AC Transit considers prioritizing busiest routes, combining and eliminating others
As AC Transit [1] moves into Phase 3 of its “Realign [2]” service planning effort, the transit agency is asking the public to weigh in on two potential service networks that could take effect in August 2024: “Balanced Coverage” and “Frequent Service.” Riders can also comment on a futuristic, “Unconstrained Vision” scenario that offers a tantalizing glimpse of a comprehensive, high-frequency transit network made possible by additional funding and resources.
[3]Like many transit agencies nationwide, AC Transit is reexamining its route network to adapt to new travel patterns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In previous “Realign” phases [4] this year, the agency hosted community outreach and engagement activities across its service area—which spans major portions of western Alameda and Contra Costa Counties—and developed key principles of Equity, Frequency, and Reliability to guide the development of an updated network.
[5]Multiple bus routes in the East Bay could see routing or schedule changes, which differ in magnitude depending on the following scenarios:
- Balanced Coverage (B) [6]: This resource-neutral scenario maximizes the potential for ridership growth while maintaining service to as many existing locations as possible. Feedback on this scenario can shape the final August 2024 route network.
- Frequent Service (F) [7]: This resource-neutral scenario eliminates route segments with low ridership and redistributes those resources to increasing service on routes with higher demand. Under this scenario, bus service will be provided every 30 minutes or better on weekdays. Feedback on this scenario can shape the final August 2024 route network.
- Unconstrained Vision (U) [8]: This scenario provides a long-term vision for what the route network may look like with additional funding and resources.
Feedback on all three scenarios is encouraged, but responses to the “Balanced” and “Frequent” scenarios will be most helpful in shaping the August 2024 route network.
[9]The following table summarizes proposed route changes under the “Balanced” and “Frequent” scenarios, focusing on routes serving the City of Alameda, with links to maps and proposed frequencies. Information on proposed changes to other routes in the East Bay can be found on the “Realign” page [2].
Note that AC Transit has added placeholder prefixes to each line number to distinguish the scenario (i.e., Line B20 = “Balanced” Scenario Line 20, Line F20 = “Frequent” Scenario Line 20, Line U20 = “Unconstrained” Scenario Line 20).
| Route # | Balanced Coverage Scenario (B) [6] | Frequent Service Scenario (F) [7] |
|---|---|---|
| 19 (Buena Vista) |
No Change [10] | Line Discontinued: [11] New Line 51 [12] offers frequent service along Santa Clara Avenue. |
| 20 (South Shore – Park – Fruitvale) |
No Change [13] | Major Changes: [14]
|
| 21 (Fruitvale – Park – Bay Farm Island) |
No Change [16] | Line Discontinued: [17] |
| 39 (Fruitvale – Joaquin Miller) |
No Change [18] | Major Changes: [15] An expanded Line 39 will serve Park Street and Fruitvale Avenue between South Shore Center and Dimond District. Buses will come every 15 minutes. (Every other trip continues on existing route to Skyline High School in Oakland.) |
| 51 (Santa Clara – Broadway – College Avenue) |
New Line: [19] New Line 51 combines the entirety of Line 51A with the College Avenue portion of Line 51B to Downtown Berkeley. Buses will come every 12 minutes during peak hours. |
New Line: [12] New Line 51 combines the entirety of Line 51A with the College Avenue portion of Line 51B to Downtown Berkeley. Buses will come every 10 minutes during peak hours. |
| 51A (Santa Clara – Broadway) |
Line Discontinued: [20] New Line 51 [19] replaces Line 51A in its entirety. |
Line Discontinued: [21] New Line 51 [22] replaces Line 51A in its entirety. |
| 96 (Alameda Point – 14th Avenue) |
Major Changes: [23] Line rerouted between Lake Merritt BART and 14th Avenue in Oakland to serve Brooklyn Basin. |
Major Changes: [24] Line rerouted between Lake Merritt BART and 14th Avenue in Oakland to serve Brooklyn Basin. |
| 314 & 356 (Midday Shopper Shuttles) |
Lines Discontinued.
|
|
| 851 (Santa Clara – Broadway – College All-Nighter) |
No Change [25] | No Change [26] |
| O (Santa Clara Transbay) |
Minor Changes: [27] Buses will come every 60 minutes during off-peak hours instead of every 30 minutes. |
Minor Changes: [28] Buses will come every 60 minutes during off-peak hours instead of every 30 minutes. |
| OX (Bay Farm Transbay) |
Line Discontinued: [29] | Line Discontinued: [31] |
| W (South Shore Transbay) |
Major Changes: [30]
|
Major Changes: [32]
|
AC Transit’s long-term “Unconstrained Vision [8]” for Alameda includes removing transit service from Santa Clara Avenue—shifting proposed Line 51 to Lincoln Avenue and Line O to Encinal Avenue—and adding more service to the routes proposed under the “Frequent” scenario.
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[35]The public can provide feedback on the proposals online [2] at numerous community meetings and workshops [36] this fall. The first workshop takes place on Wednesday, November 1 [37]. AC Transit will also present the plans to the City of Alameda Transportation Commission on Wednesday, November 15 and City Council on Tuesday, December 5.
Ken Der is a contributing writer for the Alameda Post [38]. Contact him via [email protected] [39]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Ken-Der [40].