276,218 / 72.5% Yes votes ...... 104,828 / 27.5% No votes
   238,429 (72.6%) Yes / 89,971 (27.4%) No in Alameda County
   37,789 (71.8%) Yes / 14,857 (28.2%) No in Contra Costa County

See Also: Index of all Measures

A special transit district organized under the provisions of the California Public Utilities Code has the authority to levy special taxes following notice and public hearings and then upon approval by two-thirds of the votes cast on the special tax proposal pursuant to Section 4 of Article XIIIA and Article XIIIC of the California Constitution and Sections 50075-77 and 53722 of the California Government Code and Section 25892.1 of the California Public Utilities Code.

If two-thirds of the qualified electors voting on this measure vote "Yes," a special tax of $48 per year will be levied upon each taxable parcel within Special Tax District 1. The tax will be collected by the Alameda County or Contra Costa County tax collectors at the same time and in the same manner as ad valorem property taxes are collected. Owners of undeveloped land, developed but vacant land and tax-exempt land will not be subject to the tax, as provided by Section 2 and Section 9 of the Measure which is contained in this Voter Pamphlet.

If less than two thirds of the qualified electors vote for approval of this measure, it will fail and the District will not be authorized to levy this proposed special tax in District 1 of Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

RICHARD E. WINNIE, County Counsel of Alameda County

Pros & Cons of this Measure from the League of Women Voters of the Bay Area

Oakland Tribune

• AC Transit again asking voters for tax 'Yes' keeps pass discount, 'no' could lead to cuts in service - October 22, 2004

AC Transit bus services help many seniors and people with disabilities remain independent. AC Transit buses and paratransit services take them to the doctor, to the market and to visit their families.

Without additional funding, AC Transit can no longer guarantee affordable transportation for seniors, people with disabilities and others who rely on these services.

This past year, AC Transit faced a $50 million budget shortfall and was forced to declare a fiscal emergency. More than 25% of management positions were eliminated, over 150 bus drivers and mechanics were laid off, nearly 17% of bus services were eliminated or significantly reduced and fares were increased.

Measure BB provides a stable source of local funding to maintain affordable public transportation for East Bay residents by increasing and extending an existing tax. Measure BB funds will be used for operations and maintenance to:

o Maintain low cost transit service for seniors, passengers with disabilities and students

o Preserve services that seniors use for trips to the doctor and to go shopping

o Maintain services that children use to get to and from school and after school activities

o Preserve bus routes that help East Bay commuters get to and from work + keeping cars off the road and reducing traffic and air pollution

Measure BB costs just $2 more per month. The cost is deductible on state and federal taxes.

An independent citizens oversight committee will ensure that all funds are spent responsibly and only for purposes approved by voters. All funds stay here in the East Bay to provide safe, reliable and affordable public transportation. Help seniors, students, and people with disabilities remain independent. Please vote Yes on Measure BB.

Linda Craig, President, League of Women Voters of the Bay Area

Jacqueline Garrett, Executive Director, Center for Independent Living

Burrill Hansen, Board Member, United Seniors of Oakland and Alameda County

Sheila Jordan, Alameda County Superintendent of Schools

Andy Katz, Co-Chair, Transportation Committee, Sierra Club SF Bay Chapter