City of Alameda Paratransit:
Free AC Transit Bus Pass
Program
City of Alameda – AC Transit Interagency Liaison Committee April 17, 2025
alamedaca.gov/paratransit
1 Paratransit Program Elements
Free AC Transit bus pass program (Pilot)
Alameda Independent Mobility (Pilot)
Travel training and outreach
Group trips
BayPass for Alameda Point Collaborative
Capital projects
2 Free Bus Pass Program Overview
3 Eligibility
• Low-income residents 65 or older.
Pass holders must maintain Mastick
Senior Center membership
• Low-income residents aged 18-64
with a certified disability
Participation
• 970 program members + waitlist
Free Bus Pass Program Ridership
4 Jun '22 2022: 571
Dec '24 2024: 18,196
0 100
200
300
400
500
600
700
0 2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
20,000
Bus Boardings
Unique Users
Monthly Boardings and Unique Users, 2022-2024
Monthly Boardings Unique Users
Free Bus Pass Participants
5 1%
73%
3%
3%
0%
13%
7%
Race/Ethnicity
American Indian or Alaska Native Asian
Black or African American Hispanic or Latino
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander White
Other
Responses: 914
37%
49% 1%
6%
3% 2% 2%
Languages
English Spanish Cantonese Mandarin
Vietnamese Tagalog Other
Free Bus Pass Program Feedback
6 Really great for learning how
to use the bus system.
Definitely lowered the barrier
for access and use.
I am so happy having a
free transit pass because
it helps me a lot
financially.
Like most retired elders
saving money is the Holy
Grail! Therefore, I do use
the pass and it has made
my life less stressful.
We are so grateful for this program.
My disabled son need lots of
practice and this pass opens up
opportunities for greater
independence. We use it to go
shopping, to volunteer and to
socialize.
LOVE
IT!!
Cost Considerations
7 • Currently at top of Measure BB Paratransit budget
• High enrollment, active riders
• Fare increase implications
– 230,000 rides * $0.25 increase = $57,500
• Contract timing
• City response
– Prioritizing budget for Free Bus Pass program
– Enrollment renewal summer 2025
– Documentation requirement for low-income status
– Program alternatives
Program Alternatives with Rate Increase
8 A. Limit Program: Within existing Paratransit Measure BB funding, reduce enrollment through renewal and stricter income verification.
B. Maintain Program: With a moderate GF budget addition, maintain existing program size (allow new participants to enroll after renewal and income verification).
C. Expand Program: With a larger GF budget addition, the program could grow.
D. Convert to EasyPass: Transition to the flat rate EasyPass program instead of pay-as-you-go. Feasibility and fiscal impact TBD.
Contact
9 Lisa Foster
Transportation Planning Manager
510-747-6833
[email protected]
Liz Escobar
Paratransit Coordinator
510-747-7513
[email protected]