You may be familiar with the Oscars and Grammys, but the AdWheel Award is a lesser-known accolade celebrated in the public transit marketing sphere. The AdWheel is a coveted recognition by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA)–and County Connection is a 2025 recipient. Woot! 

The AdWheel Awards are presented annually at the APTA Marketing, Communications, & Customer Experience Workshop, which takes place at various locations across the nation. The awards recognize excellence in three main categories:  

• Best Marketing and Communications on Workforce Development 
• Best Marketing and Communications to Increase Ridership or Sales 
• Best Marketing and Communications Educational Initiative  

Each category features five subcategories based on platform or marketing format, including print media, electronic media, special events, social media, and comprehensive campaigns. Agencies must submit applications and, when applicable, samples of their campaigns, months in advance to be considered for an award. 

This year, County Connection won the AdWheel Award for Best Marketing and Communications on Workforce Development (Social Media) for our March 2024 campaign in honor of Transit Operator & Worker Appreciation Day. This annual event recognizes the contributions of those who not only drive our buses, but keep them clean and operational, providing essential service to our community. 

About our 2024 Campaign 

For our 2024 campaign, County Connection’s marketing team invited passengers to submit messages of appreciation for our transit workers through an online form. We received nearly 100 submissions, which staff used to create a graphic template that included the sender’s first name, age, and city alongside their message. We also highlighted our transit workforce by preparing posts featuring photos of three County Connection staff members representing our operators, maintenance team, and customer service team. Transit Operator & Worker Appreciation Day took place on March 18, 2024 (and every March 18), and the graphics from our award-winning campaign were shared throughout the day on social media. 

County Connection is proud to receive this recognition and aims to show our workforce how much they are valued, particularly as the public transit industry seeks to fill vacant positions. (BTW, we’re hiring!) 

Submit a message for our Appreciation 2025 campaign 

We’re repeating our efforts again this year and putting out a call for messages that we can share with our transit workforce. This year, you may submit a message (such as “Thanks for greeting me each morning”), or include a photo or video, and even haikus are welcome from those feeling poetic for transit workers! We will select as many submissions as possible to share (and tag if you wish) on our social media pages. 

Thank you for helping us celebrate the dedicated individuals who make public transit possible! 

Maybe this ain’t your first Roadeo (yes, that’s how it’s spelled). But if it is, buckle up: in public bus circles, the International Bus Roadeo, run by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is the ultimate test of skill. A Roadeo is a bus-handling competition held annually, challenging public bus agencies to pit their top operators against an obstacle course of hard turns, quick stops, and serpentines—all timed, of course. For most operators, however, it is just another day at the office. 

To qualify for the International Bus Roadeo, held this year in Austin, TX, agencies must first hold their own competitions, adhering to the same judging criteria, and course problems. County Connection hosts its competition in late Winter/early Spring, inviting any staff with a Class B driver’s license to participate. But only an APTA-qualified* operator winner can advance to the international stage.  

Like County Connection, many agencies turn their local competitions into mini-industry-only events, inviting partner agencies for judging, food trucks, and even a bounce house for the kids—all fostering a spirit of camaraderie and friendly rivalry. And yes, there is a good chance for everyone to ride through a bus wash while singing “The Wheels on the Bus”—pure joy for both kids and kids-at-heart! 

On the international stage, local competition winners face off against other top operators from around the country for the top prize. The operator with the highest score receives a trophy, Champion Ring, and $1,000. In addition to navigating the obstacle course, participants are evaluated on personal appearance and complete a pre-trip inspection of the bus—a true test of expertise. 

 While a simple left or right turn may seem easy, bus drivers navigate these 13-ton, 30–40-foot long vehicles daily, maneuvering through bustling freeways and narrow streets. Add in unexpected challenges like accidents or animals darting across the road, and the demands become clear. Bus operators possess skills often overlooked, or at least not easily noticed. With each trip, they must balance precision, quick thinking, stellar customer service, and a high level of professionalism. It’s no wonder so many agencies strive for excellence at the APTA International Bus Roadeo, displaying the remarkable skill set required to sit behind the wheel of a bus.  

In a time when County Connection and the public transit industry grapple with financial sustainability, recover ridership lost during the pandemic, and strive to fill numerous vacant operator positions, the Roadeo represents more than just a contest. It’s a point of pride for agencies; a reminder that while competition can be fierce, it’s the everyday dedication of operators that truly keeps our communities moving safely.  

For over 25 years, County Connection has proudly sent over 10 operators to compete nationally, many of whom competed more than once. The agency also has the top female driver, who in 2010 ranked in at #4 nationally, and is still the top-scoring female competitor.  

So, as drivers tackle the Roadeo gauntlet, both on small and big stages, they also reflect the real-life obstacles they face daily—because in the world of bus driving, every day can feel like a Roadeo. 

*To be APTA-qualified, operators must not have had any accidents, suspensions, or attendance warnings in the year prior to competing.  

Concord, CA — County Connection is proud to announce the dedication of the Schroder Administration Building to honor Robert (Bob) Schroder and his son, Robert (Rob) Schroder, for their exceptional service to the community and their unwavering commitment to public transportation in Contra Costa County. The dedication ceremony was held Thursday, December 19, 2024 at County Connection headquarters in Concord.

Bob Schroder (1928-2019) was a businessperson, civic leader, and founding father in establishing the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection), serving on its Board of Directors from 1980 to 1998. Additional notable roles include serving 16 years on the Walnut Creek City Council, 16 years on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, and holding a seat on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. 

Bob’s foresight allowed for broader collaboration among local cities, making public transportation more accessible for all East Bay residents. His dedication earned him the nickname “Mr. Transportation” and led to his legacy being immortalized with the “Robert I. Schroder” bridge over Treat Boulevard. 

Bob’s son, Rob Schroder, recently retired from the County Connection Board of Directors, where he served from 1998 to 2024, while also serving as mayor and councilmember for the City of Martinez. His extensive contributions encompass transforming city finances, revitalizing parks and public facilities, and launching initiatives that support local businesses; solidifying his status as a true champion for the community and its residents. 

“For the first time in 44 years, we will not have a Schroder sitting on our Board of Directors,” quipped Bill Churchill, General Manager of County Connection. “The Schroders embody the essence of civic leadership, and they recognized that advocating for public transit is a vital investment in both economic and community growth.” Churchill, who has been with the Authority for 30 years himself, working with both Bob and Rob, continued, “In public transit, we strive to ensure there’s reliable and accessible transit for all. The Schroders truly understood that mission.” 

The Schroder Administration Building will stand as a tribute to Bob and Rob Schroders’ time, talents, and shared vision for enhancing public transportation and community development in Contra Costa County. 

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 (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

• The Ladybug Program (Concord) – The Ladybug Program assembles and distributes menstrual supplies to women and teens in need. Click here to email The Ladybug Program to request period supplies and/or menstrual health management materials.
• 4 Our Families (Martinez, 925-335-6581) – Provides resource referral and benefit assistance for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKS, General Assistance, and Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI).
• Contra Costa Health, Substance and Treatment Services (1-888-678-7277) – If you or someone you care about is dealing with alcohol or drug use, seeking help is the first step.
• Contra Costa County MEDS Coalition (request services) – Prescription drug safety and overdose prevention.
• Contra Costa Public Defenders, Clean Slate Program (CleanSlate@pd.cccounty.us or fill out online form) – Dedicated to helping clients clear their prior records in order to overcome the barrier to employment, housing, education and public benefits that a prior record can present.

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.