AC Transit board backs off censuring member for emails to staff

The interior of a bus from the back forward, with a closeup of the backs of two seats that are emblazoned with AC

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…

Read More

AC Transit riders get to keep bus shelters after Oakland backs off plan to remove them

A view into a rectangular bush shelter with glass panels that are completely pained with graffiti, a metal bench and lots of litter.

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…

Read More

AC Transit accelerates toward zero emission goal

People await to board the AC Transit route 36 bus to the West Oakland BART station. The bus has the words "ZERO EMISSION" in green below the words fuel cell electric drive .

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…

Read More

Tales of Two Cities Episode 7: Loss

Tale of Two Cities election special podcast

In this week’s episode of the Tales of Two Cities podcast, hosts Brad Bailey and Matt Beagle will be discussing loss, and stories about people moving on when something or someone important is taken away. We’ll hear about a lost Oakland bus stop so important to bus riders that they’re trying to bring it back.…

Read More

Commuting presents challenges for some Oakland students

Many Oakland students commute to school on AC Transit buses.

Early this morning, from East Oakland to West, students climbed into AC Transit buses, fares or passes in hand, and commuted to schools in other neighborhoods. In 2004, the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) rolled out a new enrollment policy, an “options process” which allowed parents to send children to schools outside of their neighborhoods. Parents wanted equal access to opportunities at schools throughout Oakland, and some specialty programs were only offered at one or two schools. Since the district does not operate its own bus service, most students commute using public transit.

Read More

Oakland City Council approves police purchase of shotguns and transfer vehicles

The Oakland Police Department’s proposed purchase of shotguns and transfer vehicles were the most hotly contested items discussed at the concurrent Oakland City Council and Oakland Redevelopment Successor meeting Tuesday night. Other business included a year-end presentation by State Assemblymember Rob Bonta (District 18), a presentation of the AC Transit service expansion plan, and an adjustment to parking fees.

Read More