East Bay transit riders.
Cecilia Lunaparra, City of Berkeley Councilmember, expressed opposition to the
proposed fare increase, raising concerns that declining ridership could result in reduced
service and push people away from AC Transit. The Board was urged to find alternative
solutions that would not disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
Laurel Paget-Seekins, Public Advocates, called on the Board to consider alternatives to
the fare increase and include the public in the discussion to ensure that the voices of
the most vulnerable riders are heard and that the impact is equitable.
Jessie Gunn urged the Board to reject the fare increase and prioritize keeping transit
accessible to all. Gunn recognized the need for fiscal responsibility but encouraged the
Board to focus on regional transit measures rather than implementing fare hikes based
on outdated reports from six years ago.
Andrea Horbinski criticized the fare increase, arguing that it was proposed with little
warning and based on outdated data. Horbinski stressed that raising fares could drive
down ridership and worsen fiscal hardships and suggested delaying any large fare
increases until an equity analysis could be done, outreach to current riders conducted,
and Clipper 2 implementation considered.
Lupin Miller, a bus operator, shared that fare increases lead to more stress for
operators due to increased altercations with outraged riders. Miller asked the Board to
delay the fare increase until a strategy to support bus operators is better developed,
along with a plan for equitable passenger service.
Emily Wheeler requested the Board reconsider the fare increase, particularly noting
concerns about the eligibility limits for Clipper Start and the need for free transfers.
Wheeler suggested delaying the fare increase until Clipper 2 is implemented and
exploring alternative revenue sources, such as renegotiating the Transbay Terminal
contract.
Carter Lavin, Transbay Coalition, referenced an earlier letter delivered to the Board,
signed by multiple local agencies and organizations opposing the fare increase. Lavin
stated that higher fares are counterproductive and could push AC Transit into a
downward spiral of reduced ridership, less revenue, and decreased service.
Rebecca Mirvish expressed agreement with other speakers, urging the Board not to
implement the fare increase.
Claudine Tong, Genesis Transit and Disability Justice Task Force, shared a personal
experience with bus rides and asked the Board to consider alternatives to a fare
increase that would not disproportionately affect people already financially strained.
Erin voiced strong opposition to the fare hike, agreeing with many previous speakers.
Erin highlighted that the fare increase would unfairly impact low-income riders and
suggested the Board focus on finding funding elsewhere, particularly through regional
measures, and possibly delay the fare increase until Clipper 2 service is available.
Mara Schechter expressed agreement with other public speakers and shared a personal
story about the importance of affordable public transit for disabled riders. Schechter
noted that those who need buses most are often unable to afford cars and cannot bear
the burden of fare increases. The Board was urged to consider these riders when
deciding on the fare increase.
Warren Cushman opposed the fare increases, particularly due to their strong impact on
people with disabilities. Cushman noted that people with disabilities face high
unemployment rates and other challenges and that a fare increase would exacerbate
