TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Free Transfer for All-Nighter Service
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider granting free transfers for All-Nighter service between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Convenient and Reliable Service
Initiative - Service Quality
Providing a free transfer to riders of All-Nighter service will remove any fare penalty associated with Tempo BRT implementation and share the financial benefit with all late-night riders who are more likely to be low-income. The proposal aligns with Fare Policy goals of simplicity and equity, and supports the District's strategic plan core values of service and equity.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
It is estimated that the revenue loss of providing free transfers of AC Transit's All-Nighter service could be up to $171,000 per year. Note that this calculation is conservative because it assumes all riders paid the full adult single ride cash fare; the true cost would likely be lower since riders have multiple forms of fare payment including discount passes.
The analysis is based on a limited survey of transferring passengers taken in February 2020 at the Downtown Oakland transfer point and the San Leandro BART Station. During a two-day period in Downtown Oakland, a total of 170 All-Nighter riders (an average of 85 per day) transferred; the estimated cost if they were given free transfers would be $213 per night, assuming a full fare discount. Data collection over six nights at San Leandro BART showed a total of 612 All-Nighter riders (ranging between 93-112 per day) transferred; the estimated cost of extending free transfers to them would be $255 per night, assuming a full fare discount.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Until recently, riders of Line 801 had a one-seat ride between Fremont BART and downtown Oakland. In anticipation of the introduction of the BRT service, Line 801 was truncated at the San Leand...
Click here for full text