News & Announcements – County Connection

Community Resources: We’re here to help

Image of crisis resource graphics

Navigating your way through the holiday season can be challenging for some. County Connection is committed to public service and knows that besides needing an affordable transit option, there are those who may need help in other ways.

If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, looking for shelter, or are in need of crisis counseling support, there are resources available in Contra Costa:

COUNTY CONNECTION RESOURCES

Safe Place Logo
  • Safe Place (1-800-786-2929) – All County Connection buses serve as a Safe Place for youth in crisis. A Safe Place is a designated place that can help youth in crisis by connecting them with available resources. If you are a youth in crisis, find a County Connection bus and tell them you are in need of help. Other ways to get help:
    • Phone – text the word SAFE and your current location (address, city, state) to the number 69866. You will receive a message with the closest Safe Place location. You will also have the option to text interactively with a professional for more help. It’s quick, confidential, and safe.
    • Speak to someone on the phone by calling the National Runaway Safeline at 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929).
    • Safe Place is not intended to replace 911 in emergency situations.  If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
  • Free Routes – County Connection offers ten free routes (marked green) to any passenger. These routes travel around Central Contra Costa County and can connect you to resources.

FOOD INSECURITY

  • Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano (multiple locations) – Free food is available near you! Click here to see a map of Food Distribution Sites (listed by city) to find a location or call 855-309-3663.
  • Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa (multiple locations) – Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa Operated Dining Rooms are open to the public and serve anyone that is in need of food. There are dining rooms located in Antioch, Martinez, Oakley, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek. Click here to find a meal near you.
  • GROW (Grass Roots Outreach Warriors) (Concord) – GROW not only provides meals to whomever needs it (6 days a week), they also offer laundry and hygiene services, as well as providing supplies such as clothing and pet supplies. Dinner served:
    • Baldwin Park, 2727 Parkside Circle in Concord (Port Chicago Hwy & Bonifacio)
      Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday @ 4pm
    • Cowell Park, 3501 Cowell Road in Concord (Cowell Road, just west of Babel)
      Monday, Wednesday, Friday @ 4pm
  • Monument Crisis Center (1990 Market Street, Concord) – The food distribution program provides stability for low income and at-risk individuals and families in Contra Costa County. Distribution is Monday-Wednesday, 9am-Noon.
  • Hillcrest United Church of Christ (404 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill) – Hillcrest Community Service Programs offers a food pantry, clothing room, and care ministries for those in need.

CRISIS COUNSELING

  • Contra Costa Crisis Center (Walnut Creek, Call 988 or 1-800-273-8255) – Seek culturally relevant resources and assistance for yourself or others in need of crisis or suicide prevention, and grief counseling.
  • Rainbow Community Center (Concord, non-crisis intake line 925-692-2056) – Provides clinical and peer groups for LGBTQIA2S+ to promote acceptance, bring people together, and improve communication.
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (nation-wide, call 988) – 988 has been designated as the three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States.
  • NAMI Contra Costa – Provides support, outreach, education and advocacy to individuals living with and families impacted by mental illness. 

SHELTER

  • Contra Costa Health, Adult and Youth Homeless Services (call 211 or text “HOPE” to 20121) – Contra Costa Health’s Health, Housing and Homeless Services provides a number of services to support unhoused people.
  • Shelter Inc. (Pleasant Hill, 925-435-2074) – Rebuilding lives one family at a time, by helping reestablish a home, and assisting with the skills and resources families need to live the life they deserve.
  • Winter Nights Family Shelter (Pleasant Hill, 925-435-2074, info@cccwinternights.org) – The Winter Nights Family Shelter serves families with children, including shelter, meals, transportation, day tutors, counseling and a parking lot program.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES


If you know of other community resources available in Contra Costa County or would like to make a suggested edit to the list above, please contact the County Connection Marketing Department, marketing@cccta.org.

County Connection Secures $15.9 Million Grant for Solar and Service Modernization Project 

Concord, CA – County Connection has been awarded $15.9 million from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) to fund the innovative Solar Supported Zero Emission Vehicle Fleet and Service Modernization Project. This transformative project aims to enhance public transit services while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly benefiting disadvantaged and low-income communities within the County Connection service area. 

The project proposes the installation of 90,000 square feet of solar panels and a microgrid battery storage facility to support the acquisition of future zero-emission buses (ZEBs) that will replace outdated diesel-powered buses. 

“This funding will strengthen the foundation of our zero emission programs and commitment to ensuring safe reliable and clean public transportation for our Contra Costa residents,” said Kevin Wilk, Walnut Creek City Councilmember and the Chairman of County Connection Board of Directors. 

The project is particularly important as it aligns with California’s strict air quality regulations. In 2023, County Connection’s Board of Directors adopted a plan to transition to a fully zero-emission bus fleet, in accordance with California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations requiring all new buses purchased after January 1, 2029, to be zero-emission vehicles. The initial phase will focus on acquiring 27 additional ZEBs, set to replace diesel buses which will be at the end of their useful life. 

The TIRCP funding will not only support critical infrastructure upgrades at the main bus depot in Concord but will also enhance the facility’s resilience against future power grid disruptions. The on-site solar power generation and battery storage will significantly lower emissions, reinforcing County Connection’s commitment to a sustainable future. 

“We are always looking toward the future and for new ways to offer reliable public transit to the communities we serve,” said Bill Churchill, General Manager at County Connection. In total, the project is estimated to cost $48.9 million, with this grant award leveraging additional state and federal funds. 

The anticipated greenhouse gas emission reduction is substantial, with projections indicating a reduction of 40,372 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (MTCO2e), highlighting the project’s critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Media inquires, please contact Ryan Jones, Manager of Marketing & Communications, County Connection at rjones@cccta.org or call 925-680-2037. 

Service Changes Effective November 10, 2024

Service changes to Routes 6, 10, 17, 20, 28, 321, 335, 601, 602, 605, 612

ROUTE
WHAT CHANGED
SCHEDULE
6
  • Adjustments to trips and running times weekday and weekend
Download PDF
10
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
17
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
20
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
28
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
321
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
335
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
SELECT SCHOOL SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS
601
  • Revised schedule
  • Changed timepoint name from Castlehill/Arbol Grande to Tice Valley/Del Valle
Download PDF
602
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
605
  • Revised schedule
  • Added morning trip leaving Lilac/Newell (no service to Creekside)
Download PDF
612
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF

WHY ARE THERE CHANGES IN SERVICE?
County Connection is making time adjustments to some of our routes to better align with neighboring transit agency schedules. The updated schedules are intended to provide a more seamless transit experience across agencies. If you have questions, contact Customer Service 925-676-7500.

¿POR QUÉ HAY CAMBIOS EN EL SERVICIO?
County Connection está haciendo ajustes de tiempo en algunas de nuestras rutas para alinearse mejor con los horarios de las agencias de tránsito a nuestros alrededores. Los horarios actualizados están destinados a proporcionar una experiencia de tránsito más fluida entre las agencias. Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con Servicio al Cliente al 925-676-7500.

Food Drive & County Connection Hiring Event

Join us for our Food Drive & County Connection Hiring Event, part of the 20th Annual Pleasant Hill Community Day of Service. We’re collecting food for our neighbors facing food insecurity. All donations go a long way in helping families and individuals in need.

County Connection staff will also be on hand to talk about open positions at the County Connection Hiring Event! Stop by to donate food, apply for a new job, or just to say HI!

  • Friday, September 20, 2024 | 6-8pm
    Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane
    (Food Drive only)
  • Saturday, September 21, 2024 | 9am-Noon
    Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane
    (Food Drive & County Connection Hiring Event)
    > See current job openings

Ways to give

  • In person: Stop by our event on September 20 & 21 and drop off your donations! Volunteers will be on hand to collect your non-perishable food. > See what kinds of foods are needed
  • From home: The City of Pleasant Hill will pick up food from your home! Fill out the online Community Food Drive Donation Form to register. Then, on Community Service Day simply leave your donation outside your front door (by 9am) and the City will have a volunteer pick it up. > Click here to register to give from home
  • Donate online: For every $1 donated, Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano can provide 2 meals. All proceeds go to Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano.

In partnership with the  City of Pleasant Hill, Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, and County Connection.

County Connection stacked work mark

Tails wagging and ready to serve  

With National Service Dog Month upon us this September, we are spotlighting service dogs and the valuable support they give to those looking to move through their day safely and with confidence. For public transit, providing accessible and affordable transit is a cornerstone of County Connection’s operations and service animals are welcome on all our coaches.  


Guide Dog Puppies (in training) for the Blind

guide dog/puppy for the blind in training

It was a crisp Spring day earlier this year, and for a small group of 20 wet-nosed Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever guide dog puppies in training, County Connection buses were their classroom. The pups, ruff-ly (pun intended) around 1 year old and accompanied by Guide Dogs for the Blind volunteers, were being socialized and trained to one day (hopefully) become guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired.

To give the puppies a feel for a bus in motion, the group took a short ride from North Concord BART and around the County Connection headquarters in Concord. While riding, there were lots of distractions and the dogs were able to acclimate to the sounds on the buses (dings from pulling a stop request cord, beeping during deployment of the ramp). They also practiced sitting on the floor of bus, tucked beside or behind the raisers’ legs (out of the aisle). To close, the handlers practiced boarding and de-boarding the bus, all while holding the attention of the pups by regularly giving them treats. That’s a good boy!

How do you know if a dog is a guide dog? Guide dogs wear a specialized guide dog harness when working. The harness is sized specially for each dog and Guide Dogs for the Blind’s harnesses have the organization’s name on the front as well as on a reflective plate on the handle. > Learn more about Blindness and Guide Dog etiquette

About Guide Dogs for the Blind: Over the course of over 80 years, Guide Dogs for the Blind’s mission has expanded to three kinds of programs: a Guide Dog Mobility Program, an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Program, and a K9 Buddy Program. The public is invited to sign up for tours and attend graduations on their campus in San Rafael. More information is available at guidedogs.com.  


Bounding with Joy: Shelter dogs get new leash on life as service animals

Joybound People & Pets in Walnut Creek (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation or ARF), which is accessible on the free Shadelands Shuttle/Route 7 bus, is committed to the human-animal bond through cat and dog rescue and adoption. Their Shelter to Service program offers Veterans, first responders, victims of violent crime and others identified by a mental health professional with the support of a psychiatric service or facilities dog. Psychiatric service dogs are more than just pets; they’re trained professionals capable of assisting individuals with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, agoraphobia, and beyond. In 2023, 167 animals were adopted by Veterans and there were 860 hours of service dog training logged. 

The Shelter to Service program is an expansion of Pets & Vets and delivers four solutions: 

  1. Canine rescue and partnering: Shelters across the country are overflowing with animals needing loving families, especially large dogs who make up the majority of dogs needing homes. Shelter to Service relieves overcrowded public shelters and removes healthy, behaviorally sound dogs from risk of euthanasia. Dogs who complete the program go on to enjoy deep reciprocal love and care from the service dog partnership; dogs released from the program will have benefitted from 14 weeks of training, making them highly desirable candidates for adoption.   
  1. Human mental and emotional health: Program participants gain the life-changing benefits of a psychiatric service dog, as well as elevated self-esteem from their role in finalizing the training of their service dog to Assistance Dogs International (ADI) standards.   
  1. Vocational training: Volunteer Foster Trainers acquire valuable vocational training toward credentialing as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT).   
  1. Community service: Volunteer Foster Trainers provide a profound act of service by preparing candidate dogs for the program. The foundational training and care they give in the first 12 weeks of the program eliminates the testing anxiety participants often experience and increases the chances of service dogs’ success. 

In honor of National Service Dog Month, Joybound’s Shelter to Service program is having an open house for people to learn about how training shelter dogs can become psychiatric service animals, meet mental health professionals as well as some of their service animals themselves.  

Joybound People & Pets Open House 
Saturday, September 14, 2024 | 10 am – 1 pm 
2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 


Service Changes Effective August 11, 2024

Service changes to Routes 6, 91X, 93X, 600 Select School Routes

ROUTE
WHAT CHANGED
SCHEDULE
6
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
Download PDF
91X
  • Removed stop at Airport Plaza
  • Added stop at John Glenn/Concord Ave
  • Changed timepoint heading to John Glenn/Concord Ave
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
Download PDF
93X
  • Adjustments to times leaving Antioch BART at 7:07a
Download PDF
RESUME 600 SELECT SCHOOL SERVICE
600s
  • Lamorinda School Districts
Download PDF
600s
  • Mt. Diablo School District
Download PDF
600s
  • San Ramon School District
Download PDF
600s
  • Walnut Creek School District
Download PDF

WHY ARE THERE CHANGES IN SERVICE?
County Connection is making time adjustments to some of our routes to better align with neighboring transit agency schedules. The updated schedules are intended to provide a more seamless transit experience across agencies. If you have questions, contact Customer Service 925-676-7500.

¿POR QUÉ HAY CAMBIOS EN EL SERVICIO?
County Connection está haciendo ajustes de tiempo en algunas de nuestras rutas para alinearse mejor con los horarios de las agencias de tránsito a nuestros alrededores. Los horarios actualizados están destinados a proporcionar una experiencia de tránsito más fluida entre las agencias. Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con Servicio al Cliente al 925-676-7500.

Service Changes Effective June 9, 2024

Service changes to Routes 5, 10, 20, 35, 91X, 92X, 96X, 97X, 98X, 321, 335

ROUTE
WHAT CHANGED
SCHEDULE
5
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
Download PDF
10
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
Download PDF
20
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
Download PDF
35
  • Removed timepoints at Sunset/Bishop and Camino Ramon/Bishop
Download PDF
91X
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
Download PDF
92X
  • Added Northbound stop at Camino Ramon/Bishop
Download PDF
96X
  • Removed timepoint at Sunset/Bishop
  • Added stop at Camino Ramon/Bishop
Download PDF
97X
  • Removed timepoint at Sunset/Bishop
  • Added stop at Camino Ramon/Bishop
Download PDF
98X
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
Download PDF
321
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
Download PDF
335
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
  • Removed timepoints at Sunset/Bishop and Camino Ramon/Bishop
Download PDF

WHY ARE THERE CHANGES IN SERVICE?
County Connection is making time adjustments to some of our routes to better align with neighboring transit agency schedules. The updated schedules are intended to provide a more seamless transit experience across agencies. If you have questions, contact Customer Service 925-676-7500.

¿POR QUÉ HAY CAMBIOS EN EL SERVICIO?
County Connection está haciendo ajustes de tiempo en algunas de nuestras rutas para alinearse mejor con los horarios de las agencias de tránsito a nuestros alrededores. Los horarios actualizados están destinados a proporcionar una experiencia de tránsito más fluida entre las agencias. Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con Servicio al Cliente al 925-676-7500.

Clipper Fare Changes: More Discounts & Lower Express Fares  

Save money when you use Youth Clipper, Clipper START, and ride County Connection Express Routes

[En Español] Beginning January 1, 2024, it will be more affordable to ride County Connection with a Youth Clipper or Clipper START card, with fares going from 20% to 50% off for eligible riders. And, Clipper fares on all County Connection express routes are going down in price, matching our local route Clipper fares. In other words, that’s $1.00 to ride County Connection when you use your Youth Clipper or Clipper START card, and only $2.00 for express routes (same cost as local routes).


FARES: YOUTH CLIPPER (6-18) & CLIPPER START *

PAYMENT TYPEFARE (all routes)
Youth Clipper / Clipper START
   Single Ride$1.00 (all routes)
   Bus-to-Bus TransferFree
   BART-to-Bus Transfer$0.50
   Day Pass$3.75
   31-Day Pass$60.00 (valid on all routes)
Cash – Single Ride$2.50

FARES: ADULT (19-64)

PAYMENT TYPEFARE (all routes)
Clipper
   Single Ride$2.00 (all routes)
   Bus-to-Bus TransferFree
   BART-to-Bus Transfer$1.00
   Day Pass$3.75
   31-Day Pass$60.00 (valid on all routes)
Cash – Single Ride$2.50

YOUTH CLIPPER: $1.00 rides

Image of a male youth holding up a Clipper card for Clipper Youth, $1.00 per ride.

Youth Clipper is available for ages 6-18 and is great for youth who want to save money and ride public transit at half the cost (50% discount) of an Adult Clipper card. To apply: 


CLIPPER START: $1.00 rides

Clipper START is a regional pilot program to provide single-ride discounts to eligible riders. To qualify you must: 

  • Be a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area   
  • Be 19-64 years old   
  • Not have an RTC Clipper Card for people with disabilities   
  • Have a household income of 200% of the federal poverty level or less  

CLIPPER EXPRESS ROUTE FARES   

Beginning January 1, 2024, County Connection express route fares on Clipper will be reduced from $2.25 to $2.00 for adults, and from $1.80 to $1.00 for Youth Clipper and Clipper START card holders.  

In addition, the East Bay Regional 31-Day Local Pass ($60) will be valid on all County Connection routes, including Express routes, and the 31-Day Express Pass ($70) will be eliminated. The 31-Day Local Pass will continue to be accepted on Tri Delta Transit, Wheels, and WestCAT (except LYNX) buses. 


WHY THE CHANGE IN FARES?  In the years following the pandemic, public transit agencies continue to look for ways to simplify the fare rate structure across the region. This is in part to incentivize ridership but is also a move toward increased consistency with broader regional policies. (Translation: We want public transit to be an easy and affordable option for everyone.) 

Cambios en las tarifas de Clipper: más descuentos y tarifas más bajas en rutas exprés 

Ahorre dinero cuando utilice Clipper de Jovenes, Clipper START y viaje en las rutas exprés de County Connection  

[English version] A partir del 1 de enero del 2024, viajar en County Connection será más accesible con una tarjeta Clipper de Jovenes (Youth Clipper) o Clipper START, con  descuento que ode 50% para pasajeros elegibles. Y las tarifas de Clipper en todas las rutas exprésde County Connection serán reducidas, igualando las tarifas de Clipper de nuestras rutas locales. En otras palabras, eso es $1.00 para viajar en County Connection cuando usa su tarjeta Clipper de Jovenes o Clipper START, y solo $2.00 para rutas exprés (el mismo costo que las rutas locales). 


TARIFAS: Clipper de Jovenes (6-18) y Clipper START * 

TIPO DE PAGO TARIFA (todas las rutas) 
Clipper de Jovenes / Clipper START 
   Viaje individual$1.00 (todas las rutas)
   Traslado de autobús a autobúsGratis 
   Traslado de BART a autobús $0.50
   Pase diario$3.75
   Pase de 31 días$60.00 (válido en todas las rutas)
Efectivo – Viaje único $2.50
*Efectivo el 1 de enero de 2024

TARIFAS: Clipper Adulto (19-64)

TIPO DE PAGOTARIFA (todas las rutas) 
Clipper 
 Viaje individual$2.00 (all routes)
   Traslado de autobús a autobúsGratis
  Traslado de BART a autobús $1.00
   Pase diario$3.75
   Pase de 31 días$60.00 (válido en todas las rutas)
Efectivo – Viaje único $2.50

CLIPPER de JOVENES: Tarifa de $1.00 

Image of a male youth holding up a Clipper card for Clipper Youth, $1.00 per ride.

Clipper de Jovenes está disponible para edades de 6 a 18 años y es ideal para jóvenes que desean ahorrar dinero y viajar en transporte público por la mitad del costo (50% de descuento) de una tarjeta Adulto Clipper. Aplicar: 

  • ENVIAR UNA SOLICITUD: Los pasajeros de 6 a 18 años pueden solicitar una tarjeta Clipper de Jovenes por correo, correo electrónico o fax. Al enviar una solicitud, podemos determinar su elegibilidad. 
  • SOLICITE EN PERSONA: Los pasajeros jóvenes pueden obtener una tarjeta en persona en County Connection, 2477 Arnold Industrial Way en Concord, de lunes a viernes, de 8 am a 3 pm. 
  • Deberá verificar su fecha de nacimiento con una forma de identificación aceptada para una tarjeta Clipper de Jovenes
  • Encuentre una ubicación en persona cerca de usted haciendo clic aquí

CLIPPER START: Tarifa de $1.00

Clipper START es un programa piloto regional que ofrece descuentos en tarifas a pasajeros elegibles. Para calificar debes: 

  • Ser residente del Área de la Bahía de San Francisco 
  • Tener entre 19 y 64 años 
  • No tener una Tarjeta RTC Clipper para personas con discapacidades 
  • Tener un ingreso familiar del 200% del nivel federal de pobreza o menos 

TARIFAS DE CLIPPER  EN RUTAS EXPRES 

A partir del 1 de enero de 2024, las tarifas de la rutaS exprés de County Connection se reducirán de $2.25 a $2.00 para adultos que paguen con una tarjeta Clipper, y de $1.80 a $1.00 para pasajeros que paguen su tarifa con tarjetas Clipper Juvenil y Clipper START. 

Además, el Pase Local Regional de 31 Días de East Bay ($60) será válido en todas las rutas de County Connection, incluyendo las rutas  exprés, y se eliminará el Pase Express de 31 días ($70). El pase local de 31 días se seguirá aceptando en los autobuses Tri Delta Transit, Wheels y WestCAT (excepto LYNX). 


¿Por qué el cambio de tarifas? En los años posteriores a la pandemia, las agencias de transporte público continúan buscando formas de simplificar la estructura de tarifas en toda la región. Esto es en parte para incentivar el número de pasajeros, pero también es un paso hacia una mayor coherencia con pólizas regionales. (Traducción: Queremos que el transporte público sea una opción fácil y accesible para todos). 

Service Changes Effective January 14, 2024

Service changes to Routes 7, 97X, 321

ROUTE
WHAT CHANGED
SCHEDULE
7
  • Stop relocated at Pleasant Hill BART
Download PDF
97X
  • Adjustments to running times on morning trips
Download PDF
321
  • Adjustments to running times from Walnut Creek BART
Download PDF

WHY ARE THERE CHANGES IN SERVICE?
County Connection is making time adjustments to some of our routes to better align with neighboring transit agency schedules. The updated schedules are intended to provide a more seamless transit experience across agencies. If you have questions, contact Customer Service 925-676-7500.

¿POR QUÉ HAY CAMBIOS EN EL SERVICIO?
County Connection está haciendo ajustes de tiempo en algunas de nuestras rutas para alinearse mejor con los horarios de las agencias de tránsito a nuestros alrededores. Los horarios actualizados están destinados a proporcionar una experiencia de tránsito más fluida entre las agencias. Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con Servicio al Cliente al 925-676-7500.