alameda County.
On Wednesday, May 22, 2013, AC Transit’s Board of Directors will hold a public hearing to get input on a proposed Service Restructuring Plan for Central and South Alameda County, and to receive comments on Service Changes in Downtown Hayward that were implemented in March. The hearing will be held at 5pm in the Council Chambers at the Fremont City Hall, Building A, 3300 Capitol Avenue, Fremont.
The Plan is designed to improve network consistency, increase service frequencies, improve service span, create new markets, ensure adequate coverage, and increase overall productivity. To accomplish these improvements, the plan eliminates some of the least productive routes and route segments.
Overall, 20 routes are affected by the Plan, which covers mainly suburban and industrial areas of Central County and most of Southern Alameda County.
On Tuesday May 14, 2013—a week before the public hearing—a ommunity meeting also will be held to outline the planned changes and address any questions or concerns. The meeting will be held from 5pm to 7pm at the California School for the Blind, 500 Walnut Avenue, Fremont.
Those attending the community meeting will also be able to submit written feedback on the Plan. Public comment received at the community meeting will be provided to the AC Transit Board for consideration at the May 22nd public hearing.
Background:
During the recent economic downturn, AC Transit was forced to make significant service cutbacks in central and south Alameda County. As a result, many lines in this area run infrequently, some routes are confusing, and ridership is low along certain lines and line segments. The proposed Plan reallocates funding and overall service hours with the goals of improving service and increasing ridership. The specific line changes include:
- Conversion of confusing circular routes to linear routes.
- Creation of consistent service hours and route networks across days, nights, and weekends.
- New and expanded lines, including service to the Silliman Center and Pacific Research Center, and improved service between the Union City and Fremont BART stations.
- Increased frequency and service hours on a number of lines.
- Elimination of “shopper shuttles” (line 300 series) and other lines and line segments that have low ridership and/or confusing route patterns. (Most service eliminations would be covered by other restructured or new lines.)
For immediate release: May 7, 2013
Clarence Johnson, Media Affairs Manager
AC Transit