Richmond Bridge Path Restrictions Begin in October
Bike and pedestrian access on the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge is set to shrink this fall. Starting in October, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission will begin a three-year pilot that limits the path to Thursday afternoons through Sundays. On weekdays, the lane will be repurposed as a breakdown shoulder and high-occupancy vehicle lane. The 15-2 vote came after seven hours of public testimony, with advocates pointing out that 88% of the 350 public comments opposed the change. While a free weekday shuttle will operate, critics warn that riders with disabilities or those traveling overnight will lose access. Advocacy groups like Bike East Bay argue the decision undercuts the agency’s mission of providing “maximum feasible public access” to the shoreline.
AC Transit Rolls Out New Network
AC Transit’s long-planned “Realign” redesign went live on Sunday, changing 104 bus routes to reflect lower ridership and a $41.5 million deficit. The overhaul boosts frequency on high-demand lines like the 12, replaces the San Pablo Avenue 72R rapid with a less frequent 72L, and adds a new 22 line linking downtown Berkeley, West Oakland BART and Lakeshore Avenue via Alcatraz Avenue. Riders in some neighborhoods, however, face longer waits or reduced service, especially in the Berkeley Hills where line 67 will now run just once an hour. Transit advocates warn that these cuts create “transit deserts” and could discourage ridership at a time when the state is pushing to reduce car trips by 25% by 2030.
Alameda County Wants Your Input
The Alameda County Transportation Commission is inviting residents to help shape the county’s transportation future. A countywide survey—open through October 2025—asks people to share experiences and priorities whether they bike, drive, walk or ride transit. Responses will feed into the Countywide Transportation Plan. Materials are available in English, Spanish and Simplified Chinese, and residents can also request presentations or submit feedback through the CTC website.
BART Adds Tap-and-Go Payments
Riders no longer need a Clipper card to board BART. As of Aug. 20, passengers can tap a contactless credit or debit card—or use Apple Pay or Google Pay—directly at fare gates. The new “Tap and Ride” system also comes with a 30-minute grace period that eliminates the costly “excursion fare” for those who exit the same station where they entered. BART cautions riders to avoid “card clash” by tapping only one card or setting a default in mobile wallets. For now, only full-fare adult rides are eligible for Tap and Ride, meaning youth, seniors and low-income riders will still need Clipper. Transfer discounts between agencies also remain unavailable until a broader regional rollout of “Clipper 2.0.”
