Summer, 1988 Veteran driver's death mourned District has new General Manager

Billy 1. Givens, a popular and personal AC Transit's Board of Directors has He assumes duties carried out since Jan­ veteran driver killed while operating his appointed James L. O'Sullivan to the position uary by Interim General Manager Neil bus on July 29, was honored by more than of General Manager after an extensive Peterson. 2,000 friends, family and co-workers who nation-wide search. attended services in his memory. He has served as executive director of He had been a driver since 1968 and the Peninsular Transportation District had seven commendations within the last Commission in Newport News/Hampton, Public Hearing subjects set 18 months for his outstanding work. Virginia, since 1982. Prior to that, he was As a mark of respect for him, all AC An increase in selected cash fares and administrator of various service adjustments are among Transit buses on the road were halted to the Lowell Re­ observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. actions proposed to balance AC Transit's gio n al Tra n si t $119 projected operating budget for this Friday, August 5, the time and date of Authority in funeral service at Bethel Missionary Baptist fiscal year (see details, Page 4). Lowell, Massachu­ The Board of Directors has scheduled a Church in Oakland where Givens was a setts. member and sang in the choir. Public Hearing on such proposals for 7:30 Additionally, AC Transit workers wore A native of New p.m. August 17, before making any final black arm bands for a week. York, O'Sullivan decision to adopt the service-related actions. Bus drivers from as far away as San graduated from the At the same time, Directors will hear com­ Diego and Sacramento came to the ser­ Billy J. Givens State University of ment on changes in transbay and local vices as a mark of solidarity among transit New York and has cash bus fares, as well as possible service workers everywhere. Sorrow expressed in poem a Master of Public improvements in some parts of the East BART General Manager Keith Bernard, Administration degree in Management Bay. who attended the funeral, ordered BART's Sent by Oakland woman Science. He's currently the top-ranked The hearing will be held in the Board candidate in his MBA class at William Room, 1600 Franklin Street, Oakland. Direc­ flags to be at half mast for a week in Many persons expressed sorrow and and Mary College. tors also welcome comments in writing, honor of the slain driver. Golden Gate concern over the death of Billy 1. Givens. addressed to: AC Transit Research and Transit dedicated their Bus Roadeo to his Oakland resident Aldocia Williams sent a "We are very pleased that Mr. O'Sullivan Planning Department, 1600 Franklin St., memory. San Francisco Municipal Railway moving letter to the Givens family. In­ has accepted the position at this critical Oakland, CA., 94612. sent more than 50 drivers and an artic­ cluded in the letter was the following time in AC Transit's history," said Board ulated bus to both the funeral and inter­ poem: President Michael Fajans. "He is an ener­ ment services. And a memorial fund has getic young leader who has a proven track­ been established for the family at Great The clock of life is wound but once. record of success in 'turning around' situa­ John Woodbury appointed Western Bank, 350 - 20th Street, Oakland. And no man has the power tions - which makes him the best choice New Director-at-Large Oakland police have charged two teen­ To tell just where the hands will to continue the progress which AC Transit agers with the killing. They believe the stop, has made in recent months." John R Wood­ shooting was carried out as a random At late or early hour. bury has assum­ retaliation for the death of a woman who To lose one's wealth is sad indeed, ed the At-Large was involved in an accident with an AC To lose one's health is more; TIlE COVER - On hand for the "unveil­ seat on AC Tran­ Transit bus the day before. In that accident, To lose one's soul is such a loss ing" of new 1988 Flyer buses being incor­ sit's Board, filling witnesses and police both state the AC As no man can restore. porated into the District's active fleet were the vacancy cre­ Transit operator was not at fault, and that The present only is our own, Oeft to right) Government/Community Re­ ated in March by the woman had run a red light. To seek to do God's will; lations Manager Bruce Goddard, State the resignation of , In commenting on the tragic circum­ Tomorrow holds no promise, for Assemblymember Delaine Eastin of Union veteran policy­ stances surrounding Givens' death, AC The clock may then be still." City, and Board President Michael H. maker Ray Rine­ Fajans. As was required by the Board Transit Board President Michael H. Fajans Additionally, the letter urged that "bus hart. when accepting the bus company's original A city planner, said, "There simply is no way of explaining drivers take up his habits and try to be bid for the $8 million acquisition, the he earned master's degrees in City and the needless murder of this fine individual, like him," concluding with another stanza: who was a well-liked fellow-worker and a final assembly of the 56 coaches is being Regional Planning and in Asian Studies. He performed locally by a crew of Bay Area true servant of our passengers and public." A faithful jewel from us is gone, is past president of East Bay League of workers now employed in a new plant in In AC Transit's 28-year history, Givens A voice we loved is still. Conservation Voters, and has been active in Union City. is the third driver to have been killed A place is vacant in our midst the Regional Parks Association, Sierra Club, while on duty. That never! no never! can be filled." and the Oakland Heritage Alliance.

2 3 Deficit-paring plan New budget targets internal savings

In introducing a $119.7 million budget cent hike (from $2 to $2.50) for adults to Directors July 6, Interim General Man­ making eastbound transbay trips (with no ager Neil Peterson called for sweeping change in the $1 westbound fare). How­ internal changes to help pare a projected ever, Monthly Pass prices would remain $11 million deficit. unchanged. Under the plan described, more than AC Transit also would introduce a new half this deficit would be offset by internal $3 Daily Pass for transbay riders - the economies, coupled with modest cash fare same cost as the current round-trip cash increases and service adjustments tailored fare. Other recommendations to be pre­ to have minimum impact on regular riders. sented at an August 17 Public Hearing Election will allot Board seats In addition, Peterson told Directors, by include development of a new, widely­ achieving greater efficiencies in risk publicized distribution network that will Four seats on AC Transit's policy­ of Berkeley. management and inventory control; cutting make the various transit passes readily making Board of Directors will be on the Ward II expenditures for travel and meetings, con­ available throughout the District's service ballot in the November General Election. Ward II, now represented by Jerome G. sulting services, hiring of temporary help, area. The positions which are up for election Wiggins, encompasses much of Berkeley and utilities usage, a total savings of $6.9 this year include one District-wide At­ (west of Martin Luther King Jr. Way) plus million could be accomplished. Service adjustments Large seat, two four-year seats represent­ Albany, Emeryville and (in Contra Costa ing, respectively, the voters of the District's County) El Cerrito, Kensington, Rich­ To cover the remainder of the shortfall A number of service adjustments, cur­ II, Wards I and plus a two-year post repre­ mond, San Pablo and parts of El Sobrante. (a projected $4.1 million), Peterson pro­ tailments, and improvements are proposed senting Ward III. Candidates for each of (some to be effective in September), in­ Running against Wiggins is former Albany posed a challenge to the District's work­ the Ward seats must live and be registered Mayor Ruth Ganong. force by identifying several "opportunities cluding: reduction in school-day Supple­ to vote within the geographic area they to improve our cost of operation and to mentary Service and elimination of un­ seek to represent. Ward III improve our efficiency." productive bus trips; curtailment of Line Ward I Ward III, the seat now held by Alice H. 86S in Hayward and Line 15 night service Ward I, currently represented by Board Creason, consists of Alameda, Piedmont Curbing absenteeism east of Fruitvale Avenue in East Oakland President Michael H Fajans, consists of and parts of the Oakland Hills and East after 10:30 p.m.; and introduction of ex­ Oakland, including Montclair, Piedmont Employee absenteeism was targeted as that portion of Berkeley east of Martin press-type Limited Stop service on Line Pines, Oakmore, Fruitvale, Melrose, Mills­ one currently costly item. When compared Luther King Jr. Way plus large segments 40. mont, Oak Knoll, Seminary and Sheffield with 20 peer agencies, Peterson noted, AC of Oakland, including the Rockridge, Clare­ Village districts. Creason is being opposed Transit's absenteeism rate is four times mont and Central Business districts and The spending plan also designates dol­ the area from Lake Merritt east to 35th by Diane Raulston, of Oakland. worse than its best peer - and twice as lars for specific improvements: hiring more bad as the average. A ve. Opposing Fajans is Michael Winter, At-Large maintenance workers and road supervisors The At-Large constituency now repre­ "As employees, we have to improve our (while cutting about two dozen administra­ sented by John Woodbury includes the en­ tive and support positions); implementing Nakadegawa will seek performance in order that our riders do BART board position tire Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District not suffer loss of service," Peterson stres­ new bus service in the Richmond-El Cer­ - all cities (except Union City) plus the sed, calling on Directors to establish a rito area and beefing up other bus routes AC 1ransit Director Roy Nakadegawa adjacent unincorporated areas west of the in conjunction with the planned CAL­ novel 12-month "Gain-Sharing" plan in has announced he will run for the BART hills from San Pablo south to Fremont. TRANS construction projects planned for board of directors this Fall as he seeks to which individual workers could realize dol­ Woodbury is being challenged by Diane lar dividends through a major reduction in Interstates 80 and 880. unseat Howard Ableson, a former EI Cer­ rito City Councilman who was appointed Thur, of Hayward, and Hector Reyna, of overall absenteeism. Though the currently proposed budget earlier this year to fill the unexpired term Oakland. The filing period for seeking election The proposed 1988-89 spending plan is less than last year's $122 million figure, of former BART board member Arthur the shortfall stems from such changed cir­ Shartsis. closed August 12. also calls for an adjustment in cash fares If elected to the BART board, Nagade­ Information regarding elections and - a ten-cent increase for adults (from 75 cumstances as a contractual wage increase, effective July 1; loss of the BART Express gawa has stated he would give up his seat areas represented by individual board to 85 cents) and a 25-cent increase (from as one of the two AC 1ransit Directors At­ members is handled by the AC Transit 50 to 75 cents) for youth utilizing com­ bus contract; sluggish revenues; and pro­ Large on the bus system's policy making jected increases in the cost of doing business. District Secretary's Office, 1600 Franklin mute hour-only local service; and a 50- body. Street, Oakland, California 94612.

4 5 July Rodeo exhibits wide variety Five more earn Employee Recognition honors Of behind-the-wheel skills, know-how AC Transit employees "saddled up" for the 1988 Bus Roadeo, with U.S. Savings Bonds and trophies as incentives for top performers. Competitors got behind-the-wheel of 10- ton vehicles Saturday, July 16, at the Dis­ trict's Training and Education Center, Hay­ ward, to test their skills at maneuvering 40-foot buses among a variety of obstacles. Challenges drivers faced included ser­ pentine courses and reverse-direction man­ euvering, such as right and left "Y -backs." DRIVING AWARDS - Hayward's Danny Tucker, Also, contestants were judged on personal who shared "Driver of the Quarter" honors with appearance and on a written test covering his brother Otis (see Box) is being congratulated safety, driving regulations and general atti­ EARNED HONORS - Though a relative new­ here by Carol Russell, acting assistant superin­ tude. Investigative skills also were tested comer to the District's driving ranks - she tendent. The Tucker brothers' selection was the as operators inspect a bus for "hidden" became a full-time operator in May, 1986, after District's first co-award problems. working as a part-timer since August, 1985 - Otis Tucker - named in May to share Louella Delaney (with trophy) bested all rivals at honors as "Bus Driver of the Quarter" with The event is open to all union employees, this year's Roadeo. In doing so, she established his brother Danny (see left column) - died divided into two categories of competition. an important "first" - the first woman driver to June 12 at his home in Union City. The first category consists of all eligible win the in-house event. Here, she's receiving con­ The photo above was taken at the divi­ American Public Transit Association gratulations from Linda Shepard, Alice Creason, sional ceremonies where he received his (APT A) contestants, who were trying for Roy Nakadegawa, and Michael Fajans. She will Employee Recognition plaque. top-spot prizes of a $500 Savings Bond, a represent AC Transit in the National American He had completed 30 years of service First Place trophy, and the honor of repre­ Public Transit (APTA) Bus Roadeo in Montreal during which he also earned the 25-Year in October. Safe Driving Award. senting AC Transit in the regional (RT A) In addition to his brother, he is survived Roadeo and the National Roadeo in Mon­ by his widow, Marie, and four children: treal this fall. Frances, Eric, Shirley, and Marco. Eligibility for the APT A category is JOB HONORS - Acting Assistant Superintendent based on attendance, plus accident and For park' trips, try the bus Donna Pate, chosen "Management Employee of work records. the Quarter, " starred at June 13 ceremonies in the Second place for the APT A-eligible driv­ To enjoy hassle-free fun Administrative Offices. Before taking her present Salutes ers earned a trophy, a $400 Savings Bond, post at Richmond Division, she was Employee from Summer fun opportunities without traffic and being among the three to represent Relations Representative. the or parking hassles are being offered this AC Transit at the RT A Roadeo - to be System year through a joint effort of the East Bay hosted by Contra Costa County Transit Regional Park District and AC Transit to PATTEN PRAISED­ Authority, Concord, in August. Third place provide trips to 46 different sites. The first Hayward Dispatcher earned a trophy, a $300 Savings Bond, such excursions took place June 20. Leon Patten, left, re­ and eligibility to compete in the RT A The program is geared for group outings, ceived congratulations event. from Acting Assistant especially senior citizens and the disabled, Superintendent Bob Those employees who had not qualified but also is open to individuals who simply Estrella after being for the APT A-category contest vied sepa­ want to get to a Park District site. selected "Clerical Em­ rately for a first prize of a $100 Savings Bus routes to each park, and boarding ployeeofthe Quarter. " MAINTENANCE KUDOS - Emeryville's Bennie Bond, a second prize of a $75 Savings locations, are available from Kimberly Lenz He was honored at Williams became "Maintenance Employee of the Bond, and third prize of a $50 Savings of the Park District, who also provides the division June 9. Quarter" after earlier service as a driver, during Bond. Trophies also were presented to all assistance in planning trips. Phone number which he earned a 25-Year Safe Driving Award. three winners. is 531-9300, extension 2205. This latest honor was celebrated June 14.

6 7 FOCUS: Transit People and Projects FOCUS: Transit People and Projects

To al/ AC Transit emplovees ... HAPPY TRANSIT ~ APP~ECIATION DAY m You are the GREATEST!

PROUD DISPLAY - Hayward Division Dispatchers Odie Collins (left) and Karen Maxwell prepare to post one of the in-house signs recognizing Transit Appreciation Day and the daily contributions of employees to getting people where they need and want to go. Celebration ofthe day included the donning of carnations and ribbons by all District personnel Donuts and coffee were "on the house" at various B US/NESS BOOSTERS - A C Transit's Colby Swanson (left), acting assistant director ofmaintenance, work sites, including the Transbay Transit Termina~ the Central Maintenance Facility, Training Center, and Sandra Privett, minority business enterprise representative, exchanged views with Robert G. Owens, Division Gillie Rooms and the Administrative Offices. director, office of Civil Rights, Urban Mass Transportation Administration, Washington, DC, during this year's Transit Business Opportunities Conference. The event informs and encourages firms and individuals who are interested in doing business with public transit organizations.

SAFETY MARKS LAKE CELE­ Hayward Division BRAT/oN-AC drivers Manuel "Paul" Transit Booster Mendes (left), and Club volunteers Edmond "Bud" Oster staffed a booth cut into their cakes providing bus­ during ceremonies com­ use information memorating their mile­ for attendees at stones in safely operat­ Oakland's an­ ing A C Transit buses. nual Festival at Mendes has logged 30 the Lake, held years of safe driving, June 3-5. Cur­ while Oster has achieved rent and poten­ 25. It is estimated that tial riders of all the two operators carried ages stopped by nearly five million pas­ the booth for sengers safely over more route and sche­ than two million miles. dule information.

8 9 What the Press is Saying about Transit Diesel training gives opportunity to many Buses get younger! AC Transit buses are getting younger THE TRIBUNE and younger, according to Colby Swanson, acting assistant maintenance manager, as a major bus replacement program pares more than three years off the average age K ..dos for AC rrran.si t of the fleet. At the end of 1987, AC Transit coaches averaged 9.4 years. By June 30, 1988, that All that costs big money, either for figure had been reduced to 8.3 years - a Public agency budgets are usually as result of initial deliveries of 56 New Flyer informative and stimulating as newspaper questionable sick leave or for overtime to cover unattended shifts. Peterson offers a tasty models, all of which will be here by early legal notices. If the fine print doesn't blind PROGRAM CONCLUSION - The Diesel Train­ 1989. you, the turgid and self-serving prose will carrot - large incentive payments for em­ ing graduates pictured here had reason to look ployees who show up for work reliably - Another 52 New Flyers are slated for cure your insomnia. happy: they had just concluded a grueling two­ delivery by March 10, 1989, and an order along with the threat of mass layoffs if semester, mostly hands-on course which con­ Then along comes AC Transit's proposed workers don't lick their absenteeism. sumed a total of 144 hours of their non-work for 15 articulated models lias been placed budget for the 1988-89 fiscal year, courtesy hours. They represent the ninth program session, with that same manufacturer. It's estimated of Interim General Manager Neil Peterson. To his credit, Peterson understands the producing 75 AC Transit employees trained to that the District's 800 buses will average Much more than a collection of numbers complex history of management failures keep District buses in sound working order. Grad­ 6.2 years in age by June 30,1989. and platitudes, it combines an unsparing that produced terrible morale and absen­ uates (left to right, posing with their College of By that date, many of the buses sched­ critique of the system's past performance teeism among AC's employees. Besides Alameda instructor, Vic Carranza, kneeling in uled for retirement will have traveled more front) are Ronald Williams, Avant Madison, with a bold but realistic course of remedial working closely with the union on the than a million miles, Swanson notes. matter, he points no fingers, referring to it as Frederick Glascoe, Edward Morgan, Gregory action. And you don't have to be a lawyer or Bums, Robert Jeffery, Dennis Light, and Ricky Boosters' promotion an accountant to follow it. "our" problem. That spirit should produce Sullivan. Not present for the photo was Hugh • • • labor cooperation, not conflict. Hyland. Budget crises inevitably mean fare in­ The key elements of his plan are con­ creases, and this one is no exception. But the Car crash aid wins praise tracting-out of services to cut costs, attack­ cash fare will rise only 1° cents at peak When Emeryville Division Driver Sheila ing employee absenteeism, selective fare hours, and not at all for passes. The boost Lawrence witnessed a two-car accident while increases and investments in better service. was unavoidable since the Metropolitan on duty in late June, she responded in a manner which elicited a commendatory let­ Transportation Commission made it a con­ ter from David L. Cutter, former Chairman • • • dition of AC 'receiving $1,250,000 in sub­ of the Board, Cutter Laboratories, Berkeley. sidies. Peterson also proposes leasing out under­ The letter explains that Cutter, involved in an accident at the heavily-trafficked inter­ utilized district facilities, including its over­ • • • section of Claremont and Ashby, Berkeley, sized maintenance yard and the top floor of was pleased to be handed a note from BOOSTERS CHECK MESSAGES - AC Transit its lavish new office building. No round of cost cutting will save AC if Lawrence, stating that she had seen the Booster Club members Robert Vaughn (lefO, and For the first time in memory, the district service continues to spiral downward. This accident and that the other party had been Don Jewel inspect the interior of District Bus No. will confront head on its most scandalous budget proposes strategic investments to at fault. 1422, which features messages, information and source of red ink: absenteeism. Peterson make the system more attractive once again Her information, Cutter states, "resulted promotions of the group (note advertising car cards posted on the right). rightly calls the problem "atrocious" and to the Eastbay public. in the other party's insurance company "astronomical" in scope. accepting full responsibility." October 1 is birthday Lawrence's willingness to be helpful in Historically, Oct. 1 is an important day At the current rate of absenteeism, the • • • such a situation wins high praise from Cutter: for AC Transit. This year it marks the average operator will miss work nearly two 28th birthday of operations for the District. full months out of the year. The average (This is excerpted from an editorial "Nowadays we usually find folks who in the July 8 Oakland Tribune) 'don't want to get involved.' It is refreshing The bus system began operations on the service worker, according to the report, last to find someone like Ms. Lawrence who is street Oct. 1, 1960, but formation of the year "showed up for work three out of five willing to step forward, without being asked, District began a half decade earlier as the days a week." A consultant hired by AC to insure that the correct facts are California State Legislature created stat­ ranked its attendance record the worst out presented." utes which established AC Transit in 1955. of 20 comparable agencies. 11 10 Transit trends and topics Oz Gould leaves District After distinguished career Hearings will refine CSP details Ozro D. Gould, Risk Manager for AC lation. They are always full of surprises." Inauguration May 2 of a key demon­ Hayward project, much ground-work was Transit, is retiring after more than 20 years The increased number of legal actions stration project at BART/Hayward not only laid for its launching. AC Transit planners, with the District, and five decades of work­ against public agencies like AC Transit marked the first test of the concept of in preparatory work, were joined by per­ ing in the risk, claims and insurance arena. also has created problems. "Wholesale ad­ "Timed Transfer" connections from bus­ sonnel of UC Berkeley's Institute for Trans­ vertising by attorneys has resulted in peo­ to-bus and bus-to-rail but represents the portation Studies. The result: a working The colorful Gould, whose Irish heritage has frequently evoked comment, has long ple ending up with a misconception of prototype of various rail/bus interlinks computer model incorporating such demo­ what can happen. Invariably, they end up called for in AC Transit's Comprehensive graphic data as area employment, plus been considered an expert in the field of with considerably Service Plan (CSP). education, recreational, and residential pat­ dealing with accident and liability claims, less than they The CSP's aim is to tailor bus routes to terns - both current and projected. and is generally regarded as the person would have after meet the needs of current riders while Information from the BART/Hayward who has consistently kept AC Transit's the lawyers get initiating new concepts targeted at attract­ project will be incorporated in decision­ insurance premiums at a minimum while their fee. Norm­ ing new riders. The evolving design, which making as the overall Comprehensive Ser­ securing maximum protection in coverage. ally reasonable will be discussed at more than a dozen vice Plan develops further with the sched­ Prior to joining AC Transit, Gould was people fail to ac­ public hearings in coming months, will ule of summer and fall public hearings. in charge of claims for Western Greyhound cept reasonable change the entire configuration of AC While timed-transfer centers provide ser­ Lines. He retired from Greyhound in 1968. Transit bus service in the East Bay. vice efficiently to serve low- to moderate­ settlements be­ As he recently reviewed his distinguished cause some attor­ The hearings assure that the public pro­ density communities, the CSP also pro­ career in claims and insurance, Gould com­ neys have con­ vides its crucial input. But AC Transit also poses introduction of a grid of interlaced mented that the constantly shifting nature vinced them they is encouraging drivers, mechanics, and sup­ lines crisscrossing the East Bay's urban of legislation and rulings was the most are going to re­ port personnel to offer suggestions based core. The long range goal is to produce a difficult challenge facing anyone in his Ozro D. Gould ceive unreason- on their experience and expertise. service network that gets more people to profession. "Every year is the biggest able compensation," he says. "Sadly, we Since the broadly conceived CSP was to more places throughout the East Bay more change," he says. "You have a full-time experience its first tangible testing in the efficiently and quickly. are becoming an ever-increasing litigious legislature constantly enacting new legis- society. Everyone is suing everyone else, Bay Area boasts diverse public transit modes and frequently!" District reproducing The most difficult case he worked on On an average weekday, some 15,000 trated in the choke points: the 49-square during his tenure with the transit system Bay Area public transit employees put miles of San Francisco; Bay Bridge corri­ Informational brochure was the 1982 Caldecott Tunnel accident into operation a fleet of passenger vehicles dor; the metropolitan cores of the East A revised version of the much-requested in which there were seven fatalities, includ­ as diverse as any in the country. and South Bay; the Highway 101 corridors "Focus on Facilities" brochure describing ing an AC Transit bus driver, John Dykes, The most familiar form - the area's on the Peninsula and across the Golden AC Transit's physical makeup with addi­ Jr. Many months of legal actions, hearings, nearly 3,000 buses - range from high­ Gate Bridge. tional overall statistics about the East Bay's depositions, reports and meetings resulted capacity 60-foot models utilized in urban Over 200 million annual passenger trips bus system is currently in production at in a settlement just as an expected lengthy core areas, to small coaches and vans are registered by San Francisco MUNI, the District's print shop. trial got underway. "It was, without a serving suburban neighborhoods. followed by AC Transit (70 million annual The inform~tive brochure, available to doubt, the single worst thing that ever In addition, there's the heavy rail mass passenger trips), BART (60 million), Santa all interested parites, details each of AC happened to me at AC Transit," Gould transit operated by BART and CalTrain, Clara County Transit (30 million), Sam­ Transit's sites including operational yards, says. light rail vehicles in San Francisco and Trans (20 million), Golden Gate Transit maintenance facilities, the training and Gould intends to stay active in his retire­ Santa Clara County, streetcars and elec­ (nearly 10 million), CalTrain, and central education center and other "capital" assets ment, devoting time to his much loved sail trically-powered trolley coaches, a fleet of Contra Costa's County Connection (the used in carrying the more than 5 million boat anchored in Richmond, and continu­ ferries, and the fabled cable cars. latter two at about 5 million each). passengers who use District buses each ing to enjoy the extensive traveling he has Collectively, these public transit vehicles New transit service is being introduced month. done with his wife, Frances Carr, a Calif­ log nearly 130 million miles annually in to the Livermore/Amador Valley, Alameda Useful as a handy reference guide, the ornia State Appellate Court Judge in revenue service over roads, rails, and on County, and the burgeoning cities of Napa, brochure details specifics about the transit Sacramento. the waters of San Francisco Bay. They Solano, Sonoma and southern Santa Clara system. Gould is being replaced by Ronald serve about 1.5 million riders daily - counties. Among the listed bits of information are Julian, who brings a broad background of which totals nearly 500 million passenger Old or new, all providers share a com­ fuel consumption at 150,000 gallons of experience with Di Giorgio Corp. and Bech­ trips a year. mon characteristic: requiring wide-ranging diesel each week, and service miles tel Group, Inc., in risk, claims and in­ Predictably, transit ridership is concen- skills within their work-force. of 30 million each year. surance.

12 13 Actions Color-in a happy bus fan! Our of the Little rider is big booster Board 'Stockholders'

(Continued from Page 16) Write At a regular meeting June 8, the Board of Directors: • Authorized cost-saving one-year rental agreement for copying machines, on motion of Director Bettencourt. I have ridden transit systems over the On the morning in question I boarded the world. AC Transit is definitely the way to bus for downtown Oakland. As always, I • Scheduled Public Hearing July 13 to go. I work for the largest law firm in the was greeted warmly by Driver Nick Wong. solicit comment on adopting AC/BART United States, and I have to get to work on Later, I discovered I had misplaced my Plus Pass as part of District tariff, on time. With your excellent commuter H monthly pass. motion of Director Wiggins. Line, I most certainly do. It is with great pleasure that I pass on the I especially want to commend your HX fact that a passenger discovered my pass * * * evening commute driver Wanda Barker. and turned it over to Mr. Wong, who in turn At an adjourned regular meeting June Her driving (and my riding the bus in took the trouble to establish my identity and 22, the Board of Directors: general) has reduced stress and made my deliver the pass back to me on the very same ride back to Berkeley enjoyable. She is the day. • Referred bids for articulated buses to kind of driver I want to ride with. The result was that I was not financially staff for subsequent recommendation, Keep up the good work. I am definitely out even one ride on my favorite transpor­ on motion of Director Nakadegawa. The following excerpted letter (plus spreading the word. tation. AC Transit is certainly fortunate to drawings such as the one above, titled Ginger D. Permillion employ such a conscientious individual. • Authorized travel of one District repre­ "Many AC 'fransit Buses") was received Berkeley ArlaNorrena sentative to attend APT A Drug and by Marketing Department in mid-July, Oakland Alcohol Symposium in Boston July 20- reflecting one very young patron's plea­ * * * 22, on motion of Director Wiggins. . sure at receiving a District publication I am a lady who has ridden AC Transit * * * which is particularly popular among since you came on the scene and "rescued" • Adopted resolution giving notice of I'm writing to you about Driver Pat Lee, members of his peer-group - "Color­ us from Key Route System. Of course, I rode whom I've found to be courteous, efficient, November 8 election to fill four Board In a Bus 'frip." Key System for years before you came. seats, on motion of Director Creason. intelligent, and an asset to AC. The letter: signed by Midori and Tom I would like to commend three very Her friendly attitude toward all riders • Adopted resolution authorizing agree­ McKeon, reads: outstanding drivers, who have maintained (students, adults, and senior citizens) made ments, actions, and expenditures in con­ "Words fail to convey how happy our their driving skills, their courtesy no matter the commute home from BART an uplifting nection with refinancing of Administra­ three-year-old son Michael was to receive what: Bill Damato, Johnny Goble, Michael experience for me. tive Offices facility, on motion of Direc­ the coloring books. Kropf Bruce Altman, tor Wiggins. "Being a crazy fan of the AC 'fransit Virginia Suydam El Cerrito buses, he immediately wanted to hold Oakland • Adopted resolution authorizing both them in his hands - he asked us to cut * * * * * * expenditures and receipts of funds in out the buses from one of the coloring When I boarded the 51 bus recently, it As a daily AC Transit bus rider, I want to the interim, prior to adoption of District books; and, ever since then, he carries was the second time I had been in a position communicate my positive experiences re­ Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 1988- them with him wherever he goes. Even to watch Driver Curtis Walsh garding the wonderful service provided by 89, on motion of Director Wiggins. when we attended our friend's wedding, The first time, he showed a great deal of the drivers. One outstanding example is David Harper, whose bus I board each • Authorized award of contract to the there he was holding his favorite bus patience with a person in a wheelchair. This weekday morning. Wyatt Company for financial consulting cutouts and showing them off to every­ time, as I watched him, I saw that he often David politely and courteously facilitated services; authorized extension of exist­ body. smiled, heading off a minor problem which my transfer to the 51 bus , so that my ing contract with Price Waterhouse for "He also likes to draw pictures of AC could have ensued except for his behavior. passage to work was safely completed. financial consulting services, on motion 'fransit buses. We are enclosing some of He helped my day end pleasantly. of Director Wiggins. them as a token of our gratitude!' Norma Green Elizabeth A. Neikes East Bay Berkeley 14 15 Actions of the Board Transit-Times At a regular meeting May 11, the Board Published monthly by the of Directors: ALAMEDA-CONTRA COSTA TRANSIT DISTRICT • Approved travel, retroactively, of Direc­ 1600 Franklin St., Oakland, California 94612-2806 tor Nakadegawa to attend May 6 APT A Telephone (415) 891-4777 Task Force on Accessibility in Wash­ BOARD OF DIRECTORS ington, D.C., plus travel of Director MICHAEL H. FAJANS ...... President Ward I Nakadegawa to attend May 19 APT A JEROME G WIGGINS ...... Ward II Policy and Planning Committee in St. WILLIAM J. BEnENCOURT ...... Ward IV LINDA SHEPARD ...... Ward V Louis, on motion of Director Betten­ ALICE H. CREASON ...... Ward III court. ROY NAKADEGAWA ...... Director at Large • Approved updated procedures for issu­ OFFICERS OF THE QISTRICT ance of warrants or warrant checks, on Neil Peterson ...... • ...... I~terim General Manager motion of Director Bettencourt. Richard Kassis ... • •...... Acting Attorney for the District • Adopted resolution of appreciation and MANAGEMENT best wishes to slate of District retirees, on Michal Settles ...... •. . .. Director of Administration George Grandison ...... Deputy to the General Manager motion of Director Wiggins. Glenn R. Andrade ...... Purchases and Stores Manager • Adopted resolution approving legal coun­ Richard A. Fratus ...... Controller sel, legal services, and actions relating to Bruce Goddard .... Government/Community Relations Manager· Ozro D. Gould ...... Risk Manager refinancing of the Administrative Offices Pamela Granger . . . . • . .• ... . . Administrative Projects Manager/ facility, on motion of Director Wiggins. Acting Director, Budget Office Frank Johnson ...... ••• . . .. Maintenance Operations Manager • Approved re-definition of District sec­ Joe M. Kinchen ...... Computer Operations Manager retary post and re-structuring of com­ Donald S. Larson ...... Research and Planning Manager pensation range; authorized Interim Mike Mills ...... Public Relations Manager Dorothy Parrish...... Human Resources Manager General Manager to select specified George C. Skezas ...... Director of Maintenance/Construction search firm to fill post of Risk Manager, Leland Skilling ...... Acting Labor Relations Manager on motion of Director Bettencourt. Sterling Stewart ...... Acting Director of Transportation B. F. Williams ...... Operations Center Manager • Approved broadened list of finalists to be considered for appointment to fill Direc­ months, on motion of Director Betten­ tor-at-Large vacancy, on motion of Di­ court. rector Creason. • Approved opposition to state Proposi­ *** tion 72, on motion of Director Creason. At an adjourned regular meeting May 25, • Approved staff development of action the Board of Directors: plan to strengthen internal accounting • Approved amendment to financial grant control; awarded contract to Arthur to allow inclusion of two specified capital Andersen for financial auditing services improvements, on motion of Director for Fiscal Year ending June 30, with Wiggins. option to extend for four years, on motion • Appointed John Woodbury to fill Di­ of Director Wiggins. rector-at-Large position, on motion of • Authorized Interim General Manager to Director Nakadegawa (see story, Pg. 3). develop transit shelter program, on mo­ • Extended contract of Interim General tion of Director Nakadegawa. Manager for a period not to exceed two (Continued on Page 14)

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