Supplementary School Service continues to be suspended for at least one month after August 9
The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) is committed to protecting the health, and well-being of passengers and employees. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have implemented new safety measures to protect the safety of operators and riders.
AC Transit carries thousands of students to and from school each day. As a result, operational changes necessitated by the pandemic will have three major impacts on bus service in the upcoming school year:
- Supplementary School Service is NOT currently in operation and will be restored when in-classroom instruction resumes. This is due to the order issued by Governor Newsom on 7/17/20, mandating that schools in counties on California’s monitoring list begin the year with “Distance Learning” until they meet specific requirements for 14 days. AC Transit and school districts will continue to monitor changes at the school district levels and will coordinate with school officials to reactivate Supplementary School Service when students return to in-classroom instruction.
- Social distancing measures have led to adjustments in rider capacity, as such, the number of riders allowed on buses has been reduced significantly. Current capacity limits are 10 passengers on a standard 40-foot bus and 16 passengers on a 60-foot articulated bus. AC Transit does not have resources to add additional buses to increase capacity.
- Face coverings are required for all riders onboard AC Transit buses and at bus stops. Consistent with the guidelines from the Governor and the State’s Public Health Department, people in California must wear face coverings when waiting for or riding on public transportation.
AC Transit understands that these changes and limitations will affect families and students when schools open, but the changes are required due to resource constraints and in order to prioritize their commitment to the safety of riders and operators.
Please visit the AC Transit website for further updates about changes to Supplementary School Service, and sign up for line-specific eNews for timely notification about changes that could impact you or your student.