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    1. Bus

    AC Transit launches assessment on bus lines

    April 19, 2023
    The Realign Plan will analyze every mile of where service is currently operating, better understand the mobility needs of current bus riders to attract more riders and help realign bus lines.
    Related To: AC Transit
    AC Transit
    AC Transit has launched the Realign Plan, an assessment on every bus line within the agency’s service network.
    AC Transit has launched the Realign Plan, an assessment on every bus line within the agency’s service network.

    The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) has launched an assessment on every bus line within the agency’s service network. According to the agency, the Realign Plan will analyze every mile of where service is currently operating, better understand the mobility needs of current bus riders to attract more riders and help realign bus lines as bus operator shortages and dwindling funds are still affecting the agency as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The Realign Plan will evaluate in real-time where, when, and how AC Transit’s bus fleet moves across the 13 cities and unincorporated areas AC Transit serves daily. The plan will also record and incorporate the personal and detailed experiences of riders through a comprehensive survey, public meetings and one-on-one conversations created in partnership with community-based organizations.

    As of March 2023, AC Transit overall ridership is roughly at 60 percent of pre-pandemic levels. Transit operational subsidies are also imperiled. AC Transit sought and received federal relief funds from the CARES Act to keep bus lines moving. However, after three years, the CARES relief funds will soon be exhausted. Without a substantial increase in fare revenues and subsidies (regional, state and federal) AC Transit may be forced to undergo service cuts.

    The Realign Plan requires five consecutive phases to complete:

    1. March-June 2023– Develop assessment plans and learn rider needs
    2. July-Aug. 2023– Aligning guiding principles with community assessment
    3. Sept.-Dec. 2023– Develop service scenarios and gather feedback
    4. Jan.-April 2024– Draft final service plan and plan adoption
    5. April-Sept. 2024– Develop service standards and inform riders about service changes

     A final service plan will be shared with the community, in a draft form, during a formal public comment process and culminate with a review and a formal vote by the AC Transit Board of Directors.

    A Title VI – equity analysis – of the American Civil Rights Act will be identified and presented for approval on a parallel track.