AC Transit officials told the Piedmont City Council on Aug. 4 that the agency will implement a realigned bus network beginning Sunday, Aug. 10, and urged riders to check updated schedules and signage. Maria Henderson, external affairs representative with AC Transit, said the plan is intended to respond to pandemic-era shifts in travel patterns while balancing reliability, equity and frequency.
The presentation matters because the agency’s changes affect how Piedmont residents — including students who depend on bus service — will travel to school and work. City and school officials have already sent a joint letter seeking clarification about specific local routes and school service.
AC Transit said the agency developed the plan after nearly two years of review, planning and public engagement. Henderson said outreach included ambassadors at bus stops, advertising at BART stations, printed materials aboard buses and direct communications with government and community partners. Updated signage at more than 1,500 stops was described as in progress.
Henderson noted AC Transit had received a letter from the school board president, the superintendent, the mayor and the city manager about changes to existing Line 33 and a new Line 88; she said transit staff would respond directly to those correspondents. City leaders asked for a clear point of contact to continue follow-up; Henderson identified herself as the liaison for Piedmont and agreed to leave contact details with the city administrator.
Public comment at the meeting included support for the new Line 88. Council members asked staff to coordinate with AC Transit on communications to schools and families ahead of the Aug. 10 service change.
City staff and council members said they would continue follow-up with AC Transit and the school district to clarify impacts on student travel and local stops. For details and route maps, AC Transit directs riders to actransit.org/realign.