Bay Area transit riders energized by AB 2057

Assemblymember David Chiu speaks at the Seamless Transit Act launch party in San Francisco on February 27. (Photo by Julia Verbrugge)

Assemblymember David Chiu speaks at the Seamless Transit Act launch party in San Francisco on February 27. (Photo by Julia Verbrugge)

More than 150 transit riders, supporters, and advocates gathered in San Francisco last Thursday to celebrate the launch of the Seamless Transit Act (AB 2057), new legislation that will help create a more integrated, efficient, and equitable regional transportation system.  

Seamless Bay Area is the primary sponsor of the bill, which was introduced by Assemblymember David Chiu in January. The bill is co-authored by Assemblymembers Buffy Wicks (East Bay), Marc Levine (North Bay), Rob Bonta (East Bay), and Phil Ting (San Francisco/Peninsula).  

At the launch event, Assemblymember David Chiu talked about his own experience commuting around the region, and why he supports reforms that will improve the Bay Area’s badly fragmented transportation system.

“What if every time you [were driving and] switched from, say, the 101 to the 92 to the 280, you had to switch to a different app to be able to drive on that freeway? That’s what [riding transit] can be like,” Chiu said.

Chiu applauded the large crowd at the event, emphasizing the need for “people power” to keep the bill moving forward in the coming weeks and months. He said the gathering was “the best launch party for any bill I’ve ever worked on,” and encouraged attendees to stay involved.

Hayley Currier of TransForm also talked about their organization’s strong support for the bill and for better coordinated regional transit service.

More than 150 transit riders and supporters gathered to toast the launch of AB 2057 in San Francisco. (Photo by Liz Broekhuyse)

More than 150 transit riders and supporters gathered to toast the launch of AB 2057 in San Francisco. (Photo by Liz Broekhuyse)

Over 27 different separate transit agencies operate in the Bay Area, yet there are no requirements to provide coordinated service to customers. AB 2057 will put in place key reforms and accountability measures that will make transit more efficient, easy to use, and affordable for riders.

Want to get involved? 

  • Learn more about AB 2057 on Seamless Bay Area’s legislation page

  • Watch ABC 7 News’ feature story about Seamless Bay Area

  • Read more about the launch event in Streetsblog

  • Sign up for Seamless Bay Area’s mailing list and stay tuned for updates on critical moments to take action

Stephanie Beechem