Vol. 5 No.5 OAKLAND, SEPTEMBER 1962 fParade of Progress' Introduces 30 New fLiners' to East Bay Residents Another 30 new buses were in service on neighborhood lines this month after the longest bus parade in East Bay his­ tory introduced the latest AC Transit improvement to district residents. The buses, along with two large port­ able sign-boards, made a half-mile long line of march as they serpentined through seven East Bay cities. Paced by march music, the buses rolled briskly- and with military precise­ ness- along the main streets of Oakland, Alameda, San Leandro, Hayward, Berke­ ley, Albany, EI Cerrito and Richmond. The parade over, they returned to di­ vision yards to get ready for start of serv­ ice on different lines. $780,000 in Equipment The signboards, pulled by trucks deco­ rated with streamers and balloons, car­ ried the message: "Parade of Progress- 30 new Transit Liners join AC Transit fleet-$780,000 worth of smart riding." The buses were escorted by motor­ cycle police, who blocked intersections so the caravan could keep its exact for­ mation. Buses on Parade The new 45-passenger coaches raise the total of new buses to 280. With the new arrivals, 15 of the gaso­ The new equipment was ordered by line-powered Mack buses, vintage of the board of directors to keep pace with 1947, will be sent into retirement, leaving the district's continued growth in pa­ the district a total bus fleet of 645 tronage. coaches. ------.- Duplicate Bus Service Held Unnecessary AC Transit opposition to duplicate Nisbet, in his brief, also cited a 25- and competing bus service by Peerless year contract between Peerless and AC Stages between Hayward and downtown Transit predecessors in which Peerless Oakland was heard this month by the was paid some $210,000 for its local op­ State Public Utilities Commission. erating rights between Hayward and After hearing district testimony, com­ Oakland. mission examiner Martin J. Porter re­ Since AC Transit purchased assets of cessed the hearing for six weeks to allow the predecessor company, the contract attorneys to £Ie additional briefs. A de­ still is valid, Nisbet said, and has been cision by the PUC is not expected for violated by the PUC order. several months. In appearing before . the commission, district officials stressed that operation of duplicate local service would defeat IN MEMORIAM one of the primary purposes of the pub­ Death has come to a group of pen­ licly-owned transit district-a unined co­ sioned transit workers, all of them pio­ ordinated transportation network with neers in the early days of Key System system-wide service through transfers operations. and feeder line connections. DELIVERY DAY - The district's $780,000 "present" to local riders, additional new They asked the commission to recon­ C. F. Church, who entered service in buses, are unloaded from freight cars at West Oakland railroad yards. Before they 1913 as a street car operator, died Aug. went into service, the 30 coaches were paraded through East Bay cities. sider its recent decision which granted Peerless rights to run buses in one of the 23. Mr. Church, who was 77, was pen­ major AC Transit service areas. sioned in 1938. He lived at 2532 East 24th St., Oak­ A brief £led by Robert E. Nisbet, at­ land, and is survived by his widow, Mae. torney for the district, contended the Buses Add to Airport Dedication Success PUC decision is in conflict with a Cali­ Alfred H. Luther, 83, former train fornia Supreme Court ruling which states motorman, died Aug. 6. He went to work Air transportation was the theme, but land, along Broadway and through Ala­ the commission cannot allow transit com­ in 1922 and was pensioned in 1946. His bus transportation played a major role meda, switching to an exclusive bus lane petition in areas actually served by a home was at 1207-87th Ave. of its own in the dedication events at at Maitland Rd. public bus company. Metropolitan Oakland Airport during By using Maitland and then a private Charles A. Jones, 79, a street car opera­ the month. airport road-both blocked to auto traf­ No Public Necessity tor during his years of service from 1917 AC Transit provided two separate nc-buses were able to travel to and from He also maintained the PUC author­ until 1948, died July 26. He lived with his services in carrying thousands of viewers the new airport in record time, avoiding ized local service by Peerless even though wife, Pearl, at 2137 9th Ave., Oakland. direct to the open house, air show and congestion on regular approaches. Cards no showing had been made that "public other attractions scheduled for the "grand were posted on poles along the Oakland convenience and necessity" required the Delbert W. White, 63, was pensioned in 1958 after 36 years on the trains. Mr. opening." and Alameda portions of the route to additional service. White, who also died July 26, lived with remind riders where to catch the service. Supporting the district's position that A special express bus service was op­ his wife, Electa, in Auburn. erated from downtown Oakland and Visitors using their own cars found the region already is adequately served, Alameda direct to the terminal building. free parking for 13,000 automobiles, plus testimony was given by E. Sam Davis, John E. Hine, 77, of Cotati, was pen­ Other buses, chartered by the Airport the shuttle buses to take them from park­ director of research and planning. He sioned in 1951 after spending 35 years Dedication Committee, picked up car ing areas to the terminal. reported that the district presently oper­ on the trains. He died July 25, His riders at 10 locations in parking areas Operating on a loop, the buses ran ates six lines between Hayward and Oak­ widow, Sada, survives. and transported them to the terminal every minute, providing constant service land, with 49 schedules between the headq uarters. to the activities. A flat fare of 10 cents 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. commute hours and Earl H. Mangum, who died July 29, 62 schedules between 4 and 6 p.m. Dur­ worked as a motor coach operator from The special express service was routed was charged for the shuttle, with chil­ • from Grand Ave. and Broadway in Oak- dren under 5 riding free. i ng midday, there are 20 schedules an Nov., 1923, until he was pensioned in hour. 1955. He lived at 1410 96th Ave. 2 3 District Patronage Growth Continues; Surmounts Industry.wide Summer Slump JULY Growth in AC Transit patronage held strong in July, PASSENGERS side-stepping the deep summer slump customary in the transit industry. Percentage Change A total of 3,905,000 riders were carried during the from Previous Year month, an increase of 195,000 passengers or 5.3 per

~ 8%r-______~ cent. The average gain represents an increase of 4.3 per cent on East Bay lines and 8.9 per cent on transbay lines. Transbay commute book sales for the month were up 14.8 per cent over July of a year ago, showing an increase of $20,500 to $158,742 for total book sales. This was the largest single monthly increase in com­ mute sales since an exclusive bus lane was established by the State on the Bay Bridge last January.

- 2% .------'-----1 Growing use of the district's Sunday and Holiday Summer Fun Pass, which went on sale for the first time - 4% .------,------1 July 1, also contributed to the business increase.

- 6% '-______.... Total district income for the month of $1,062,512 was adequate to meet all operational costs, which _ ACTRANSIT were up 10.3 per cent over July, 1961. Income also - U. S. TRANSIT INDUSTRY provided for amortization and depreciation, but was not sufficient for retirement of bonded debt and a por- tion of bond interest, leaving a deficit of $98,800 for the month. Veterans Say Goodbye The newly adopted 1962-63 budget To East Bay Transit anticipates a monthly deficit for the cur­ rent fiscal year in anticipation of such FASHIONABLE BUS - Taking parts of an old bus and parts of a new, AC Transit Fred J. Blatt, who said the last fare­ time as passenger growth catches up maintenance workers put together this replica of a "Transit Liner" for department wells to both the ferry boats and the with last year's sizeable service expan­ store window displays. trains, now has a final goodbye-to the sion. Surplus carry-over funds and antici­ transit industry that has been his job for pated savings from the district's new 35 years. self-insurance program are expected to Blatt, who will be pensioned as of balance the budget. Window Display Features 'Transit Liner' Nov. 1, left his first love, the sea, in 1927 Miles operated in July totaled 1,855,- 168, an increase of 96,900 miles or 5.5 per to take a "temporary" job with the Key­ Taking "something old and something cent over July, 1961. and the frames painted in chrome to System. Ferry boats were his province new," the maintenance department has for the next 13 years and in 1940, as match the district's modem buses. To put an actual section of a bus together further the illusion of an actual bus in manager of the marine department, he to make a "different" window display for transit, a photo mural was made of a put the boats to bed, staying with the department stores in the area. company until they were sold. Richmond division. Blatt, 62, lives at 23 scene-spotted through the window-ap­ To make the display, workers took a Ramona Ave., Oakland. Now he and his propriate to any section served by AC The experience was repeated in 1958, section of side panel and ceiling, plus wife will travel on their own. Transit. when he was superintendent of shop and seats, from an old bus. New body parts, electric railway equipment. Fred saw his Also retiring Nov. 1 is Wilburn C. Riss­ including large picture and standee win­ The display, already featured in de­ shops sold, then the trains. man, 65, of 715 Talbot Ave., Albany, dows, were fitted into the old siding to partment stores in Oakland and Rich­ He switched to the bus division and veteran street car operator and motor resemble the "Transit Liner" look. mond, points up the district's theme: "It's has been maintenance foreman at the coach driver. He entered service in 1925. The seats were covered with new vinyl Smart to Shop Downtown by Bus." 4 5 ALL ABOARD-Who can resist a To Picnic in the Sun - and Watch the Elephant train ride through the fields and woodsy countryside? Wiggle - Ride the Bus to Knowland State Park

If you haven't seen Effie shimmy, you Or you can enjoy the stretches of haven't seen anything yet. lawns, with picnic tables spotted here Effie is Oakland's baby, and it's not and there. The kids will find a multitude sure if either Effie or the people who of interests, things to ride and to play remember her riding around town in on, animals to see. a car realize she's now a grown-up ele­ Incidentally, the Oakland Park De­ phant. partment, which is operating and de­ GIDDYUP - Dappled ponies provide small fry with an Rightfully, she's the star at the Know­ veloping the State facility, has plans now enchanting trot through the land State Arboretum and Park, but in the making for an "Animaland" which Knowland State Park. there's a bigger reason to plan a bus will eventually put the park in a unique junket to the park. spotlight. It's one of the few ideal places, close The animals will be able to see eye by, to have an old-fashioned picnic, and to eye with the spectators. The lions will to soak up some pleasant out-of-doors. roam free in their own compound and There you are, right in the middle of the people will be in cages-or at least, a city, with bus service to the gate and, in little moving car-like cages. on the other side, unspoiled, rolling coun­ There will be a tropical rain forest tryside, dotted with the unusual trees exhibit, where the wildlife will be con­ that make up an arboretum. tained only by light, with spectators safe If you want to climb the hills and walk in darkness. through the woods, you can pretend A part of this already is under con­ you're hundreds of miles away, perhaps struction, so walk up the canyon from in the Mother Lode, and the world is the picnic area for a preview of the yours. primate cages and. hospital area, Effie's ACROBAT'S DELIGHT-The new NOW TAKE A BOW-Effie plods happily through her tricks for benefit of a Sunday gibbon cage will allow the free­ audience at the Knowland State Arboretum and Park. She's big, but loveable. wheeling apes room to really swing. The ramp will lead through an aviary.

compound and the spectacular gibbon's To reach the park-and avoid Sunday cage. parking problems-take Line 56 to Moun­ The spiral ramp around the gibbon's tain Blvd. and Golf Links Rd.-and leave cage will help you watch the acrobats your troubles at home. 1 of the ape world swinging 40 feet at a There's no admission and let your whack. It also will lead through an pocketbook be your guide when it comes aviary, part of the overall plan of having to rides. Somehow, the sun always seems wild life and people in close affinity. to shine warmly and it makes for a relax­ Effie is out to play from 9 a.m. to 3:30 ing day. But don't forget some peanuts p.m. daily and gives a show, including for Effie-and we'll let you in on a secret. the shimmy, at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays She'll "blow a hom" for · the tidbits, if and holidays. you ask her. 7 Special Direct Bus Service Arranged His Hobby Pays Off in Blooms and Prizes For Area Football and Race Tracie Fans By Virginia Dennison AC Transit went sporty this month­ The district also put itself on the Raid­ one of its busiest-operating special serv­ ers' bench by running shuttle buses to Gaston Salles, who has been working ice for those who follow the bangtails, Youell Field from two terminals, one at as a stock clerk for AC Transit since the Raiders or the California Bears. Grand Ave. and Broadway and the other 1945, is a very modest man. A "Race Track Special," Line 94, was at 1st Ave. and East 14th St. He has compensated for a handicap operating from University and Shattuck The football season at University of by becoming a champion in a new field­ Aves. in Berkeley, taking fans direct to California was greeted by the district and he has the trophies and ribbons to the grandstand at Golden Gate Fields with a public invitation: "Let's go the prove it. in Albany for the 44-day racing season easy way to Cal Stadium." He keeps the ribbons in a closet and which opened Sept. 10. Service on Line 51 and Line 40 was he's shy about the trophies. But he East Bay fans could connect with the increased for the games and express blooms-just like his prize-winning roses Line 94 service, while race track goers buses also were put into service, taking -when he gets out in the garden that from San Francisco had special non-stop fans from the San Francisco terminal to gave him new interest, and a measure service from the Transbay Transit Ter­ the stadium gates at Piedmont Ave. and of fame. minal. This express was delivering riders Gayley Rd. in 30 minutes. And this for a man who had never at the grandstand in 20 minutes. "even stuck a fork in the ground" until after he lost his right hand in an acci­ Up-to-Date Route Maps dent in 1941! New Shelter For Salles, who picked up the nickname Available to Public of "Cy" after he went to work for the San Pablo Station New route maps, containing the latest district, is as happily French as his native "San Pablo Station," a busy and im­ AC Transit service improvements, were land, but the accident was a mental portant transfer point for more than half made available this month to the public. shock, as well as a physical one. a century, will get its first streamlining, The multi-colored maps include the "I had been a baker all my life. I didn't as result of district plans for a new pas­ routing of present AC Transit service, know what to do next. I was pretty de­ senger shelter. from EI Sobrante and Richmond in the pressed, but my neighbor, who was the The shelter, to be built at 40th St. and north to Alameda and Fairway Park at keeper at the Berkeley Rose Garden, said BACKYARD HOBBY - Gaston Salles, Yerba Buena Ave., will be of open steel the southern boundary of the district. 'Well, boy, you snap out of it and do stock clerk at the Richmond division, finds structure, with a "butterfly roof" design. Similar to previous route maps, points something.' He got me to plant 3 or 4 fun and friends in raising prize winning It will be large enough for two buses. of interest are highlighted by informal rose bushes." roses at his Berkeley home. Directors authorized general manager drawings appropriate to various sites. From that beginning, in his yard at K. F. Hensel to use bond funds, already On the reverse side, the map has "a 1624 Curtis St., Berkeley, Salles has ex­ earmarked for terminals, for the con­ guide for going places on AC Transit," panded to more than 150 bushes, of keep working-pruning, spraying, water­ struction. Cost of the 42-foot structure ranging from Alameda beaches to Wood­ some 80 varieties. And he has become a ing. was estimated at $2,000. minster Amphitheater, plus a detailed prize winner of note. "You have to live with the plants so Development of smaller neighborhood map of operations in downtown Oakland. This year alone he had the best rose you know how they perform. You learn shelters at major transfer points else­ Some 30,000 maps were turned out in at the East Bay Rose Society Show, from other people and try new ideas. where in the district also is under con­ the new printing, to fulfill a steady de­ picking up four trophies, the gold medal Then you pick up a few tricks of your sideration. mand set off by the recent free distribu­ certificate of the American Rose Society own." The transfer point, long known as San tion of "Transit Trails" booklet and a and the Crombie plaque, for his entries. For home gardens, he has these favo­ Pablo Station, has been a well-used stop list of "Things to Do for Summer Fun." The Alameda County Fair added an­ rites: "First Love" in the pink, "Chrysler since the beginning of Key Route train­ The new maps will be available at the other 19 or so ribbons to a collection of Imperial" in the reds, "King's Ransom," ferry service in '1903. It was the last in­ Transbay Transit Terminal in San Fran­ well over 100. among the yellows; "White Night" for town stop before the Key pier and was cisco, at the general office, 1106 Broad­ How do you win prizes for roses? a white rose and the new "Tropicana" in also the point where automatic block way and at various Chambers of Com­ You get the best varieties for the cli­ orange. signals began. merce offices. mate; prepare the ground right, and you He also has some advice: "Hard work." 8 9 New Employees Find Warm Welcome Signs Expand Bus Stop Information . In DiEEerent District Departments Initial results of a passenger informa­ The signs posted in the downtown It was welcome time again this month 32776 Moccasin St., Union City; G. E. tion study were seen this month as new area of Berkeley are similar to the ones for a number of new employees. They Rock, Jr., 16005-A Mateo St., San Lean­ bus stop signs were posted in Berkeley, erected in downtown Oakland, except include: dro; W. L. Black, 4458 Fleming Ave., noting exceptions to hours of bus opera­ for the addition of non-operating times. General Offices Oakland; A. C. Akins, 396 Culp Ave., tion, along with other pertinent traveling The signs will be installed at down­ Hayward; H. E. Fearn, 1277 99th Ave., data. town locations in other East Bay cities Claims: Alan Harley Davidson, 4100 Oakland. On lines where buses are not running during the next several months. Greenwood Ave., Oakland, asst. trial at­ a full seven days and seven nights, the torney. period of non-operation was included, Treasury: Louis B. South, 3215 No. for the special benefit of new riders who Main St., Pleasant Hill, junior typist otherwise might wait unnecessarily. The clerk. Nothing Phases Central signs also list the route number of each Emeryville Division Dispatch; Not Even 95 line that observes the stop, its destina­ Elks Out on the Town tion, and principal street of travel. Transportation: Peter Mazuca, Jr., 6423 Bancroft Ave., Oakland, mail carrier. In line with the district's program of Central Dispatch, used to many prob­ Bus Operators: E. L. Bond, 421 Van assisting riders, the special signs also lems, managed recently to expertly han­ Dyke Ave., A. A. Leonardo, 9956 6th dle 95 celebrating Los Angeles Elks, but will be posted along the route on Line St., Oakland; N. N. Gee, 2639 22nd Ave., not without a few hectic moments. W in Alameda, signifying that buses Oakland; E. G. Brewster, 3808)~ Mission Donald Bennett, on duty, got a phone operate only during certain commute St., San Francisco; H. L. Kenner, 2270 call on a Sunday night from a man who hours and in one direction-San Fran­ Stanton Ave., Richmond; B. L. Bennings, said he was on a train at Davis, en route cisco-bound in the morning and Ala­ to Oakland. He wanted two chartered 1508 Madison St., Oakland; M. M. Mc­ meda-bound at night. buses to meet the Elks 30 minutes later Millan, 1900-A Woolsey St., Berkeley; to take them to an Elks Club during an R. E. Millhorn, 5355 James Ave., Oak­ hour stopover. land. Returned from military leave: G. Bennett, dubious, checked Elks clubs Excursion Passes to T. Jacobs, 3018 E. 7th St., Oakland. in the area, found they not only weren't Be Sold Year Around expecting guests, they weren't even open. Richmond Division The Southern Pacific station master knew nothing of Elks, but confirmed the pend­ The Sunday and holiday pass, made Bus Operators: G. G. Norton, 707 ing arrival of a train. available during the summer period, has Shields St., San Francisco; W. B. Rivers, The dispatcher checked with AC trans­ proven so successful it will be continued 1593 N. Opal St., Richmond; R. H. Barn­ portation manager, D. J. Potter, who on a year-round basis. hill, 3149 Rollingwood Dr., San Pablo; gave the go-ahead to have two buses waiting at the 16th St. station. The board of directors decided to ex­ J. M. Blackwell, 2513 Hinkley Ave., Rich­ tend the pass as result of the steady in­ mond; W. S. Campbell, 2513 Hinkley Bennett checked the three AC divisions crease in sales. for men and equipment: none available. Ave., Richmond. Then he radioed a supervisor to intercept During the month between Sunday, two schedules, due in at the Emeryville August 5, and September 3, some 16,111 Seminary Division division. They kept rolling, arrived in passes were sold. August 19 was the time to meet the train-and sure enough- busiest day with 1187 passes purchased Maintenance: Charles D. Brearley, 95 happy Elks. by riders, as compared to the 441 sold 2724 School St., Oakland; George A. The buses transported them to a local on July 1, initial date of sale. Bryant, 1515 28th Ave., Oakland; Wil­ tavern, where they spent a happy hour liam L. Degraw, 10065 MacArthur Blvd., and were driven back to their train and The four Sundays in August accounted Oakland; Darel Koger, 1528 23rd Ave., departed. for 14,407 passes and the Labor Day J. Oakland; Homer D. Reagan, 4250 Ap­ As one East Bay newspaper columnist week-end added sales of 1704. pian Way, Apt. D, EI Sobrante; service reported: "You have to run an enterpris­ An analysis of Sunday riding has in­ ing bus company to make money out of employees. an Elk migration." dicated that a substantial portion of the INFORMATIVE SIGNS - Maintenance Bus Operators: R. C. Mitchum, 1979 yield from the passes represents new workers Dudley Williams, left, and John Orchard Ave., San Leandro; W. E. Snow, business. Cappa post new signs in Berkeley. 11 10 At an adjourned regular meeting Au­ gust 22, 1962, the Board of Directors: TRANSIT TIMES • Approved program for introduction to the public of 30 new Transit Liner buses, on motion of Vice President Cope­ Teli..,ntl\ll\.Uq land. BOARD OF DIRECTORS • Authorized operation of special ex­ WM. J. BETTENCOURT . President press service to dedication of new facili­ Ward IV ROBERT M. COPELAND • . . Vice President ties at Metropolitan Oakland Interna­ Director at Large ROBERT K. BARBER .. Director at Large tional Airport, on motion of Director WILLIAM H. COBURN, JR. Ward I WILLIAM E. BERK Ward II Barber. JOHN McDONNELL Ward III E. GUY WARREN • Ward V • Approved cancellation of lease and ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS purchase of six automobiles used by KENNETH F. HENSEL General Manager ROBERT E. NISBET • • • Attorney claims department personnel, on motion JOHN F. LARSON • Treasurer-Controller of Director Barber. GEORGE M. TAYLOR • Secretory ~9 • Decided against renewing option on lease covering district headquarter of­ * * * fices at 1106 Broadway, Oakland, on At the regular meeting September 12, motion of Director Barber. 1962, the Board of Directors: • Levied tax of 2.9 cents per $100 of • Denied request of Fielder, Sorensen assessed valuation on property within & Davis to install "king-size" advertising Special Transit Service District No.1, panels on 80 new 45-passenger buses, on on motion of Director Coburn. motion of Director Barber. • Approved revised resolution calling • Denied request of Fieider, Sorensen election for four directors of the Transit & Davis to install "cineramic" advertising District at the general election Novem­ panels on 80 new 45-passenger buses, on ber 6, 1962, on motion of Director Co­ motion of Director Barber. burn. • Denied request of National Transit • Authorized members of Board of Advertising Assn. to contribute 3 per cent Directors and up to three staff personnel of district transit advertising net revenue to attend annual meeting of American for purposes of promoting greater use Transit Association, on motion of Vice of transit advertising, on motion of Di­ President Copeland. rector Coburn.

TRANSIT TIMES BULK RATE Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District 1106 Broadway U.S. POSTAGE Oakland 7. California PAID Return Requested Oakland, Calif. Permit No. 2105

ROBERT E NlSBE1' q T~Wi"LP~tS RD ,\ -5 EERY,ELEY 8. CAL