On Sunday, March 28, AC Transit will implement major service changes in every community from Richmond to Fremont. These changes--resulting in an 8.4 percent reduction in service--were driven by the realities of reduced state funding and declining sales-tax revenue, among other economic factors that make for these difficult times.

The Service Adjustments Plan was drafted, revised, and refined over a nine-month period in 2009. Two unprecedented series of community workshops, as well as online outreach, brought comments and suggestions from thousands of bus riders and other members of the public. AC Transit listened--then made significant use of the input to shape the final plan.

Despite the mandate to reduce overall service hours, AC Transit was determined to make the remaining service run better and meet more community needs wherever possible.  Improvements the plan will introduce include:  

• Schedules and route lengths adjusted to significantly improve reliability
• Extended hours of operation and/or increased frequency on lines with demonstrated potential for increased usage
• New "circulator" lines that operate bi-directional loops and offer quick trips from neighborhoods to major centers of activity and regional transit connections
• An extra 30 minutes allowed on transfers, making them good for two hours

The changes are extensive, and getting familiar with them will take some time and effort. Riders are encouraged to review the following resources:

Detailed list of changes 
Lista de cambios en español

Quick reference to major changes by community
Maps & Schedules (for line-by-line "preview schedules" and system map)

Printed materials, including brochures and maps, will be on buses the second week of March. AC Transit staff will also set up information tables at specific locations, dates, and times to distribute materials in person. Approximately one week before March 28, new timetables will be stocked on board buses. 

AC Transit will make every effort to help riders get ready for March 28 and experience a smooth transition to the new service.