AC Transit riders are paying more to ride the bus after fare increases took effect on July 1.
Local cash fares increased from $2.75 to $3, while Transbay fares remained $6.50. Local day passes also increased to $6.50.
AC Transit spokesperson Robert Lyles said costs have increased by 28% for fuel, 14% for bus maintenance parts and 35% for new buses.
“It is a necessary adjustment that helps keep buses on the road and maintain reliable service for the many riders that depend on us,” Lyles said in an email.
The increase affects many Oakland residents who rely on transit. About 15% of Oakland households do not have access to a vehicle, according to the U.S. Census.
Phoenix, an Oakland resident who declined to share their last name for privacy reasons, said Oakland has a strong public transit system, but worries about the rising costs.
“I think we have it a lot better than a lot of other cities, and I am very grateful for that, and I would not like that to change,” Phoenix said. “However, fares have been steadily going up over the last few years, and along with the price of everything else we need, it’s getting to be a bit much.”
AC Transit last raised fares in 2019.
Phoenix is enrolled in the Clipper START program, which covers half the cost of all Bay Area public transit for low income residents. Program participants will pay $1.38 for the single rides and $3.25 for the Transbay fares.
Youth, seniors and riders with disabilities can also benefit from the 50% fare reduction.
AC Transit expands fare enforcement campaign
AC Transit has started a “fare required” public awareness campaign to remind riders that fares are required by law. AC Transit is promoting the message across digital platforms, at bus stops, and headsigns across its fleet, according to the agency.
Fare evasion penalties may include up to a $250 fine and 48 hours of community service.
Fare revenue only covers about 7% of AC Transit’s revenue.
AC Transit faces $200 million deficit
AC Transit is projecting a $200 million budget deficit in the next four years, which could worsen transportation services for residents. If the agency can not find funding by December, the company could reduce services by 16% and more than 300 employees may lose their jobs.
“I want to make sure riders understand we have no plans to cut the bus service that is so important to them,” David Berman, AC Transit’s senior transportation planner, said at a June 10 AC Transit Board of Directors meeting. “But we know that without help, we will have a $50 million dollar deficit each year for the next four years. The best case scenario is that we make absolutely no changes. Unfortunately we know we can’t only plan for the best case.”
This plan is called the “Proposed Contingency Service Plan.” AC Transit said it is the “worst-case scenario.”
Proposed service reductions could affect riders in different ways. Some might not be affected, while others might be completely removed. Reductions could include fewer hours of operations, delays in bus arrivals, or changes in routes.
LaTrina Meredith, president of the bus drivers union – Amalgamated Transit Union Local 192, spoke out at the June 10 AC Transit meeting.
“We are not giving up, I don’t want you guys to give up on the public. They’re looking at us because you said you was gonna get on reliable, safe service,” Meredith said. “Let’s continue to do that no matter what this budget will be. I ask you guys to not accept this contingency, it’s not going to work.”
Bay Area transit sales tax
AC Transit is not the only transportation agency who has adopted an emergency plan. Earlier this year, BART announced that they expect to run out of their emergency funds this year. BART faces a $376 million deficit in 2027.
In February, BART said that their Alternative Service Plan includes “service cuts, station closures, fare increases, a 40% reduction in system support services, laying off 1,200 employees, and a series of deferrals and one-time resources.”
Bay Area transit operators have proposed a November ballot measure, “Connect Bay Area.” The proposal could help avoid the worst case scenarios.
The Connect Bay Area Act will place a sales stax on the November ballot in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara and San Francisco counties. It would add a half-cent sales tax in each county, except San Francisco, would fund multiple transportation agencies including AC Transit, BART, Caltrain and East Bay bus agencies.
Of the funds, 63% would fund operations, a third would be for transit infrastructure, like paving roads and service, with the rest towards improving the rider experience and measuring administration.
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