Public Participation in Board of Directors Meetings
Understanding the Meeting Process
Welcome to AC Transit. Board of Directors meetings follow an established procedure to ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to participate and that the meeting runs smoothly. We kindly ask attendees to respect the agenda, wait to be recognized before speaking, and keep comments brief and relevant. Your participation is important, and we appreciate your cooperation in helping maintain an orderly and productive discussion.
Public Meeting Information
For full details on the Board’s meeting schedule, please visit the Public Meetings page.
Regular meetings of the AC Transit Board of Directors are generally held on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m. Each meeting of the Board includes time for public input. Any person may directly address the Board on any item of interest to the public that is within the subject matter and jurisdiction of the Board. Under the Brown Act (California’s Open Meeting Laws) the Board cannot engage in discussion or take action on any item not listed on the agenda. Public comment on a specific agenda item will be invited at the time the item is being considered.
Members of the public may submit comments during the meeting or in writing beforehand. The most efficient way to submit a written comment is to visit the Public Meetings page, identify the upcoming Board Meeting, select the eComment link for the meeting you wish to comment on, and select the agenda item of interest. Please include your name and enter your comment. Public comment can also be emailed by completing the form here.
Public Meeting Access and Participation Guide
AC Transit is committed to ensuring that all community members have the opportunity to participate in Board of Directors meetings, whether attending in person or remotely. Below is important information to help attendees engage fully and access available resources.
Meeting Access Information
Remote and In-person Participation
To join the Board of Directors meeting remotely, please use the provided Zoom link or dial in via telephone. The link and phone number are listed on the meeting agenda and the Public Meetings website in advance of each session. Please note that other meeting bodies will have a different Zoom link and attendees should always consult the meeting agenda for information on how to attend those meetings remotely. Please consult the agenda and website for the physical location of the meeting if you wish to attend in person.
Public Comment Instructions
Making a Public Comment
Members of the public may provide input during the designated public comment period either in person or via Zoom. All speakers, including anyone using simultaneous interpretation equipment, are allowed two (2) minutes to present comments.
- Via Zoom: Use the “Raise Hand” feature to indicate you would like to speak and be ready to accept the prompt to unmute when your name is called. If calling into a meeting, dial *9 to “Raise Hand” and dial *6 to unmute when the last four digits of your phone number are called.
- In Person: Speaker cards are available at the Board meeting. Attendees who wish to speak on an agenda item must fill out a speaker card upon arrival and provide it to the District Secretary. Please proceed to the lectern when your name is called.
- Interpretation: Attendees using an interpreter will receive twice the allotted time. Individuals wishing to present more detailed information are encouraged to submit comments in writing.
Language Assistance and Translation Services
Non-English Speaking Attendees
Non-English speaking attendees may bring their own interpreter to a meeting. Interpreter services may be provided if requested three business days in advance, subject to availability. Please note that individuals who comment through interpreters will be granted additional time. To request interpreter services, contact the District Secretary’s Office at districtsecretary@actransit.org or by phone at (510) 891-7201.
Translation Equipment
To request assistance with translation equipment, please contact the District Secretary's Office at least 48 hours before the meeting so accommodations can be arranged.
Sign Language Interpretation
Sign language interpreters may be provided if requested three business days in advance, subject to availability. Services can be requested by contacting the District Secretary’s Office at districtsecretary@actransit.org or by phone at (510) 891-7201.
Disclaimer on Interpretation Services
While AC Transit strives to provide accurate and helpful interpretation services, it is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any interpretation provided or assisted with during the meeting. This includes the information provided on the agenda that is generated by technological means, pursuant to the Brown Act. (quote the law)
ADA Reasonable Accommodations & Alternative Formats
In-person meetings of the Board of Directors are accessible to individuals in wheelchairs and assistive listening devices are available to individuals with a hearing impairment. Written materials in alternative formats and disability-related modifications/accommodations must be made three business days in advance of the meeting or hearing to help ensure availability. Direct requests for reasonable accommodation to the District Secretary’s Office at districtsecretary@actransit.org or by calling (510) 891-7201.
Closed Captioning
Closed captioning is available during Zoom meetings. Simply click the “CC” (Closed Caption) button on your Zoom interface to view real-time captions.
For questions or assistance before the meeting, reach out to the District Secretary’s Office. Your voice matters, and AC Transit looks forward to your participation.