Editorials

The AC Transit Board of Directors appears poised to raise bus fares to avoid service reductions that would eliminate the 17 bus line in Berkeley and reduce service on nearly 50 other lines across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. 

Based on public response from two hearings on June 11, the board concluded that most riders would rather see fares increase than have bus lines eliminated altogether. The transit organization faces a $40 million deficit for the next fiscal year, which begins Wednesday. 

“The plan originally was to keep fares about where they were and trim service,” said AC Transit public information officer Mike Mills. “But most people said they would willingly increase the costs if they could keep the same amount of service we have now. So we’re looking at ways to do just that.” 

By expressing their willingness to pay more money, local riders likely saved the 17 line, one of the more heavily frequented lines that would have been eliminated. Though several Berkeley bus lines were affected by a previous round of reductions that took effect on Sunday, the 17 bus, which runs through South Berkeley toward the Rockridge BART station, is the only Berkeley line that would have been reduced under the new plan. 

On Wednesday, July 16, the board of directors will hold another public hearing to solicit community input on the newest proposal. The meeting will be held at 2 p.m. in the AC Transit District Board Room at 1600 Franklin St. in downtown Oakland.