19/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 20/07/2024 04:57
Fall enhancements support service to schools, Transbay, and adds Bus Operators to key bus lines
OAKLAND, Calif. - The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) is introducing a series of improvements to our bus network, which will include an increased number of trips for better commutes, improved frequency on routes, and redesigned schedules that provide Bus Operators with extended well-being breaks for greater alertness and road safety.
Each bus line improvement this fall was developed over several months in close collaboration with AC Transit's Bus Operators Union, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 192. These improvements will be implemented on Sunday, August 11, to support students and their families for a return to the classroom and in response to the growing demand for Transbay service from workers returning to San Francisco offices.
Supplementary Service Improvements
AC Transit's Supplementary Service or bus lines to schools are crucial for students across the East Bay as several of our 600-series and other lines are timed to many school districts' bell times to ensure students arrive at school safely and on time. This includes the following improvements:
Transbay Service Improvements
As workers return to offices, there is a noticeable trend toward choosing AC Transit for their San Francisco-bound commutes. This shift reflects a growing preference for Transbay lines, where some routes are experiencing a crush of standing passengers.
AC Transit's fall service improvements is not only essential to reduce overcrowding but also to boost hours of service and enhance the overall rider experience. As a result, the fall service change includes added trips for Transbay lines G, P, V, and W.
Additional Bus Operator Improvements
Several bus lines will undergo minor schedule changes, including lines 7, 12, 20, 21, 29, 39, 51B, 56, 57, 70, 71, 72R, 73, 74, 76, 95, 96, 97, 200, 217, 232, 376, F, G, LA, and L.
On select routes identified by the Bus Operators' union as having various operational issues, this fall's service improvements will include increasing the number of assigned Bus Operators to enhance service reliability, specifically on-time performance.
Bus Operator Well-being Improvements
The fall service improvements are equally focusing on enhancing Bus Operator rest breaks and incorporating layovers. Ensuring operators have sufficient breaks enables them to recharge, maintain focus, and adhere to regulatory safety standards. Identified in collaboration with ATU 192, the coming improvements provide breaks on several bus lines exceeding 25 minutes, a notable increase from the 15-minute minimum meal-break requirement stipulated in the Bus Operator's Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Expanded layover locations across AC Transit's network represent another collaborative implementation with ATU 192 to enhance service operations. Downtown Berkeley layover improvements were a significant focus during this service change for the operator's union due to limited curb space and restroom access, coupled with the high number of bus lines serving the city.
ATU 192 and AC Transit work together to revise our bus network schedules four times a year. This includes the fall 2024 service improvements detailed in this announcement. These regular adjustments are distinct from the AC Transit Realign initiative, which is still being developed and is expected to be implemented in 2025. For more information on Realign, visit www.actransit.org/realign.