Transit Times Volume 4, Number 2

8/14/2019 Transit Times Volume 4, Number 2

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Vol.4 No. 2 OAKLAND, JUNE 1961

Prominent Transportation LeaderAppointed to Board of DirectorsE. Guy Warren, Hayward trucking executive and a leader in transportationdevelopment, has been named to the AC

Transit board of directors to fill out theunexpired term of Paul E. Deadrich, whoresigned.

Board President William J. Bettencourt, in announcing Warren's selection,praised him as a civic leader of "highintegrity who comes to the district wellregarded. He is held in high esteem notonly in southern Alameda County, butin the entire bay area."

Warren is an "outstanding citizen" andthe transit board is fortunate in havinghim as a member, Bettencourt said.

The new director was sworn into office in brief ceremonies before SuperiorJudge Allen G. Norris and took part inhis first board meeting this month.He has been appointed by Bettencourtto take Deadrich's place on the ProjectDevelopment Committee and the Personnel and Public Relations Committee.Transit Veteran

Interested in transit for 10 years, Warren was instrumental in formation of theAlameda-Contra Costa Transit Districtand in passage of the $16,500,000 bondissue which put the district in businesslast October.

The new director is ,owner of the War-

ren Transportation Co., and has a longand active record in community endeavors, particularly in the field of education.He is credited with an important partin bringing the new Alameda CountyState College to the Hayward area andpresently is chairman of the college advisory board.It was because of his privately fi-

nanced engineering studies that the stateaccepted the Hauschildt Ranch site forthe college, an accomplishment whichwon a special award for Warren from theAmerican Trucking Association.Civic Leader

Warren is a long time member of theHayward High School district board,and past president and director of theHayward Chamber of Commerce andRotary Club. He also is past presidentof the California Trucking Association.

A native of Alameda County, Warrenis a member of a pioneer family thatsettled here in 1852. Along with his trucking business and civic activities, he operates a livestock ranch at his home,17031 Cull Canyon Road, Hayward.

As district director, he represents WardV, including Hayward, Castro Valley,San Lorenzo and portions of San Leandro.


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Healthy Balance Seen For First YearAC Transit will start a new Rscal yearon July 1 with a healthy balance sheet

and a carry -over operating ne t of$774,883.The Rgure includes nine months of

actual operations since taking over fromKey System Transit Lines.Estimates on how the district will endits Rrst fiscal period and tentative Rgureson what might be expected in the nextyear, were presented by the generalmanager to the board's finance committee for discussion, as preparatory to presentation of a preliminary budget laterthis month.

Final adoption is expected at the boardmeeting on July 12.

General Manager John R. Worthington said the district would "start nextyear in a good Rnancial postion," with anoperating net of $774,883. This wouldsubstantially top the board's previousestimate of $509,604. He explained thenext Rscal year will be a "year of trial,"however, with the district spendingmoney for improvements and changesand not yet realizing the revenue.

Although the district may fail in meeting its actual costs during the next year,there is ample Rnancial reserve to insurethere will be no increase in fares or taxes,as promised when the district came intobeing, Worthington said.

NEW DIRECTOR - E. Guy Warren (left) is sworn in as new member of the AC Transit board of directors by Superior Judge Allen G. Norris. Witnessing the ceremonieswas board president William J. Bettencourt. (Story on Page One)2

Educators Indicate Bus CooperationThe complex and costly problem of

Oakland hillside school bus service remained unresolved this month, bu t withsome avenues of possible solution openedas result of a high-level, full board meeting between directors and operators ofAC Transit and the Board of Education.

While no questions were solved, andsome new ones raised, one importantpoint did evolve-an indication on thepart of the school board that they wouldhave to share in the transportation undersome plan or another.This was indicated despite the "disappointing" statement by school officialsthat a bill introduced and passed by thelegislature, to allow students and theschool district to share transportationcosts, which ha d been introduced andactively pressed by the district, "wasunconstitutional."

Carl Munck, school board president,reported at the outset that both thedistrict attorney and the attorney general have ruled that the bilI, awaitingthe Governor's signature at the time, "isunconstitu ional."

The district's attorney, Robert Nisbet,later took issue with the statement, reporting that as of June 12 (the day ofthe meeting) the attorney general ha dnot rendered an official legal opinion asto constitutionality of the bill. The legislative counsel has reported it is constitutional, Nisbet added.

While sharing of costs between thedistrict, parents of students and theschool board appeared "out" as far asthe school group was concerned, Munckindicated, for the first time, that theboard would have to participate in furnishing some kind of transportation.

Ou t of the discussion came one possible solution, the operation by the schoolboard of some kind of shuttle serviceto the new Skyline High School from

pick-up points on existing AC Transitservice.The solution, which would pu t theSchool Board back in the school bustransportation business they have soughtto leave, would have students riding AC

Transit buses at a 10 cent fare, thentransferring to tax - supported schoolbuses.At issue has been means of getting

students from a nine-mile area to a schoolin a remote area that presently does nothave, nor warrant, regular bus service.For the district to handle the entireoperation, would mean purchase of additional buses and a school year costof at least $106,000, less an estimated$40,000 in fares, Worthington said.Board Asks Fuel Bid;Changes Meeting Date

A new fuel contract is being soughtby AC Transit to see if it can cut the$500,000 annual bill for diesel and gasoline to operate its 625 motor coaches.

When the district took over from KeySystem Transit Lines last October, itaiso took over the private company'scontract for fuel. With requirementsnow boosted to approximately 4,250,000gallons of diesel and 500,000 gallons ofgasoline annually, plus lubricants, General Manager John R. Worthington saidhe hoped the district might be able to dobetter on its contract.At Worthington's request, the boardauthorized him to pu t the fuel requirement up for bids. Bids will be openedat the board meeting on July 12.

The board also voted at its June meeting to change its regular meeting datefrom the first Wednesday of each monthto the second Wednesday, starting inJuly.

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Efforts Stepped Up to Reduce SoaringAccident Rates; Operators Cooperate

Hard work, a new approach and goodcooperation from bus operators are combining to improve an accident increasewhich soared to alarming and astronomical heights in February and March.

Ne w equipment with different operating features, plus ne w routes and ne wpersonnel helped to send the number ofaccidents to a serious peak.

What to do about it became a districtproblem-and a problem to all employees-a s General Manager John R. Worthington pointed out in a general bulletin.He asked that every effort be made toreduce the accidents to the lowest possible number.

The safety department, under SafetyEngineer G. G. Wadsworth, stepped upits efforts to cu t the number of accidents.Steps taken include a re-training programfor all operators, particularly because ofnew buses, which differ in length andwidth, have a fast take-off and generallyare more powerful and quicker-actingthan the old coaches.

The program not only includes review

BRAKE TEST - Safety Instructor RobertBallard checks stopping distance for Operators (left to right, bottom) T. H. Benjamins, P. S.Hinds; (top) O. L. Brownand Frank Byndloss, during emergencystop tests.

and re-training, bu t explains the fundamentals of defensive driving-giving operators more technical details of professional driving and broadening the scopeof their professional knowledge.As part of the course, safe driving isdemonstrated, points talked about are

proven and the driver given a chance tolearn by observation, as well as verbalinstruction.

By the second week in June, almost600 operators had taken the re-trainingat all divisions and some 32.5 remainedto attend the course.

July 4 has been set as the target datefor completion of this program and according to Wadsworth and his chief instructor, Stan Pearce, they'll hold evening classes or give the instruction anytime "we can get a group together."

A new interpretation of "accident frequency" also is being introduced, based

SAFETY TIP-Operators (left to right) Ed-mund Oster, Thomas Dawkins and JohnL. Dobbie (kneeling) are shown how toreset emergency stop valve by TrainingInstructor Harvey Asp.

SCHOOL DAYS-Drivers get up-to-date facts from Training Instructor George Silva atone of the re-instruction classes set up for ali operators. Students are (left to right,front) T. H. Benjamins, O. L. Brown, Frank Byndloss, M. S. Hatten; (rear) D. R. Gilmore, P. S. Hinds, Henry Hamilton.

on the number of miles traveled safelybetween accidents.

This method of accident computationalready is used by airlines and the trucking industry and is not only easier tounderstand, bu t makes use of a "positive"approach, where the stress is on pilingup a high mileage figure-safely.

Wadsworth said it was planned to givedrivers a new understanding of accidentrates by talking in terms of miles per accident, rather than grouping all accidents together.

He added it was his hope that the accident rate ha d now "turned the corneran d was headed downward." Not onlyare operators taking the "small extra bi tof care" asked for by the General Manager in his letter, the public also is "getting educated" to push-type dol's, differen t step heighth and other changes between old buses and new equipment.

In keeping with the all-out effort tocu t accidents, safety instructors have alsobeen making personal rides with operators on their regular schedules, observing driving habits and suggesting on thespot corrections, if needed.

ACCIDENT PREVENTION-Safety Instructor Pete Dodson rides with operator Shirley Gaylor to observe driving habits, aspart of district's stepped-up safety drive.

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What the Editors Are Saying About TransitOakland Tribune: A Fine ChoiceT HE Alameda-Contra Costa TransitDistrict directors could hardly havefound a better man to fill the vacantpost on their board than E. Guy Warrenof Hayward.

Mr. Warren, already a proven administrator by virtue of his successful trucking company, also brings to the board avast knowledge of the transit industrygenerally and the AC Transit Districtspecifically.

He was instrumental in the formationof the transit district and played a vigorous role in the passage of the $16.5 mil-Vacation Fun ListOffered to JuniorsAC Transit hopes to solve the vacation"what to do" problem of district youngsters with a new service, a long list ofplaces where they can go by bus for aday of fun at their own level.

The list takes care of "swimmin' holes"throughout the district, listing the poolswhere youngsters can make like waterdogs.It also covers other "fun" places byarea, ranging from Nicholl Park in Richmond to the Berkeley fishing pier; themany activities of Lakeside Park; theUniversity of California campus as anexploratory goal; the Leona Park troutpools; free children's theatres, SnowMuseum.

The free "Junior Tour Packages" areavailable to the public and can be obtained by calling Transit Information,OLympic 3-3535 or writing AC Transit,1106 Broadway.6

lion bond issue which brought the district into being.Mr. Warren also has long been one ofSouthern Alameda County's most activecivic leaders, particularly in the field ofeducation. As a result of his privatelyfinanced engineering study, the State ac- ,cepted the study conclusion as the sitefor the new Alameda County State College.

We congratulate the transit board fortheir prudence in choosing a man sowell suited to the post and extend ourbest wishes to Mr. Warren in his newresponsibility.Bill to Divert BaySpan Tolls Dropped

A new bill which would have allowedrevamping of the Transbay Transit Terminal for use by Marin County andpeninsula buses, has been dropped by itsproponent.

Sen. Eugene McAteer of San Franciscosaid he was dropping the measure, designed to permit conversion of part ofthe terminal for use as a heliport-andto allow alteration for benefit of theMarin and peninsula buses.

The attempt to divert Bay Bridgetolls, mostly paid by East Bay commuters, for the benefit of riders who pay notolls, was met with opposition from theentire East Bay.An earlier bill, similar except for theheliport, brought such protest that proponents agreed not to push it before theSenate Transportation Committee.

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Charter Bus Activities Show IncreaseWith Help of Employees, New EquipmentCharter bus activities have been show

ing a steady increase in the AC Transitoperations, boosted along by special endeavors like transpo rting 1100 Universityof California students from the Berkeley campus to the opera house in SanFrancisco.

The new equipment and a "good jobof salesmanship" on the part of districtemployees has been credited by D. H.White, transportation analyst in chargeof the special service department, withbringing about the boost.CARAVAN-AC Transit buses line up totake University of California students toopera house in San Francisco in an un-usual charter activity.

"We have 1,100 employees. They're alldarn good salesmen and they belong toplenty of organizations. That's wheremost of our customers come from," Whitesaid.

The attractiveness of the new "TransitLiners" and "the fact we are the public'sown transportation company" are alsoimportant to the growth of special trips,in White's opinion.

The district had its biggest singlecharter last month when it supplied 23buses for "Cal Night at the Opera."

Aided by police cooperation, the busespicked up the opera-goers at the SatherGate entrance, loading them in a smooth35 minutes. The trip to San Franciscoran without a hitch, as the bus parademoved quickly over the bay bridge.

At the opera house, the buses wereunloaded at the entrance, then directedto parking areas previously set aside.The operation was handled so efficientlythe entire job of unloading and parkingwas accomplished in 20 minutes.

At the conclusion of the opera, thestudents were loaded again in the samerecord time.The district's biggest customer, spreadover a five day period, was the International Women's Convention of the

Church of God in Christ. The visitingmembers hired 60 buses during theirstay.As result of charter prospects, the dis

trict has equipped five of the new coachesto handle special trips. Added to thebuses were public address systems, luggage compartments and club car facilities.Commencing April 11 ACT ran 33 special trips during that month. In May, thefigure jumped to 200 trips.

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EMPTY ARMS-A charred ferry slip stands lonely in the shadow of the Ferry Building as a busy tug chugs by. This is one view to capture with a tour to the World TradeCenter in San Francisco.

Transit TrailsWander Seven Seas in Discovery Trip

By Virginia DennisonThe Ferry Building in San Franciscohas meant many things to many people,

but if you have only thought of it inrecent years as that monument with timeon its face, you can expect a pleasantsurprise. Educational, too.

The Ferry Building of memory is nomore, bu t the wing that points north isa center for all the glamour that comesfrom words like "gateway to Pacific andworld markets."Officially, it's the World Trade Center,

an international market place dealing inimports and exports.For the visitor, it's a rare chance to

wander through the nations of th e world.Unfortunately-or fortunately-you can't8

buy anything on a retail basis, bu t youcan soak up a lot of looking. And onlysome of it from the Seven Seas.

Fur out of windows and doorways hereand there you can enjoy a view that surpasses products-the bay again from thesweeptng level of ferry boat days: a firedamaged slip in the foreground; TreasureIsland floating magically in the sun; thebridge spanning mightily through thesky; tug s tooting about their business.

It's a chance to capture an almost forgotten view-or to file away a new oneand in itself a worthy goal for TransitTrailing by bus to San Francisco.

To find the center, take any of theletter buses to the Transbay Transit Ter-

'ROUND THE WORLD - American President Lines exhibit circles the globe-oneof the many displays on public view atthe World Trade Center. Visitors can enjoy a look at world products.

minaI, walk the short distance to MissionSt. and take a 9, 11, 12, or 14 bus to theFerry Building.

At the Center, you'll find an impressive foyer, with the asembled flags of theworld of nations. Exhibits of Japan areon this floor, along with internationalbanking facilities and a Pacific area dataprocessing center.

Along ramps leading to upper floorsare Pacific World murals by Covarrubias that may be familiar. They charmedvisitors to the Golden Gate InternationalExposition.

On the second floor are exhibits ofother nations, ranging from Indonesianar t to German steel. It's a fascinatingarray.

You can also peak at the third Roor,with its World Trade Club, and libraries,for the use of the Center's members.

TIME MARCHES ON-The Ferry Buildingmay no longer have commuters, but ithas international flavor with the WorldTrade Center at left, where visitors canwander Seven Seas.

You can't help bu t acquire somethingof a world wide view of your own alongthe way-and a big world wide desireto buy some of the things you'll see.But it's fun to look; a tremendouseducation for students and a place to goduring vacation. Except on week-ends.

The Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.weekdays-and if you want to pay a visitto the old Ferry Building and the excellent exhibit of the State Division ofMines on the second and third floors,mark that time as 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

But be prepared for one disappointment. The relief ma p of California isgone. Sold for reconstruction at a Redding motel.

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At an adjourned regular meeting May10, 1961, the Board of Directors: Commended retiring Director PaulE. Deadrich for his long, faithful and

devoted service to the district, on motionof Director Coburn Authorized General Manager tocomplete acquisition of property ownedby Key System Transit Lines, on motionof Director McDonnell.* * *At an adjourned regular meeting May22, 1961, the Board of Directors: Appointed E. Guy Warren of Hayward to fill the unexpired term of Director Paul E. Deadrich, on motion of Director McDonnell.* * *At a regular meeting June 7, 1961, theBoard of Directors: Authorized the General Manager toput the fuel requirement up for bid, withbids to be opened on July 12, on motionof Director Coburn. Changed the regular meeting datefrom the first Wednesday of each month

TRANS IT TIMESPublished monthly by the

ALAMEDACONTRA ,,"f"TRANSIT DISTRICT110 wisylif4'!.!!ia3-3535

BOARD OF DIRECTORSWM. J. BETTENCOURT . PresidentWard IVROBERT M. COPELAND . . Vice -PresidentDirector at l argeROBERT K. BARBER . , Director at LargeWILLIAM H. COBURN, JR. Ward IWILLIAM E. BERK Ward IIJOHN McDONNELL Ward II IE. GUY WARREN . Ward V

ADM INISTRATIVE OFFICERSJOHN R. WORTHINGTON General ManagerROBERT E. NISBET . AttorneyJOHN F. LARSON . Treasurer--ControllerGEORGE M. TAYLOR. Secre tary

to the second Wednesday, starting July12, on motion of Director Coburn. Referred to the Project DevelopmentCommittee the request by Michael Keller, Oakland City College student, forreduced fares for college students on ACTransit buses, on direction of PresidentBettencourt.

New Operators Assigned to DivisionsEight new operators have finished training and have been assigned as follows:

Division 2L. I. Ramos, 2104 Bayshore Blvd., SanFrancisco; W. F. Day, 3600 MangelsAve., Oakland; D. E. Chapman, 261138th Ave., San Francisco.TRANSIT TIMES

Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District1106 BroadwayOakland 7, California

Division 3A. L. Edwards, 50 .Church St., Apt.215, San Francisco; R. E. Elkinton, 536

Marina Rd., W. Pittsburg; R. H. Lewis,1613 Elm Ave., Richmond; C. S. Marshall, 50 Church St., San Francisco.Division 4P. W. Hadden, 1116-E.12th St., Oakland.

BULK RATEU.S. PO STAGEPAID

Oakland, Ca lif.Permit No. 21 05C H JENKINS A-5

Farm 3547 ReQuested

2030+ 84TH AVEOAKLAND,CAL

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Transit Times Volume 4, Number 2