AC Transit and Chabot Space & Science Center Partner to Expand Access to STEM Education in Oakland

AC Transit and Chabot Space & Science Center Partner to Expand Access to STEM Education in Oakland

Line 31 has been providing bus service to Chabot's entrance since August 2025; marking one year of connecting East Bay families to science, space, and discovery

OAKLAND, Calif. - The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) and Chabot Space & Science Center are excited to announce a new partnership aimed at expanding access to science and space education across Oakland and the East Bay. For the past year, AC Transit's Line 31 has provided a direct bus stop at the entrance of Chabot's hilltop campus. The partnership will bring even more visibility to the convenience of this service, which removes longstanding barriers for residents without access to a car.

AC Transit and Chabot aim to highlight the convenience of public transit as a way to reach Chabot Space & Science Center exhibits, planetarium shows, and observatory programs. Expanded service will encourage more Oakland families, students, and visitors to explore the center.

"Line 31 isn't like any of our other buses," said Sal Llamas, General Manager and CEO of AC Transit. "When the doors open on that bus, it will transport families all over the East Bay to the heart of the Milky Way, the dense unknown of black holes, the microscopic cells that make up all life on Earth and the opportunities that come from a lifelong love of science and learning. I am so excited to help the kids of our community build that love at Chabot."

Chabot Space & Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit science center and observatory that has been Oakland's home for science since 1883. Chabot invests in a belief that science belongs to everyone and that the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators are already here, waiting for the right spark. The Center offers immersive exhibits, planetarium shows, and hands-on programs, plus three historic telescopes open for free public -viewing every Friday and Saturday night . Through strategic collaborations with community partners, Chabot aims to provide multiple access points to STEM and space exploration.

"Chabot has been on this hill for over 25 years, but we have always believed that science belongs to everyone in the East Bay," said Rita Mukherjee, CEO of Chabot Space & Science Center. "Not having access to or wanting a car should never be a barrier to experiencing what we have to offer. Our partnership with AC Transit removes that barrier and opens our doors wider to our Oakland community. And frankly, it's a great way to be more sustainable too. We are excited to welcome more neighbors, families, and young people to everything happening at Chabot this summer and fall!"

AC Transit's Line 31 serves Chabot hourly on weekdays and every half hour on weekends, connecting Chabot to Bay Farm Island, Alameda's Park St. area, Fruitvale Ave., Fruitvale BART, and the Dimond District. Riders can pay to ride using Clipper, contactless bank cards, or their mobile device. Fare and schedule information can be found on actransit.org or on the AC Transit Mobile App.

The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit Districtis California's largest bus only transit agency and third largest in the US, providing an average of nearly 135,000 daily passenger trips with 133 bus lines throughout the 364-square-mile service area. AC Transit provides safe, convenient, courteous, and reliable service in 13 cities and adjacent unincorporated areas in Alameda and Contra Costa counties as well as carrying almost 7,000 daily riders across the bay to San Francisco.

Chabot Space & Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit science center and observatory that has been Oakland's home for science since 1883. Chabot inspires and educates learners of all ages about the universe and planet Earth through immersive exhibits, planetarium shows, hands-on programs, and the largest research-level observatory that is free for public viewing in the Western United States.

Claudia Burgos, AC Transit [email protected] (510) 701-2935

Sarah Nelson Goswick, Chabot Space & Science Center [email protected]

(510) 336-7338