Redesigned Service Approved Along Alameda's Marina Village Parkway

Oct. 15, 2018
The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District’s, Board of Directors unanimously approved a redesign of Lines 96 and 19, during the October 10 public meeting.

The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District’s, Board of Directors unanimously approved a redesign of Lines 96 and 19, during the October 10 public meeting, that will better serve residents and businesses along Marina Village Parkway and Alameda Point.

Over the past year, AC Transit has worked closely with the city of Alameda on a developing dilemma: how to meet increasing transportation needs, spurred by new construction and ongoing redevelopment in Alameda Point, while continuing to provide a high level of service to the dense development along Marina Village Parkway. After months of collaboration, the District and city mutually devised an impressive transit plan: a redesign of service without the need to increase the number of buses, operators or additional maintenance costs.

“The Board of Directors are confident that our ‘yes’ vote to this redesign is a collective win for the city of Alameda, AC Transit, Alameda Point and those living and doing business along Marina Village Parkway,” said Elsa Ortiz, AC Transit Board president. “Service will be enhanced with this collaborative plan and what’s more, expanding service into Alameda Point is essential for the near future.”

Alameda Point will soon be home to new housing, dining and entertainment opportunities; so with feedback from community members and some local businesses, the Board of Directors agreed that by redesigning Line 96, a long and indirect segment of turns onto Marina Village Parkway will be eliminated from the route. In its place, the redesigned Line 96 will travel a streamlined route along Webster Street, extending its route beyond Alameda’s City Hall West, and now ends at Alameda Point’s Monarch Street.

The Board of Directors also unanimously approved a redesign of Line 19 to ensure Marina Village Parkway continues to thrive as a central business corridor for residents and the shop owners who depend on their patronage. Line 19 will now travel from Atlantic Avenue onto Marina Village Parkway loop between the Webster and Posey Tubes and Constitution Way. By eliminating Line 96’s Parkway loop, bus frequency actually increases on the newly redesigned Line 19, from every 30 minutes to every 20 minutes during peak hours. Riders will now experience a time saving of 10 minutes.