The California Bay Area's Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) board approved the Realign Final Network Plan that was initially presented in the spring of 2023.

Realign is an equity-focused review of all bus lines designed to address significant shifts in ridership and commuting patterns since the pandemic. 

Making Realign Happen

The Realign Plan offers several key benefits for AC Transit riders and East Bay communities, including increased service, faster frequencies, and improved on-time performance.

Realign was made possible through extensive public engagement with 49 outreach activities resulting in over 1,200 touchpoints recorded through AC Transit’s service areas.

To better understand the post-pandemic transit needs of disabled, elderly, and underrepresented riders, the Realign plan incorporated lived experiences with support from United Seniors of Alameda County, Community Resources for Independent Living, La Familia, the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, and several other community-based organizations.

The board also conducted four public hearings to gain formal public comments.

In the five to two vote, the board removed Realign+, a package of service improvements for prioritized bus lines that would have increased service to 100% of pre-pandemic levels contingent on the transit district hiring more bus operators.

Similar to other transit agencies, AC Transit is experiencing a decline in the number of applicants entering the industry. Coupled with retirements, turnover, and competition from delivery and transportation companies offering higher wages hiring new bus operators is a significant challenge.

The approved Realign Plan incurs no additional operating costs, which aims to maintain service levels at 85% of pre-pandemic levels. Bus operator positions will remain at their current numbers.