29 Oct AC Transit Board Appoints Longtime Richmond Resident as New Director

(Image courtesy of AC Transit via Bay City News)

By Bay City News

The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District Board of Directors on Wednesday appointed a staff member for a congressional representative to represent the bus agency’s Ward 1 in west Contra Costa County on the board.

The board appointed Harpreet Sandhu, senior district representative for U.S. Rep. John Garamendi and a Richmond resident for more than 50 years, following the death in August of longtime director H.E. Christian Peeples.

Sandhu said in a press release from AC Transit that he and his family relied on the agency’s bus service during his formative years.

“As the son of immigrant parents, I grew up relying on AC Transit, whether it was my mother’s late-night commutes to San Francisco for work or my own rides to school and college,” he said. “I know firsthand how vital affordable, reliable public transit is for working families and underserved communities. AC Transit was always more than just transportation; it was my lifeline to opportunity and, ultimately, the path to achieving my American dreams.”

Sandhu will serve the remainder of Peeples’ term, which expires in December 2026, representing Richmond along with Albany, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, San Pablo, East Richmond Heights, Kensington, North Richmond and Rollingwood.

AC Transit’s press release about the appointment said that in his role with Garamendi’s office, Sandhu “works closely with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations and community leaders, to address transportation challenges, advocate for funding, and ensure that diverse voices — including immigrants, seniors, students, and working families — are represented in policy decisions.”

The bus agency said Sandhu was selected as part of “an extensive public application process that drew a diverse range of candidates, each one reflecting the many backgrounds and experiences of Ward 1 residents.”

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