Regular bus fare will rise to $2.75, trans-Bay fare to $6.50
The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) Board of Directors have now announced the approval of a fully balanced operating budget for Fiscal Year 2025–26, adopted at its most recent public meeting. The balance was achieved by instituting “significant belt-tightening measures,” according to Board President Diane Shaw, along with new fare increases that will take effect on July 1.
[1]These measures were necessary to avoid a “fiscal cliff,” according to an AC Transit press release. AC Transit was facing a fiscal crisis, with a projected $41.5 million shortfall, the release stated.
“Through a thorough review of our finances, the Board worked diligently to ensure that every department, and every AC Transit employee, not only restricted but reduced expenses,” Shaw said. “This was no easy task, as everyone was asked to make cuts without directly impacting service levels or reliability.”
This balanced budget for 2025-26 was achieved through the use of $41.5 million in reserves, according to the agency.
“Although the past fiscal year saw 33.5 million boardings, a $3.3 million (8.9%) increase over FY 2024–25, ridership and farebox revenue growth have slowed significantly. …As a result, this balanced budget prioritizes protecting the Board-approved Realign Plan—the all-new bus network specifically designed for the post-pandemic East Bay,” the announcement noted.
Realign is set to launch on August 10. The plan includes changes to 74 bus lines, tailored to better match riders’ current travel patterns and address the continuing effects of the pandemic. For more details, visit the AC Transit Realign [2] webpage.
Fare increases, discounts
AC Transit’s Board of Directors approved the upcoming fare increase in March “to generate much-needed revenue to support daily operations and preserve essential bus service,” according to the press release.
Fares will increase on July 1, 2025, and again on July 1, 2026:
- Starting July 1, 2025, the local adult cash fare will be increased from $2.50 to $2.75, and the Transbay cash fare from $6.00 to $6.50.
- Starting July 1, 2026, the local adult cash fare will be increased to $3.
Riders are encouraged to fully utilize the Clipper® regional fare system, which provides half-off adult cash fares for eligible low-income riders through the Clipper® START program, as well as for youth, seniors, and riders with disabilities.
For full details, please visit the AC Transit Fares [3] web page.