AC Transit Prohibits Travel to North Carolina
News Articles
04/29/2016
AC Transit employees will not attend the International Bus Roadeo in Charlotte, NC
The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District’s (AC Transit) Board of Directors voted unanimously Wednesday evening to affirm the General Manager’s decision to prohibit District employees from travel to the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) International Bus Roadeo – slated to begin May 13.
AC Transit employees have been past Grand Champions of APTA’s Bus Roadeo: a competition that recognizes superior skills of operators and maintenance teams nationwide. Our award winning team members had every intention of demonstrating their commitment to rider safety and customer service by competing in APTA’s Bus Roadeo again this year.
However, last month North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed controversial legislation that both blocked restroom choice for transgender individuals and restricted cities within the state from passing nondiscrimination laws. This decision is in direct conflict with AC Transit’s longstanding commitment of access and inclusion to all members of our community without regard to race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
“AC Transit cannot support any government action that effectively reverses civil rights protections for all citizens,” says AC Transit General Manager, Michael Hursh.
General Manager Hursh stresses that his decision to prohibit employee travel for the Bus Roadeo was not made capriciously. The General Manager sought counsel from Executive staff, leadership from collective bargaining units, and our colleagues who have arduously prepared for months to compete. “I am empathetic to our valued staff but remain resolute to the commitments I made when I assumed this position less than one-year ago,” said Mr. Hursh. “That AC Transit will continue to maintain zero-tolerance of any discriminatory acts and foster the rich diversity of our riders and employees alike.”