Defend Strong Transit Leadership
On Wednesday, January 8, 2025 the AC Transit Board will consider censuring me. Here's what's going on and how you can stand up for strong transit leadership.
It has been an honor to serve as AC Transit Director representing Oakland, Alameda, and San Leandro and as the Planning Committee Chair for the past two years on the AC Transit Board. I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish in my first two years of office.
- I’ve raised a voice for equity in our new service plan.
- I’ve advocated for an equitable regional transportation revenue measure and the restoration of 100% of pre-pandemic transit service levels.
- I reversed an ill-considered suspension of night bus service on Broadway and changed the process to ensure the public and Board are informed in advance going forward.
- I’ve fought to maintain and improve local bus shelters.
- I’ve championed policy solutions for making decisions about the reliability of bus service and working conditions for bus operators that would provide a consistent framework based on established criteria.
Most recently, I’ve raised an alarm about the fraudulent settlement with the former General Manager that is nothing short of a gift of public funds and abuse of public office, as reported by Jose Fermoso at The Oaklandside on December 12, 2024. At a time when we should be earning the public’s trust for transit funding measures to prevent service cuts and fund service improvements, this sweetheart deal is a colossal misjudgment.
Unfortunately, changemakers are often met with resistance. Some of my colleagues want to intimidate me and shut down my work to advance policies at the Board that address needs of riders and frontline workers. I need you to come to my assistance. On Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 the AC Transit board will consider censuring me. This censure is not about an alleged breach of policy. This censure is meant to scapegoat me and to cover up the lack of any merit to the District’s excessive giveaway settlement with the former General Manager. Here is the Agenda Item; my response to the proposed censure is included as Attachment 7 to the staff report:
Granicus, Inc.
I am grateful for the support of community transit advocates and elected officials who are speaking up about the impact of my leadership and opposing the ill-conceived censure. Here are the talking points developed by transit advocates.
Your support means so much to me right now. Can I count on you to write a letter or call in on Wednesday the 8th?
RSVP here to get call-in info and details about how to write a letter.
I hope you can join me in speaking out this week in defense of strong transit leadership!
Moving forward, I hope the Board can get back to putting in the work to fight for our fair share of a regional revenue measure, build stronger relationships with local and regional leaders, and regain the public’s trust. AC Transit still does not have enough bus operators to operate today’s frequency level – and the frequency riders are looking for. There is a lot of work to get done this year to improve AC Transit and focus on the really important challenges that lie ahead. I’m optimistic for our transition with acting General Manager Kathleen Kelly who returns to AC Transit after a successful career.
I am here to fight for your needs and to represent your community. I encourage you to stay in touch.
Thank you!
Sarah Syed
sarah@sarahfortransit.com
