Bay Area Region

By Marnette Federis

Housing Element

For Tuesday's City Council meeting, city staff will provide an update on the task force putting together an update of the city's housing plan.

According to a staff report, a public draft of the updated housing element could be available by February 2011.

With the Urban Habitat settlement, Pleasanton must put together a housing document, which provides an outline for the regional requirements for affordable housing in the city.

By Matthew Roth

AC Transit riders took solace in the news on Tuesday that the agency plans to restore service that was cut twice this year after a labor arbitrator settled a contract dispute. Transit advocates worry, however, about the agency’s long-term solvency and have called on elected officials to develop significant revenue measures for funding buses in the East Bay.

The arbitration panel in the AC Transit labor negotiation reached a decision on a contract between the transit district and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 192, which represents 1,750 of its bus drivers and mechanics, saving the agency $38 million over three years. The binding decision calls for increased contributions from the members to their health and benefit plans, as well as work rule and holiday changes.

AC Transit had cut service in March by 7.8 percent, or $10.3 million in service hours and in October by 7.2 percent, or $11.4 million in service hours. Fare increases this year amounted to an increase of 25 cents per trip for local riders and $10 for the price of a monthly pass. Transbay riders have been paying an increase of 50 cents per trip and $16.50 for a monthly pass. Youth, senior and disabled riders saw a hike of 15 cents per local trip and 30 cents for Transbay trips.

By Casey Miner 

Halloween was a scary day for bus riders in the East Bay. On October 31, the beleaguered AC Transit cut more than 7% of its service. That’s after the 7.5% the agency already cut back in March. More service reductions had been planned for December, but officials announced late yesterday that they wouldn’t have to make those cuts, thanks to a new agreement with the drivers union. But don’t breathe that sigh of relief just yet – even more cuts might be on the way next year.

These constant changes and threats of cuts are creating a lot of tension ­– riders feel like they’re being ignored, while officials say they have no choice but to balance the budget, even if that means less service.

KALW’S Casey Miner tries to bridge the communication gap and brings us this report.

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RUTH: My name is Ruth, I take the 49 bus from 9th and Ashby up to Ashby and Telegraph. It runs once an hour each way.

ARLENA BAIN: Hi, my name is Arlena, I work for the Oakland Zoo.

SANGRIA DONELSON: My name is Sangria Donelson. This is my first form of transportation. I ride the bus all day, every day.

MARLON HOLLIS: My name is Marlon. I ride the bus basically every day.

Organized by Bus Riders, ACCE, BOSS, Genesis, Urban Habitat and Public Advocates

Public Transit Keeps Us Connected and Moving Service Cuts STOP US DEAD IN OUR TRACKS! JOIN US TO STOP THE TRANSIT CUTS AND ASK ELECTED LEADERS TO JOIN THE FIGHT

Tuesday, November 9th at 5:00 pm
1 FRANK H OGAWA PLAZA, (14th and Broadway)
DOWNTOWN OAKLAND