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Commission accepts West Alameda TMA 2025 report after questions about merger, pass usage and governance
Summary
The Transportation Commission voted unanimously to accept the West Alameda Transportation Demand Management Association’s 2025 annual report. Staff highlighted programs including the AC Transit easy pass and water shuttle funding; commissioners pressed for clearer usage, membership and budget data and discussed an incomplete merger with Alameda TMA.
The Alameda Transportation Commission unanimously accepted the West Alameda Transportation Demand Management Association’s (WATMA) 2025 annual report on May 20 following a presentation by Michelle Wheeler, senior transportation coordinator.
Wheeler outlined WATMA’s history and programs: established in 2013 under development agreements tied to mitigation for Alameda Landing, WATMA runs an AC Transit easy‑pass program, contributes to the city’s water shuttle and implements marketing and trip‑reduction measures. She said consolidation efforts with the Alameda TMA began in prior years but stalled after WATMA’s board was reconstituted in 2025 and raised concerns about the merger; city staff said they would continue encouraging the consolidation.
Wheeler and planner Brian Magcguire told commissioners the 2025 report includes program updates, a membership survey and budget and goals for 2026. The report shows 215 easy passes were distributed as of last October and that roughly 33% of passholders report using their pass at least once per month; staff said usage tables come from AC Transit and that more up‑to‑date numbers will be provided in future reporting.
Commissioners pressed for clearer metrics on how many employees and residents are eligible for passes, whether smaller employers are being reached, and how the TMA governs spending. Staff said WATMA is a nonprofit with a five‑member board (two residential representatives, two commercial representatives and one city appointee) that approves budgets and programs; day‑to‑day administration is handled by a paid general manager and staff.
During public comment, residents asked for greater transparency on membership counts, the TMA fund balance and program expenses. Alamedans also urged expanding transit pass coverage (Clipper/Bay Pass versus AC Transit only) and improving outreach to small employers.
Commissioner Dara Abrams moved to accept the report, Vice Chair Suanther seconded, and the commission recorded the motion as carried unanimously.
