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Replace current management that puts the interests of a foreign bus manufacturer with which it has a “special partnership” above that of its riders, particularly ignoring its most vulnerable passengers, the elderly and disabled. Put in its place management that actively listens and responds to riders and its bus operators and mechanics.Procurement of buses thru a competitive process like every other American bus agency. Stop sole source procurement that uses taxpayer’s money to send good manufacturing jobs overseas. Buy union-made American, low-floor, air-conditioned buses that are a pleasure to ride instead of a pain.
Buy-in of new buses by riders, bus operators and mechanics. In fact, the riders that should determine if buses pass the test are the elderly and disabled. If they find them easy to navigate and comfortable, everyone will!
Fiscal responsibility. No more “creative fund swaps” that dip into operating funds to purchase no-bid, untested by a third party, imported buses that are not eligible for federal funds, the usual source for capital expenses. And which cost more than American buses. The latest Van Hool 40-ft bus they are buying costs $400,000 while a superior true low-floor American bus costs about $328,000!
No more throwing public money at failed experiments. While most bus agencies with hydrogen fuel cell programs are questioning the program because it is very expensive and ineffective, AC Transit is expanding theirs by purchasing 8 more Van Hool fuel cell buses at $2.25 million each! With that money they could have bought 36 low-floor, air-conditioned, diesel electric hybrid buses made by American union labor!
Encourage Vision. Presently the board lacks imagination, has no vision. They simply take their cues from management. Rather than being active, they are merely reactive. It may be difficult to be anything else with a management that takes its cues from a bus manufacturer. New management that encourages visionary thinking could move AC Transit in a new direction.