AC TRANSIT IS UPDATING 104 BUS LINES STARTING SUNDAY, AUGUST 10

Called Realign, it’s an update to 84% of bus lines to improve schedules, frequency, and reliability

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit), after two years of gathering rider feedback, listening to community voices, and upholding a strong commitment to equity, is proud to introduce the all-new Realign bus network starting Sunday, August 10. Realign right-sizes our bus network to directly respond to hybrid and remote work patterns, shifting ridership, and resulting fiscal challenges, while remaining flexible to meet the evolving travel needs of East Bay riders.

With ridership is stabilizing at 85% of pre-pandemic levels, AC Transit is focused on preserving that progress while laying the groundwork to restore 100% of its service. The first step in this forward-looking plan is Realign, a comprehensive overhaul of the 130 existing bus lines, conducted in the face of a historic $41.5 million budget shortfall.

This ambitious effort has produced a more efficient network of 123 bus lines, aimed at enhancing schedules, increasing frequency, and improving overall reliability. Among these, 104 lines have been updated, newly created, or redesigned, accounting for 84% of the bus lines in operation starting Sunday, August 10.

Realign: New Lines

The Realign network demonstrates AC Transit’s commitment to using limited resources wisely while continuing to provide our tradition of safe and reliable transit for the communities we have served for 65 years. As a result, Realign is introducing 15 new local and supplementary lines.

These new bus lines are designed to enhance connections to schools, shopping areas, and neighborhoods, along with coordinated scheduling to improve transfers with East Bay transit partners.

The new lines are 9, 22, 27, 30, 31, 72L, 211, 231, 281, 627, 633, 639, 678, and 689.

While these all-new bus lines may not serve as exact one-to-one replacements for discontinued bus lines (listed in detail below) several offer expanded coverages through new destinations, improving overall connectivity. On some routes, single-ride lines are discontinued. However, new bus lines offer similar connections with convenient transfer points, ensuring continued access to key destinations.

Realign: City-by-City Breakdown

This summary provides a snapshot of how service is changing in each community and reflects the bus line numbers in effect on August 10.

Alameda, Oakland, Piedmont, San Leandro

• Here, Realign introduces all-new bus lines 9, 22, and 31.
• Route changes have been made to the following lines: 18, 19, 28, 35, 36, 45, 72, 73, 88, 96, and W.
• Schedule changes have been made to the following lines: 12, 14, 30, 34, 40, 57, 62, 65, 72L, 72M, 97, O, and 801.

Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Emeryville

• Here, Realign introduces all-new bus lines 22 and 27.
• Route changes have been made to the following lines: 7, 18, 36, 70, 72, 76, 88, and L. 
• Schedule changes have been made to the following lines: 12, 52, 57, 65, 67, 72L, and 72M.

Fremont, Hayward, Newark, Union City, Unincorporated Alameda County

• Here, Realign introduces all-new bus lines 9, 211, 231, and 281.
• Route changes have been made to the following lines: 28, 35, 86, 200, 216, and 239.
• Schedule changes have been made to the following lines: 34, 40, 56, 60, 95, 97, 210, 251, and 801. 

Richmond, San Pablo, Unincorporated Contra Costa County

• Here, Realign introduces all-new bus line 72L.
• Route changes have been made to the following lines: 7, 70, 72, 74, 76, and L. 
• Schedule changes have been made to the following lines: 67 and 72M. 

Realign: Bus Lines Without Changes

While many bus lines were adjusted to better align with current demand and improve reliability, several routes remain unchanged.

These include lines 1T, 93, 800, 802, 805, 840, 851, E, FS, G, J, NL, NX, NX3, P, U, and V.

Realign: Updated Bus Stops Across the Network

Major updates are also underway at more than 1,500 bus stops. Riders will begin to see new bus stop flags and decals, with clearly marked bags identifying whether the stop serves new or existing lines. Zip-tied pole signs will provide detailed, stop-specific information to guide riders through the Realign transition.

Given the number of bus stops across our extensive service areas, installation will continue even after the August 10 launch of the Realign bus lines. We appreciate the patience of our riders as we work to complete this process as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

Riders using the AC Transit Official App or popular third-party apps will receive line-specific Service Alerts. These alerts will also appear on AC Transit RealTime, helping riders stay informed wherever they travel.

Realign: Discontinued Lines

While discontinuing service is never an easy decision, AC Transit conducted a detailed analysis of travel patterns, community needs, rider feedback, and equity to ensure our limited resources are used effectively. As a result, the Realign network strategically reallocated Bus Operators and buses to routes with high demand, enhancing service reliability and better meeting the needs of riders’ post-pandemic.

Bus lines with consistently low ridership, outdated routing, or prolonged suspension since the COVID-19 pandemic were identified for discontinuation, including lines 10, 20, 21, 29, 33, 39, 46, 47, 72R, 79, 80, 83, 94, 99, 212, 215, 217, 232, 314, 339, 356, 376, 626, 628, 671, 672, 676, as well as lines B, BF3, C, CB, H, LA, M, NX1, NX2, NX4, NXC, OX, S, SB, and Z.

For a full preview of the Realign bus network, go to actransit.org/realign/service-changes. Realign updates are also available by calling Customer Service at (510) 891-4777 and selecting option 2.

Realign: B-Roll and Photo Availability

From Richmond to Fremont, AC Transit has deployed street ambassadors at bus stops and transit hubs to alert riders about the upcoming Realign service changes. More than 600 buses are doing double duty, with head signs displaying both destinations and reminders about the new network. At the same time, our Road Crews have been working from dawn to dusk for several weeks, updating bus stop signage with new line numbers and other important information.

AC Transit is pleased to offer high-resolution photos and 1080p B-roll footage capturing the extensive efforts leading up to the August 10 Realign launch. Media representatives interested in content are encouraged to email rlyles@actransit.org to request access.