Transportation
The AC Transit board of directors voted 6–1 on Wednesday to reject a censure of Director Sarah Syed in favor of committing to more leadership, governance and communication training for the board, and additional coaching for Syed. Syed cast the sole no vote, saying the board’s decision to single her out was unjustified. Syed sent an email on May 23, 2023, to staff working on the Realign project, asking for a draft analysis of the plan, which assesses every route…
When the winter rains arrive, Oakland public transit riders will find shelter once again at their bus stops. But that’s only because the city’s Transportation Department agreed to postpone a plan to remove 100 bus shelters. Josh Rowan, Transportation Department director, also agreed to work on alternatives with AC Transit. Riders complained and some accused the city of being against homeless people after Michael Ford, the city’s transportation parking director, proposed removing the shelters at an Oakland/AC Transit Interagency Liaison…
BART is gearing up plans to relocate its Police Department to new headquarters in downtown Oakland in 2026, after receiving a $150 million federal loan to fund construction. BART police are vacating their current headquarters at 800 Madison St. in Oakland to make room for a new BART development project, which will include affordable housing units, shops and parking. The new headquarters will be about a mile away, at 2000 Broadway. In a competitive market, the new facility could help…
BART will run its regular schedule across all 50 stations on Election Day, providing voters with a transit option to reach polling sites and ballot drop boxes. The agency said it aims to ensure smooth service for residents who rely on public transit to cast their ballots. “We are always excited to make it easier for riders to participate in the election process, especially those who lack options beyond public transit,” said BART spokesperson Chris Filippi. Use the interactive map…
BART is capturing the attention of the next generation of riders by introducing anime mascots, community events, and creative outreach programs that make public transit more engaging and accessible. BART’s initiative to increase youth ridership is centered on creating a connection between younger generations and public transportation. By building loyalty among younger riders, BART aims to secure its long-term future, ensuring it remains a vital option for the Bay Area’s evolving transportation needs. Spearheading this initiative is Alicia Trost, BART’s…
A new water taxi that takes riders between Alameda and Oakland will launch next year, Alameda city officials said. The taxi, named Woodstock, will go between Alameda Landing to Jack London Square five days a week and at least one weekend day for nine to 12 hours a day. City officials said it will likely launch in May or June and run for two years as a pilot project. “There’s always been this desire to get people between Oakland and…
Despite setbacks caused by COVID-19, AC Transit expects to meet its 2023 goals to convert 10% of its bus fleet to zero emission vehicles. The California Air Resources Board enacted a regulation in 2018 that requires all public transit agencies to transition from diesel fuel to 100% zero‑emission electric bus fleets by the end of 2040. AC Transit set an internal goal of converting 10% of its 630 buses to zero emission technology by the end of this year, said…