AC TRANSIT CONGRATULATES THREE DIRECTORS ON THEIR ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The first Board of Directors election since AC Transit’s historic redistricting

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) is pleased to announce that the oath of office has been administered to three elected members of its policymaking Board of Directors. Each Director began their four-year term of office, starting December 6, 2024.

The November 2024 election marks the first since AC Transit's historic redistricting, which transitioned the Board's structure from two At-large and five Ward seats to an all-new seven-ward election system. Redistricting aimed to establish a more balanced and inclusive electoral map, with each Board Director representing a smaller, more focused Ward that reflects the diversity of the communities AC Transit serves.

Redistricting will be implemented through two election cycles, with the first occurring in 2024 and the final in 2026. In the most recent election cycle, voters have elected or returned to office the following individuals to represent Wards 1, 2, and 6:

Anthony (Curtis) Silva who makes history as the first Director elected to represent the newly created Ward 6, which encompasses the Cities of Hayward, Newark, a portion of Fremont, and unincorporated Fairview (Alameda County). Director Silva brings valuable expertise and fresh perspectives to our policymaking team. Mr. Silva is a Marine Corps veteran who, following his military service, began a 38-year career in the transportation industry with the Gillig Corporation. During his tenure, he progressed from Gillig’s production line to its engineering department, known for an emphasis on durable design and innovations in zero emission technology. Director Silva, who faced two challengers in the race, secured victory with 51 percent of the total vote.

Incumbent Director Jean Walsh, who ran unopposed, will remain the representative for Ward 2, which covers Emeryville, Berkeley, and parts of Oakland. First elected in 2020, Director Walsh is committed to developing a rider-centric bus network that emphasizes efficient routes, service frequency, and strategies to optimize existing resources in support of restoring ridership to pre-pandemic levels. Living car-free for the past 20 years, Director Walsh leads a Meetup group with over 750 members dedicated to biking and organizes a monthly Car-Free Happy Hour. She is actively involved in grassroots transportation organizations such as the East Bay Transit Riders Union and Bike East Bay. Fluent in Spanish and a former Peace Corps volunteer, Director Walsh brings a broad, global perspective to her role as a policymaker.

Incumbent Director H. E. Christian (Chris) Peeples, who formerly represented all of AC Transit's service areas as an At-large Director, ran unopposed to represent Ward 1, which includes Albany (Alameda County), Richmond, San Pablo, and El Sobrante (West Contra Costa County). Director Peeples has not only used his background as an attorney to help guide policymaking decisions over the past 27 years, but he also maintains strong ties to the community through organizations such as the AC Bus Riders Union, Alliance for AC Transit, Regional Alliance for Transit, Alliance for Sensible Transit, and the Coalition for a One Stop Terminal, among others. A passionate advocate for zero emission fuel cell bus operations, Director Peeples has served as a guest speaker, panelist, and moderator for national and international discussions on hydrogen and zero emission bus transitions, procurement, and deployment.

AC Transit wishes each Director success in their quest for innovation, sustainability, and community-focused transit for our East Bay communities. Your leadership comes at a pivotal time as public transportation evolves to meet new challenges and opportunities.

Congratulations on your exciting milestones!