AC TRANSIT’S TEMPO BRT ALERTS EAST BAY MOTORISTS BUS ONLY LANES ENFORCEMENT STARTS JULY 1

Law enforcement and cameras will first issue warning citations. Fines begin August 1.

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) will begin system testing of Tempo, the East Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit system (BRT), in late summer. This mandatory local and federal safety training is being conducted in the painted bus-only lanes, in preparation for service to riders. As a result, the bus-only lanes must remain clear of stopped or parked vehicles, including any delivery vehicles.

To ensure the safety of our essential workers and the protection of this innovative transit system, on Wednesday, July 1st, in collaboration with Alameda County Sheriff, AC Transit will launch a 30-day public safety patrol along Tempo’s 9.5-mile corridor. During this period, law enforcement will issue warnings to motorists violating the no-parking regulations of the bus-only lanes.

Enforcement will also be assisted by forward-facing cameras mounted on Tempo buses. Similar camera enforcement is already in use in the City and County of San Francisco and was approved in 2016 by lawmakers for Tempo’s use. During the July 1 – 31 public safety patrols, images captured by the Tempo bus will be used for warning parking tickets. Please note, the cameras are angled and focused to limit images to the location of the violation, vehicle color, make, model, and license plate. Advanced steps have been taken to avoid unnecessarily capturing identifying images of other drivers, vehicles, and pedestrians. Camera enforced citations will be mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner.

Starting Saturday, August 1st, vehicles observed by deputies or photographed by forward-facing cameras, illegally parked within the painted bus-only lanes, are subject to a $110 parking citation. Some violators may be towed.

Our East Bay communities are assured, restricted access to the bus-only lanes is being enacted for public safety throughout the Tempo corridor.

Tempo creates a direct connection between Uptown Oakland and San Leandro’s BART station, using painted bus-only lanes, largely along International Boulevard/East 14th Street. The bus-only lanes operate either curbside or in the center of the Tempo corridor, which features 46 artfully designed stations. Each station is level with the Tempo bus floor for easier access for riders using mobility devices, strollers, and cyclists. Tempo’s 27 60-foot hybrid technology buses also feature five doors for train-like operations. When fully operational, Tempo will offer frequency to riders at least every 10 minutes. Tempo’s bus-only lanes will also quicken access for East Bay first responders to emergency events.

For more information on Tempo and AC Transit, please visit actransit.org