Oakland, Calif.’s Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) announced GM/CEO Michael Hursh will be transitioning from his leadership role to a Senior Advisor with the transit district, effective Dec. 14.

As one of the longest-tenured GM’s in AC Transit's nearly 65-year history, Hursh leaves a legacy of visionary initiatives, innovations, and steadfast commitment to advancing the agency’s venerable bus network beyond its mission of safe, reliable, and sustainable transit services.

Hursh’s Impact

Over the past nine years of his leadership, AC Transit achieved groundbreaking advancements, including the construction and successful launch of the Tempo BRT system, the opening and re-launch of the iconic Salesforce Transit Center, and leading the way as the first transit agency to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline employees and riders. 

Under his guidance, AC Transit maintained nearly a decade of balanced budgets, often achieving a surplus, and garnered numerous prestigious accolades, including the 2023 Outstanding Public Transportation System Award from the American Public Transportation Association.

Since his arrival in September 2015, Hursh has eschewed titles or accolades. Instead, he has led the workforce of 2,100-plus with humility and accountability, consistently prioritizing customer service and the well-being of staff, fostering their personal and professional growth. 

From day one, Hursh recognized the challenges posed by a retiring workforce and the shortage of young people entering the transit profession. To address this, he established a forward-thinking partnership with AC Transit’s labor unions to explore innovative ways to recruit entry-level employees and support their advancement to Journey-Level Mechanics. 

The Mechanics Helper and Career Ladders Programs, born from necessity, have evolved into a model now being adopted by transit agencies across the country.

Similarly, the Bus Operator Mentorship Program, which individually paired senior transit operators with new hires, took flight under Hursh's leadership. 

At its 2018 inception, the transit district's retention rate of new Bus Operators was 75%. By tapping into in-house guidance and support from experienced colleagues, behind-the-wheel skill acquisition skyrocketed and so did retention, soaring to 93% pre-pandemic.

Innovating at AC Transit

Hursh's drive to challenge the status quo led to innovative fleet management systems, predictive analytics, and customer engagement platforms. 

He also championed Assembly Bill 917, allowing transit agencies statewide to use forward-facing cameras for issuing citations at bus stops and in transit-only lanes. 

This year, he enhanced safety for all AC Transit riders — especially seniors, youth, and ADA passengers — by expanding the use of AI-powered automated cameras to detect illegal stopping and parking at bus stops throughout our bus network.

Known for thinking ahead of the curve, Hursh has led AC Transit to become a pioneer in zero emission transit. 

Recently, he joined Gov. Newsom for the launch of the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES), where AC Transit is set to receive $144 million to expand its hydrogen fueling infrastructure and bus fleet. 

Hursh also championed the creation of Zero Emission Bus University (ZEBU), a trailblazing partnership with Chabot College. His commitment to zero emission technologies secured two consecutive Federal Transit Administration Low or No Emission grants totaling over $40.5 million, funding the nation's first transit-collegiate program to train workers, and so doing, will unlock new jobs for the region and state.

“While the pandemic posed significant challenges, particularly in service delivery, it did not halt our forward momentum,” said Hursh.” Now, as I enter the 10th year of my tenure, I look forward to finalizing the transformative journey of this ten-year strategic plan as Senior Advisor, which includes assisting the District in identifying its next visionary leader to build on our foundation of success and lead AC Transit into the future.”