While it’s easy to say, memorable, and shocking, the West End of Alameda is not losing its bus service. But unfortunately, this is becoming the framing for AC Transit’s reduction/restructuring plan. First the map:
Animated image showing existing and proposed west end bus service
So three points, the first is that AC Transit is cutting service across the district because of the economy and because the state of the economy cut 100% of the operating funds that they provide to transit agencies this year and last. So we have to acknowledge that cuts are, unfortunately, going to happen.
Second, the current Line 63 looks like it provides coverage all over the West End, but in fact, much of the line is basically unridden, because the existing loop of Alameda Point is over 20 minutes long. Providing unusable service is not providing service. The 63′s ridership in the west end is proof of that.
Third, advocates are working to see if AC Transit can move the proposed replacement line from Appezzato Pkwy to Lincoln/Pacific Ave. Something that will essentially cut BayPort’s service, but better serve the southwestern side of the island. (I’ve seen proposals from folks suggesting a loop (up Appezzato, down Lincoln/Pacific) and I’m not a fan. Loops are not great transit planning, anyone living in the loop loses in one direction or the other and people end up not riding it, see the current 63 loop for example which runs nearly the same route).
The folks at Alameda Point Collaborative and at Alameda Point will have service in either scenario, the apartments along Appezzato will have service via Webster for those on the east end of the area and via Poggi and 3rd. It’s true that some of these residents will have less optimal walks. The proposed change to Lincoln/Pacific will give better access to some of these residents and connect households east of Lincoln/Pacific.
AC Transit was out last week running timing tests on the proposal, and hopefully, we’ll be hearing that they have found that they can run the route effectively. Having spoken with folks from APC, the Alameda Point residents are very happy with the proposed changes because they will provide weekend access to Oakland, Chinatown and Marina Village shopping, something that currently does not exist (and something many of us have been working to fix for years.)
AC Transit showed its committment to this area a few years ago. Night service (9-midnight) to Alameda Point used to be funded through the MTC using federal JARC funds (jobs access funds). Every year, MTC threatened to cut the funds because of low ridership, every year APC and Alameda Transit Advocates, along with AC Transit, would write letters, attend meetings and MTC would back down. AC Transit’s board acknowledged the need for the line and voted to make this late night service a part of its commitment and to fund it from general operations, taking the annual fight off the table. The fact that they have strengthened the connection to Alameda Point (where the large majority of riders on the current 63 are) is a testament to this committment.
Yes, there are things that can be better. And let’s continue to work for these better options. But let’s also be careful that people aren’t being lead to believe that AC Transit service to Alameda Point and the West End is being eliminated.
Thanks for providing some clarity, John. Over the last few days we have seen fliers being circulated saying west end service is being cut., and those fliers are causing undue stress and trauma to our residents. I asked one person who was circulating the fliers not to because they were inaccurate, and she said and I quote “it doesn’t matter if they are true or not, we just want to get people out to the meetings”.
The fact of the matter is, that with the proposed change in service, residents of Alameda Point will actually see an improvement in service, by having 7 day on-time(hopefully) service to downtown Oakland an other areas off island, while also maintaining a connection to local shopping at Marina Center. For years these have been the main points (along with the late night service you refer to) that we have been advocating for, and it is great to finally see an improvement..
At the same time I recognize that there are other areas that are taking a hit, and I support efforts that are being made to modify the new route so that it does go down Lincoln, even though ridership along that corridor is low. The highest potential ridership for that portion of the line is going to come from multifamily apartments along Buena Vista, and it is probably easier for them to access either Lincoln or Webster than it is to access Appezzato. I also believe that ridership will increase with the direct route to Oakland.
Working together I think we can come up with a compromise that actually enhances West End service while still helping AC transit to reduce its budget.
Doug Biggs
Executive Director
Alameda Point Collaborative
Thank you for helping clarify the proposed changes.
We encourage riders and community members to attend our upcoming community workshops.
There will be a meeting in Alameda on Sept. 12 from 2-3:30 p.m. at Independence Plaza, 703 Atlantic (at Webster St). A complete list of workshops is available on the AC Transit blog here: http://rideact.blogspot.com/2009/08/attend-community-workshop-on-proposed.html.
While the West End isn’t losing service, the East End appears to be. My kids take the 63 to the Encinal/ACLC campus regularly, and I use it to get back and forth to BART. We’re good, green, taxpaying, public transit using community members – where did we go wrong?
I’ll park in someone else’s residential neighborhood so I can drive the kids to the West End and then catch a bus, because I can’t park at work in Berkeley. Are we really solving a problem?