Candidate for
Director; Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District; Ward 4

Local Transportation System

Current transportation services are focused on regional transportation needs. Recent transportation studies determined that there is a need in central Alameda County for community based tranportation services. These studies indicate a need by senior citizens and low income citizens for affordable and convenient local bus service to medical centers, local industrial areas, and shopping areas. These studies also indicate a significant population increase in Central Alameda County over the next ten years. Parking and traffic congestion on local streets are already problems.

AC Transit needs to develop an affordable and convenient community based transporation system to meet the local needs of the community. There are existing tax incentives for employers and employees to use public transportation. There are existing grants and transportation funds to reduce the cost of public transportation in low income areas. These and other programs can provide the funds needed.

I believe that a partnership between AC Transit, local medical centers, shopping districts, employers, and County agencies can work to develop a local transportation plan which will address these needs.

American Made Buses

I believe that, while the foreign made buses may appear to be more modern and attractive, our locally manufactured buses have been meeting our transportation needs at a lower cost. The support of our local workers and unions by purchasing American made buses should be a priority.

Alternative Fuel Buses

I have studied other transit districts in California. Some districts use only alternative fuel buses. By way of example, Riverside County Transit District uses natural gas. The technology exists to use natural gas and the use of natural gas fueled buses has a proven track record to improve air quality and reduce the dependency on foreign oil.

General Philosophy

My years of advocacy for community improvement have taught me that government agenies must "hear" what the community is saying. AC Transit must partneship with the community to develop and to implement an affordable and convenient local transportation system. If elected to the Board it is my pledge to be accessible and to "hear" the community's needs, with the drive to work until the need for a community based transportation system is implemented.