Uchenne Okoye commented on conflicting messaging about service reduction in the
Realign program, but lauded other Realign program efforts that improve community
connectivity, especially for student riders.
Warren Cushman asked that the District clarify its messaging to riders whether the
workforce crisis or the fiscal cliff dangers are the issues driving the Realign process.
Cushman commented on the hopeful vision that a system where the operators and
riders work together to solve its problem.
Avima Zuliani commented against proposed service reduction on Line 74 line because
residents would have to travel 15 minutes on streets with no sidewalks to reach other
public transit or Kaiser hospital.
Anthony criticized the Board for its inactivity to address the service cuts. Anthony
noted that the Board should be taking action to reverse service cuts, perhaps by
re-addressing its contracts with Alameda County Sheriff's Office and the Transbay
Terminal.
Juan C commented on views about the Realign proposals and noted support for the use
of unionized workers for the proposed micro transit proposal.
Brian Culbertson commented that a reduction of services since 2019 is the beginning of
a transit death spiral which must be quickly reversed. Culbertson noted that service
recovery should aim for 2026 when more funding is available. Culbertson also
commented that the micro transit proposal would be more expensive with fewer riders
than regular bus service and suggested that Transbay service be de-focused in favor of
local bus service until 2026.
Christian Rodrigo, People's Transit Alliance, commented on the tasks that would be
needed to make Realign successful, like improving bus frequency. Rodrigo noted that
any micro transit service program should be staffed by ATU workers.
Chonita Chew requested clarity for the Line 73 service.
Eve Devilers expressed appreciation for Realign for enhancing transit service reliability.
Devilers urged the implementation of reliability and runtime improvements on existing
routes, which would improve bus operator working conditions, and that the district
continue to push for increased public transit funding. Devilers added support for the
micro transit proposal if staffed by ATU workers.
Nathaniel Arnold expressed disappointment for the way the Realign program is
changing lines 57 and 18, which serve students and the neediest communities. Arnold
commented on the need to improve policies which improve safety and retention.
Sam Greenberg noted disappointment that the expected transit transformation for the
East Bay has not happened and blamed unfair austerity measures. Greenberg agreed
with other public speakers that any micro transit proposal should be staffed by ATU
labor and noted that expenditures on Alameda County Sheriffs contract and Transbay
routes at the cost of cutting local service for transit-dependent riders is unjustified.
Valery Lancey noted concerns that transbay service is protected over the needs of local
service, calling Transbay service redundant to BART. Lancey commented that the
Realign process has been less about transit transformation and more about loss of
service.
Robert Mckay commented that prioritization for transit frequency drives productivity
and increased ridership, and steps should be taken in the short term to cut duplicative
services or low ridership lines while keeping equity issues in mind. McKay added that
long-term considerations about managing employee retention needs to be worked out.
