AC Transit (Oakland, Berkeley) reluctantly votes to cut weekend, all-nighter service

[KamaAina]

this is their press release; the "reluctantly" is followed by loads of anti-union propaganda.

http://www.actransit.org/news/articledetail.wu?articleid=787a3ad4&PHPSESSID=8ae08d5288d162f9bf2620b27e244028

The AC Transit Board of Directors reluctantly voted 7 - 0 at its September 22nd meeting to reduce weekend bus service as well as eliminate four of six "All-Nighter" lines beginning in December 2010. The drastic cuts will help the financially challenged transit district reduce a projected $41 million budget deficit for the two year period ending June 2011.

The reduction of weekend and late night service will save the District approximately $11.1 million annually and will eliminate about 60 union jobs. Weekend bus service on 34 bus lines will be eliminated.

"I want to emphasize that delaying these cuts is not an option at this point," said Interim General Manager Mary King. "Right now, this agency is like a patient in critical condition. AC Transit must act to stop the hemorrhaging now. We are applying tourniquets wherever possible in order to remain solvent and sustain some level of service for seniors, youth, disabled, working people and other riders who depend on AC Transit during these undeniably difficult economic times. Once we have stabilized the agency we will look for ways to restore service when funding to do so is available."

The AC Transit Board of Directors and staff explained the financial situation the bus system is in to the people who packed its hearing room. The Board told riders and the public that a combination of a declining economy, coupled with funding losses from the state and federal governments, and a bus drivers' union that has not wanted to compromise in contract negotiations has placed the District in a difficult financial situation.

Meanwhile, directly across the Bay, and in the same declining economy, San Francisco Muni just restored the last round of cutbacks it made this spring. Go figure.