Promoting Public Transit
Here in the Bay Area, more air pollution comes from motor vehicles than from any other source. So every time someone takes an AC Transit bus instead of a car, we can all breathe a little easier.
AC Transit provides and promotes public transit in order to reduce traffic congestion and improve the quality of life in the communities we serve. We update our scheduling and routing to maximize ridership. We participate in Urban Planning projects to encourage transit-oriented development. And with the introduction of the San Pablo Rapid, AC Transit is at the forefront of promoting Bus Rapid Transit.
When public transit service is frequent and reliable, more people use it in place of their cars. With the introduction of the San Pablo Rapid, riders have seen their commute time drop by 20%. Ridership on the 72R line has increased by over 65%, and people are leaving their cars at home. See the Video.
Bus Rapid Transit goes beyond providing yet another alternative to the private car. Traffic signal priority for these buses keeps green lights green, which means less idling, which in turn means less pollution and greater fuel efficiency.
Public Outreach
In partnership with UC Berkeley, AC Transit has established the Class Pass, encouraging all UC Berkeley students to get on the bus. Each year, up to 27,000 students pick up the transit pass, generating more than 5 million student rides.
With the City of Berkeley Eco Pass, AC Transit has established a comparable program for the city’s 1,400 employees.
And following the success of the Class Pass, AC Transit has introduced the Bear Pass, which offers a similar program to 8,800 university faculty and staff.
Even our improved signs and maps encourage more people to take the bus. When one can simply look at an electronic NextBus sign to see when the next bus is coming, one can make effective plans and relax, knowing the trip will be on time and efficient.
With public outreach and targeted marketing, AC Transit actively encourages East Bay residents to choose public transit.