taxation through the proposed ballot measure. Spies also recommended reducing
non-operator positions, limiting overtime, and implementing a wage freeze.
Joanna Pace opposed further service reductions and shared examples of riders losing
access to public transit and shifting to alternative transportation.
Kevin Dalley appreciated transparency regarding fare increases tied to rising fuel costs
and the transition to electric buses. Dalley requested information on the expansion of
AI ticketing beyond Tempo Line and potential revenue-sharing with the City of Oakland.
Melissa Getz noted that the ballot measure has not yet met the required signature
threshold and encouraged additional public participation.
Bryan Culbertson raised concerns about fare revenue and emphasized the importance
of improving ridership and reliability before implementing additional taxes.
Delphine Brody acknowledged efforts to address funding gaps but emphasized the
need for further cost-saving strategies that protect operators and riders.
Marilyn K. emphasized reliance on public transit as a non-driver and supported
cost-reduction approaches over service cuts.
Sheela Gunn expressed dissatisfaction with Realign as a rider with disabilities who
depends on transit service.
Mena urged reconsideration of fare increases, service cuts, and Realign, and
recommended internal cost reductions instead of additional taxation.
Sydnie Richie opposed fare increases and service reductions and supported exploring
the alternative solutions discussed by prior speakers.
Diego Aguilar reported ongoing reliability concerns following Realign and stated that
operational improvements remain unaddressed.
Ajay Martin noted insufficient signatures for the ballot measure and recommended
exploring alternative funding sources, including taxation of rideshare companies such as
Uber, Lyft and Waymo.
MOTION: SHAW/McCALLEY to receive report on the Draft FY 26-27 Operating and
Capital Budgets and directs staff to return to the Board with a revised draft that is flat
relative to the prior fiscal year budget. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes:
SHAW, McCALLEY, WALSH, SYED, SILVA, YOUNG, SANDHU
Chief Executive Officer Llamas sought clarification to confirm the motion directs staff to return
with a second draft budget that is flat relative to the prior year's funded budget (approximately
$22 million). The Board affirmed their direction to ask staff to identify the reductions, as well
as the directive to staff to maintain current service levels in alignment with adopted budget
principles and noted that incremental cost-saving items raised during the discussion
collectively have a significant financial impact.
8.
CLOSED SESSION/REPORT OUT
General Counsel Aimee Steele reported out on the following:
MOTION: McCALLEY/YOUNG to authorize settlement via Compromise and release of
$130,000.00, less permanent disability advances, plus supplementary job displacement
voucher. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: McCALLEY, YOUNG, SANDHU, WALSH, SYED, SILVA, SHAW
