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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

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 

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.

Alamo Creek Shuttle: Frequent Rider Rewards

Win prizes for riding each month!

We’re giving back to you, our frequent Alamo Creek Shuttle riders! Passengers who ride the most each month will be eligible to receive a gift card. The more rides you take, the greater your chance of winning!

To participate:

  1. Ride the Alamo Creek Shuttle: Check with your driver when you board to fill out a sign-up sheet. We count ridership from the 1st of the month to the end of the month.
  2. Continue to Ride: Each time you ride, you can log your trip with the driver.
  3. Final Drawing: At the end of each month, we’ll select 5 passengers with the most logged trips and contact you if you are a winner.

Prizes: Winners may choose between a Clipper Card ($20) or a Starbucks gift card ($20).


FEATURES OF ALAMO CREEK SHUTTLE

• Free to anyone traveling to and from the Danville Park ‘n Ride and Walnut Creek BART.
• Shuttle may stop at other locations within the 1.5 mile corridor along Camino Tassajara and 1-680
• Scheduled pickup at your door.
• Call 925-943-1829 for reservations 7 days a week.

Service Changes Effective November 12, 2023

Service changes to Routes 15, 35, 335

ROUTE
WHAT CHANGED
SCHEDULE
15
  • Adjustments to running times from Pleasant Hill BART by 3 minutes later.
  • Removed two AM trips and three PM trips from John Muir Medical Center Loop.
Download PDF
35
  • Revised northbound routing turning on Camino Ramon from Bollinger Canyon to San Ramon Transit Center.
  • Added new stop and time point at Camino Ramon/Bishop.
  • Adjustments to running times from Dublin/Pleasanton BART by 20 minutes between 11 AM and 3 PM.
  • Removed two AM and three PM trips from Crow Canyon Loop.
Download PDF
335
  • Revised northbound routing turning on Camino Ramon from Bollinger Canyon to San Ramon Transit Center.
  • Added new stop and time point at 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.

Public Hearing: Clipper Fare Changes

Notice of Public Hearing – Thursday, September 28, 2023, 9:00 am

County Connection is seeking public comment on a fare change proposal, which includes an increased discount for Clipper START and Youth Clipper from 20% to 50%, as well as the elimination of Express route surcharges on Clipper.

Clipper START & Youth Clipper Discounts

The Clipper START and Youth Clipper fare discounts on County Connection began as a pilot in January 2021. The Clipper START program provides a 20% discount off the Clipper single-ride fare for eligible low-income adults. Because the Clipper START program is limited to adults over the age of 18, County Connection implemented a similar 20% discount for riders using a Youth Clipper card. In order to increase participation, incentivize ridership, and create more consistency throughout the region, County Connection is proposing to increase the discount to 50% for both Clipper START and Youth Clipper.

Express Route Fares

Currently, riders using Clipper are charged an extra $0.25 on Express routes, and a 31-day pass that is valid on Express routes costs an extra $10. In an effort to simplify its fare structure, County Connection is proposing to eliminate these surcharges so that the fare for Express routes is the same as for Local routes and there is a single 31-day pass that is valid on all routes. 

Summary of Proposed Changes

The table below shows a combined summary of the proposed fare changes.

Clipper Card TypeFare ProductCurrentProposed
LocalExpressAll Routes
AdultSingle Ride$2.00$2.25$2.00
Clipper START & Youth (6-18)Single Ride$1.60$1.80$1.00
BART-to-Bus Transfer$0.80$0.50
All31-day Pass$60.00$70.00$60.00

No changes are being proposed for cash fares, Senior Clipper, RTC, or LINK paratransit fares.

How to Comment

Comments can be submitted in writing via mail, email, or online, or at the scheduled public hearing. Written comments must be received by September 20, 2023.

  • Add a comment on this post (see bottom of page)
  • Mail your comment in writing to:
    Director of Planning & Marketing
    2477 Arnold Industrial Way
    Concord, CA 94520
  • Email planning@countyconnection.com
  • Speak at the public hearing on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 9:00 am (in person or via teleconference):

NOTE: It is anticipated that the Board of Directors will take action on the proposed changes at their regular meeting scheduled for September 28, 2023, following the public hearing. If approved, the proposed fare changes would take effect on January 1, 2024. The Clipper START and Youth fare discounts would remain a pilot program through June 30, 2025. However, the proposed Express route fare changes would be permanent.

Route 27 & 99X Consolidating

Effective August, 6, 2023, Routes 27 and 99X will be consolidated to form a single, more direct 99X providing express service between Martinez Amtrak and North Concord BART, better serving the surrounding community and those traveling in this area. Additional features of the new alignment and schedule include:

  • FARE-FREE RIDES: The new 99X will be fare-free, no payment required for passengers
  • SERVICE TO HIGH USAGE STOPS: The new route will continue to serve high usage stops (North Concord BART, Concord Adult Homeless Shelter, Morello/Arnold, Martinez Amtrak, and Mason Circle)
  • STREAMLINED SERVICE: We’ve cut segments of Routes 27 and (former) 99X that have little to no ridership. The new Route 99X will not stop at Pike Ln, Pacheco Transit Center, Muir Rd, and Arnold Dr.
  • IMPROVED AMTRAK TRANSFERS: We’ve better aligned our run times to line up with the train schedule running out of Martinez Amtrak.
  • MAINTAIN SERVICE LEVELS: Though two routes are becoming one (new) route, we’re still preserving existing service levels overall, including hours and frequency

    (See map below for updated route as well as eliminated segments)

Contra Costa School Schedules – 2023/24

School District Page Jump: Lamorinda | Mt. Diablo | San Ramon | Walnut Creek


RING! RING! School’s back in session and getting to class is easy on County Connection! Below, you can find schedules (600 series school routes) for the 2023/24 school year. Note: We’ve adjusted some bus schedule times on routes to align better with bell time changes, which helps to improve on-time performance.

Free & discounted youth transit passes!

Graphic of a bus to promote Pass2Class

PASS2CLASS – Free County Connection Bus Passes

Pass2Class offers free bus passes to Contra Costa students at the beginning of the school year to ride County Connection until October 31, 2023.
>> Learn more about Pass2Class

Image of a hand holding a Clipper Card

YOUTH CLIPPER CARDDiscounted Youth Passes

Youth can save 20% on County Connection fixed route service including school routes (600 select series) with a Youth Clipper Card.
>> Learn more about Youth Clipper Cards


Maps & Routes

Lamorinda School Districts

  • Route 606 > Orinda BART – Miramonte HighOrinda Intermediate – Lafayette BART
  • Route 625 > Lafayette BART – Happy Valley Rd – Acalanes High
  • Route 626 > Lafayette BART – Stanley Middle School – Saint Mary’s College

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Mt. Diablo School District


*School served by regular local bus routes. See individual school map for route information.

  • Route 611 > Concord BART – Oak Grove Rd – Oak Grove Middle
  • Route 612 > Concord BART – Clayton Rd – Pine Hollow Middle
  • Route 613 > Oak Grove Middle – Oak Grove Rd – Detroit Ave – Concord BART
  • Route 615 > Concord HighOlympic High El Dorado Middle – Concord BART
  • Route 616 > Concord BART – Monument Blvd – Oak Grove Rd – Oak Grove Middle
  • Route 619 > Oak Grove Middle – Pleasant Hill BART

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San Ramon Valley Unified School District


*School served by regular local bus routes. See individual school map for route information.

  • Route 622 > Pine Valley MiddleCalifornia High – Crow Canyon Rd
  • Route 623 > Alamo Plaza – Monte Vista High – Camino Tassajara – Crow Canyon Rd
  • Route 635 > Windemere RanchGale Ranch MiddleDougherty Valley High – Tassajara Ranch
  • Route 636 > Iron Horse Middle – Bollinger Canyon Rd – California High Pine Valley Middle – Dublin/Pleasanton BART

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Walnut Creek School District

  • Route 601 > Walnut Creek BART – Rossmoor – Walnut Creek Intermediate
  • Route 602 > Walnut Blvd – Trotter Way – Walnut Creek BART – Walnut Creek Intermediate
  • Route 605 > Creekside Dr – Walnut Creek Intermediate

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Fall Service Changes Effective August 6, 2023

FALL SERVICE CHANGES (Effective August 6, 2023)
Routes 4, 6, 16, 21, 27, 28, 35, 95X, 96X, 97X, 98X, 99X, 250, 301, 310, 311, 314, 315, 316, 320, 321, and 335

SCHOOL SCHEDULE CHANGES (Districts: Lamorinda, Mt. Diablo, San Ramon, Walnut Creek)
Click here for school route (600s) schedules for the 2023/24 school year.

ROUTEWHAT CHANGEDSCHEDULE
4Adjustments to running times on weekends.Download PDF
6Adjustments to running times on weekdays and weekends.Download PDF
16Adjustments to running times.Download PDF
21Adjustments to running times.Download PDF
27Removed from service. Mason Cir loop added to new 99X schedule.*
*See update.
Download PDF
28Adjustments to running times.Download PDF
35Adjustments to running times.Download PDF
95XAdjustments to running times.Download PDF
96XAdjustments to running times.Download PDF
97XAdjustments to running times.Download PDF
98XAdjustments to running times.Download PDF
99XRevised routing, added Mason Cir loop (from Route 27), adjusted running times.*
*See update.
Download PDF
301Adjustments to running times.Download PDF
310Adjustments to running times.Download PDF
311Adjustments to running times.Download PDF
314Adjustments to running times.Download PDF
315Adjustments to running times.Download PDF
316Extended Route to Old Orchard/Arnold (Martinez) and adjusted running times.Download PDF
320Adjustments to running times.Download PDF
321Adjustments to running times.Download PDF
335Adjustments to running times.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.

Pass2Class – Free Bus Passes for Students

Pass2Class for 2023/24 school year now available! Pass2Class offers free bus passes to Contra Costa students at the beginning of the school year to encourage the use of bus transportation to and from school. The 2023 program offers free County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT, or AC Transit bus passes for up to two (2) students per household for up to two months.

Image of Pass2Class advertisement

Pass2Class Eligibility Requirements

  • The application must be completed by a parent / guardian.
  • The parent/guardian must agree to have their student take the bus for travel to and from school instead of being driven in a family vehicle.
  • Students must be 19 years of age or younger and enrolled in a public or private school (grades 1-12) located in Contra Costa County.
  • The parent/guardian must agree to complete a follow-up survey and agree to receive 511 Contra Costa’s monthly e-newsletter.

Pass2Class is made available with funding from Contra Costa Transportation Authority and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Image of bus agency logos