AC Transit To Expand Bus Service By June

OAKLAND (CBS SF) – AC Transit announced Thursday that bus service will increase by up to 14 percent in June, after the agency's Board of Directors approved the largest service enhancement in the district's history.

Transit authorities said the Service Expansion Plan, also known as SEP, will create a more reliable, convenient and efficient transit system for the East Bay.

The Oakland-based bus agency, which serves parts of Alameda and Contra Costa counties, reduced services in 2010 after an economic downturn.

AC Transit Board President, H.E. Christian Peeples said in a statement, "I am thrilled to approve a service plan that both restores and enhances this invaluable service in an unprecedented way."

The program is funded by the voter-approved Alameda County Measure BB transportation sales tax, which is projected to contribute almost $30 million annually to AC transit.

The district said they plan to invest $24 million of those funds to improve bus service within Alameda County.

To execute the SEP, transit authorities said AC transit is launching a campaign to recruit bus operators and mechanics, and is currently awaiting a delivery of new buses.

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