We are often asked why we don’t use our shorter buses systemwide during the quieter periods of the day, or on routes with lower ridership, to save money or fuel. The answer is more complex than it might seem!
With very few exceptions, every route has at least one or two times a day when the bus is full, leaving room only for people to stand. On some routes this may be during the traditional morning or evening commute period, while on other routes it may be when a nearby school starts or ends its day. As much as possible, we use buses large enough to provide a seat for every passenger during these busy periods.
For us to swap out one sized bus for another, we would need to take the first bus and its operator out of service to drive back to our facility in North Concord, check out a new bus, and drive that one back to its route. This can be very time-consuming. In addition to the extra time and mileage for the coach exchange, we would need to send out another bus and driver to cover the route during the switch. And remember that this would need to be done multiple times each day for most routes, and we would need to buy a lot more buses!
The good news is that it costs us almost the same to operate a bus regardless of its length. Transit buses are generally available in four different lengths: 30, 35, and 40-foot standard buses, and 60-foot articulated buses (the ones that bend in the middle like an accordion). Two-thirds of County Connection’s fleet of 125 buses are 40-footers, with the rest being 30 or 35 feet long and used on routes with narrow streets and sharp curves.
Every bus needs a driver, and every bus has the same engine, two doors, and six wheels. The purchase price is also very similar, with a 40-foot bus costing only 6% more than a 30-foot bus, and fuel mileage is almost identical regardless of the length of bus. Don’t forget too that the more people who ride the bus, the fewer cars on the road and less fuel used. In short, keeping standard-sized buses on the road ensures consistent service and efficiency throughout the day. So next time, take the bus!
Andrew Smith is the Director of Planning & Marketing. Do you have question about County Connection? About our buses? About our routes and service? Email asmith@cccta.org and your question might be included in a future issue of our monthly newsletter, Headways.
UPDATE:Route 4 service adjustments will be pushed back, taking effect on March 29, 2026.
County Connection is making a significant realignment and service enhancement to Route 4, the Walnut Creek “Downtown Trolley”, marking the first major redesign of the route in over two decades. The improvements are designed to streamline operations, enhance reliability, and provide more frequent service to support growing mobility needs in downtown Walnut Creek.
For decades, Route 4—originally launched as Route 104—has served as a vital connector between Walnut Creek BART and the downtown core. Operated in partnership with the City of Walnut Creek, the service has long been fare-free and is often served by County Connection’s prototype Gillig electric trolley-themed buses.
Over the years, increasing traffic congestion, the addition of a figure-8 routing with the construction of Plaza Escuela in the early-2000s, and temporary routing changes made during the COVID-19 pandemic have created delays and reduced available charging time for the route’s battery electric bus fleet. To address these challenges, County Connection staff presented a proposal in 2025 to realign the route, optimize stop spacing, and take advantage of existing pedestrian infrastructure and the City of Walnut Creek’s transit signal priority (TSP) system, which gives more green lights to our buses.
In addition to a new alignment, Route 4 will soon run every 15 minutes (previously every 20 minutes) on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.—an improvement funded through an Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Grant awarded in partnership with the City of Walnut Creek and Resources for Community Development for the Civic Crossing affordable housing development now under construction at 699 Ygnacio Valley Road. The grant provides up to $4.15 million to support increased bus frequency for approximately five years.
“Route 4 has been a cornerstone of mobility in Walnut Creek for decades,” said Bill Churchill, County Connection General Manager. “This realignment ensures the service can continue to meet the needs of residents, workers, and visitors while improving reliability.”
As part of County Connection’s federal responsibilities under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, a major service change analysis was conducted to ensure the proposal does not disproportionately impact minority or low-income riders. The Title VI Service Equity Analysis found no disparate impacts or disproportionate burdens and projected a net increase in service for both groups.
Public outreach efforts began in September 2025, including opportunities for riders to provide feedback via email, mail, and online. A public hearing was held on October 16, 2025, prior to the County Connection Board of Directors meeting. All feedback received wasincorporated into the final Title VI report submitted to the Federal Transit Administration.
Planned changes to Route 4 will begin on January 11, 2026. (Update: Route 4 service adjustments will be pushed back, taking effect on March 29, 2026.)“Changing any route or service is an enormous endeavor,” explained Andrew Smith, Director of Planning & Marketing, “and one that takes a lot of thoughtful coordination between County Connection, the City, various funding sources, and the public.”
This realignment ensures that Route 4 remains a dependable and accessible link for everyone traveling through downtown Walnut Creek.
County Connection joins the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), BART, and transit partners across the Bay Area in preparing for the launch of Next Generation Clipper (Clipper 2.0) — a major upgrade to the region’s contactless fare payment system. The new system officially goes live on December 10, 2025, beginning an 8–12-week transition period that will bring faster, more flexible, and more connected fare payment options to riders.
Clipper, managed by MTC and accepted by 24 Bay Area transit agencies, has been a cornerstone of regional travel for decades. County Connection was one of the earliest adopters, partnering with BART on a pilot in 1993 that used paper mag-stripe tickets. Today, 81% of County Connection fares are paid using Clipper—one of the highest adoption rates in the region, behind only BART and Golden Gate Ferry.
What’s New with Clipper 2.0
The upcoming Clipper 2.0 system represents a complete modernization of the region’s fare network, including new hardware, software, and customer tools. Among its many improvements:
Cloud-Based System & Instant Value: Stored value and passes will now be kept in the cloud rather than on the card itself. Riders will be able to use added funds instantly, eliminating current delays of up to five days when reloading online.
Tap and Ride Convenience: Riders will be able to pay adult fares directly using contactless credit or debit cards or mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Pay—no Clipper card required. County Connection riders can tap their phone, watch, or card to board, joining BART as part of the Bay Area’s growing Tap and Ride network.
Seamless Interagency Transfers: For the first time, passengers transferring between any Bay Area transit agencies will receive a transfer discount of up to $2.85 within a two-hour window. For example, a rider traveling from San Francisco State University to Diablo Valley College via Muni, BART, and County Connection will now receive transfer discounts across each leg of the trip—potentially riding County Connection for free.
Family Management: Clipper’s new app will allow families to manage multiple Clipper cards from a single device.
Online Youth and Senior Cards: Riders will soon be able to apply for youth and senior Clipper cards online, streamlining access to regional discounted fares.
Institutional and Promotional Passes: County Connection will gain flexibility to administer multiple institutional pass programs through Clipper, such as the Bishop Ranch ECO Pass currently used by Bishop Ranch employees.
County Connection’s Preparation Efforts
County Connection has spent the past two years preparing for the transition:
All buses are now equipped with Clipper 2.0-ready card readers, and staff training on the new Customer Service Terminal is underway.
County Connection has worked with MTC on an interagency transfer pilot, ensuring riders will receive discounts across agencies beginning in December.
County Connection staff and MTC are collaborating with Sunset Development (owner of Bishop Ranch) to migrate the ECO Pass program into the new system.
What Riders Need to Know
Card Upgrade Timeline: Beginning December 10, existing Clipper cards will be upgraded to the new system over 8–12 weeks. Riders can speed up the process by logging into clippercard.com, using the Clipper app, or calling Clipper Customer Service (877.878.8883) to initiate the upgrade manually.
Avoiding “Card Clash”: With multiple contactless payment options, riders should remove their Clipper or bank card from their wallet or purse when tapping to ensure the correct card is charged.
County Connection’s Marketing team will work closely with MTC on an outreach campaign to educate riders about these changes through social media, onboard signage, newsletters, and digital screens.
Looking Ahead
“The Clipper system connects all the public transit systems in the Bay Area together using one fare card to go anywhere,” said Bill Churchill, County Connection’s General Manager. “Clipper 2.0 will make riding transit convenient, simple, and more connected than ever before.”
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 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).
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 wants to hear from you! Get involved in shaping the future of your community! We are conducting a comprehensive study of key corridors in our service areas to prioritize transit infrastructure. This may include increasing bus service speeds, improving schedule reliability, and making bus stops safer.
The four key corridors we’re looking at include:
Clayton Road: Routes 10, 15, 310, and 315
Monument Boulevard: Routes 14, 16, and 314
Treat Boulevard: Routes 7, 11, 14, 15, and 311
Ygnacio Valley Road: Routes 1, 92X, 93X, and 301
These corridors will be studied to identify strategies to improve transit access and prioritize recommended projects…but not without data and your input!
A key part of this effort is hearing from community members about their current County Connection experience and what changes they’d like to see that would positively impact their experience with local bus service. Please take our short survey to share your priorities, concerns, and needs for transit in these key corridors!
Why these four areas? These streets have high bus ridership and are important connections to BART. In other words, buses along these roads serve a large number of people every day, including students, seniors, workers, and families who all rely on these crucial bus lines. Before we make any changes, we want your input.
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 and improve on time performance. 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 transporte vecinas y mejorar la puntualidad. 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.
Notice of Public Hearing – Thursday, October 16, 2025 , 9:00 am
The Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) will hold a public hearing to receive public comment on the following proposed changes to Route 4:
Change to the alignment to streamline route and improve reliability.
Increase to the frequency on weekdays to bus every 15 minutes.
Service Change Proposal
The Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) is seeking public comment on proposed changes to Route 4 in Walnut Creek.
Alignment Change
County Connection is proposing a new alignment for the bus route to address existing issues. The changes are designed to streamline the route for more reliable service while still serving popular destinations. This involves leveraging existing pedestrian infrastructure to facilitate movement to and from bus stops and improving the stops themselves to meet current ADA standards in partnership with the City of Walnut Creek. Furthermore, stop locations will be optimized to balance spacing and utilize the Transit Signal Priority (TSP) system, ultimately improving on-time performance.
Route 4: Current AlignmentRoute 4: Proposed Alignment
Frequency Change
County Connection is proposing increasing Route 4 bus frequency to every 15 minutes on Weekdays. County Connection partnered with the City of Walnut Creek and Resources for Community Development (an affordable housing developer) in applying to the State of California for an Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Grant for the Civic Crossing project, a new affordable housing development at 699 Ygnacio Valley Road. The grant was awarded in April 2024 and provides operating funds to increase frequency on Route 4 from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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 October 8, 2025.
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
By phone: 408-638-0968 (Meeting ID: 853 9913 3311)
NOTE: It is anticipated that the Board of Directors will take action on the proposed changes at their regular meeting scheduled for October 16, 2025, following the public hearing. If approved, the proposed changes would take effect on January 11, 2026
CONCORD, CA – East Bay bus transit operators County Connection, LAVTA (Wheels), Tri Delta Transit, and WestCAT applaud California lawmakers for approving the Connect Bay Area Act, Senate Bill 63 (SB 63). The bill paves the way for a regional funding measure that could stabilize transit service for millions of Bay Area riders, including thousands who depend daily on the Tri-Valley and Contra Costa County’s bus systems.
SB 63 authorizes a Public Transit Revenue Measure to be placed on the November 2026 ballot if sufficient voter signatures are collected. The measure would establish a half-cent sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, and San Mateo counties, and a one-cent sales tax in San Francisco, creating a sustainable funding stream to preserve and expand essential transit service.
“This is a turning point for East Bay bus operators,” said Bill Churchill, General Manager of County Connection. “For too long, bus operators like ours have stretched every dollar just to maintain basic service. SB 63 has the potential to provide stable, long-term funding that allows us to maintain essential services and respond to new demands. With this support, we can better serve our riders, reduce congestion, and meet climate goals.”
For smaller transit agencies, SB 63 could mean the difference between cutting essential services and building a system that meets the needs of a changing region.
“SB 63 gives our communities a chance to secure reliable funding that ensures students can get to school, seniors can access essential services, and workers can depend on us to reach their jobs,” said Christy Wegener, Executive Director of the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority, provider of Wheels services. “It’s about protecting the everyday trips that keep the Tri-Valley moving.”
Without new revenue, many East Bay operators would face difficult decisions about reducing service – cuts that would hit transit-dependent riders the hardest.
“The mobility needs of Contra Costa County’s most vulnerable populations depend on frequent, safe and reliable bus service,” said Rashidi Barnes, CEO of Tri Delta Transit. “SB 63 is a vital step toward ensuring we can provide equitable, safe, and consistent transportation in Eastern Contra Costa—where transit is essential to both economic mobility and quality of life. This bill brings real hope to the people we serve.”
“WestCAT plays a unique role in connecting riders in Western Contra Costa to the broader Bay Area,” said Rob Thompson, General Manager of WestCAT. “Sustainable funding from SB 63 means we can protect these lifeline services, expand where demand is growing, and invest in cleaner, greener buses. It’s a smart investment in equity, the economy, and the environment.”
The Tri-Valley and Contra Costa transit partners extend appreciation to Senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguin for authoring the legislation, Governor Gavin Newsom for his leadership, and the region’s legislative delegation for continued support of transit riders.
Did you know September is Transit Month in the Bay Area?
It’s the perfect time to leave the car behind and explore the many events happening across central Contra Costa—all easily reached with County Connection! Catch Off the Grid food truck nights in Pleasant Hill, enjoy live music at Concord’s Music & Market Concert Series, celebrate at Walnut Creek’s 25th Annual Joybound Pet Festival, or raise a stein at Side Gate Brewery’s Oktoberfest in Concord.
From food and wine festivals to free concerts in the park, County Connection gets you there while supporting sustainable travel. Join us in celebrating transit and all the things that make our region special! See below for a list of events happening around you this month.
Or, if you’d like to expand your horizons and connect to the broader Bay Area, see all the things happening this month in celebration of public transit! > More
Contra Costa Events Happening in September
September 4 | 5-9pm 🍔Off The Grid, City Hall Park, 138 Trelany Road, Pleasant Hill 🚍Bus Service: County Connection Routes 9, 16, 18 Treat yourself to Off the Grid Food Truck Nights in Pleasant Hill! Enjoy live music, games, lawn activities, great food and drinks, and partnerships with local organizations to support community causes—so grab your friends and family for a fun, laid-back evening! > More
September 4 | 6:30-8pm 🎵Concord Music & Market Concert Series, Todos Santos Plaza, 2175 Willow Pass Rd, Concord 🚍Bus Service: County Connection Route 11(Look for County Connection staff for giveaways at the Concord Preparedness Fair!) On Thursday nights at Todos Santos Plaza, enjoy the Farmers’ Market (4pm) followed by free concerts, featuring a great lineup of Bay Area musicians playing salsa, jazz, zydeco, blues, rock, Motown, pop, and more. Musical guests include Native Elements. > More
September 5 | 5-9pm 🍔Night Market, Chilpancingo Park, 200 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill 🚍Bus Service: County Connection Routes 9, 20 Join us for Night Market, every 1st & 3rd Friday (through Nov 7th) in Pleasant Hill. Featuring 50+vendors, food, beverage and live Asia, Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultural performances. Free event and parking. > More
September 6 | 1:30-6pm 🌴Bunco Luau, 1875 Arnold Drive, Martinez 🚍Bus Service: County Connection Route 316 Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at Soroptimist International of Martinez’s fundraising event. Proceeds from ticket sales go to providing women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.> More
September 6 | 4-6pm 🎵Danville Summer Music, Prospect Park Plaza, 396 Hartz Ave, Danville 🚍Bus Service: County Connection Route 321 Bring a blanket, a picnic, and the whole family down to Oak Hill Park for an evening of music, dancing and socializing. This evening features musical guest, James Patrick Regan. > More
September 11 | 5-8pm 🍔Food Truck Night Thursday, Orinda Community Center, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda 🚍Bus Service: County Connection Route 6 (walk from Orinda BART) Take the night off from cooking and enjoy rotating food trucks, desserts, beer and wine, and free every-other-week concerts in Orinda’s family- and dog-friendly park, featuring favorites like Cousins Maine Lobster, Golden Gate Gyro, Rosie’s Mexican Food, More Life Ice Desserts, and the Guzzler bar on wheels. This evening features musical guest, Last Ones Picked. > More
September 11 | 5-9pm 🍔Off The Grid, City Hall Park, 138 Trelany Road, Pleasant Hill 🚍Bus Service: County Connection Route 9, 16, 18 Treat yourself to Off the Grid Food Truck Nights in Pleasant Hill! Enjoy live music, games, lawn activities, great food and drinks, and partnerships with local organizations to support community causes—so grab your friends and family for a fun, laid-back evening! > More
September 11 | 6:30-8pm 🎵Concord Music & Market Concert Series, Todos Santos Plaza, 2175 Willow Pass Rd, Concord 🚍Bus Service: County Connection Route 11 On Thursday nights at Todos Santos Plaza, enjoy the Farmers’ Market (4pm) followed by free concerts, featuring a great lineup of Bay Area musicians playing salsa, jazz, zydeco, blues, rock, Motown, pop, and more. Musical guests include Strange Days. > More
September 13 | 5:30-10pm 🍸Martini Shake Off, 525 Henrietta, Martinez 🚍Bus Service: County Connection Route 316(service till about 8pm) Don’t miss out on this Elegant sell out event and join us in celebrating Martinez as the birthplace of the Martini! > More
September 14 | 11am-4pm 🐶Joybound Around Town and Broadway, 1275 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek 🚍Bus Service: County Connection Route 4, 321 Joybound’s 25th Annual Pet Festival brings together thousands of animal lovers for a fun-filled day of parades, contests, live music, and family activities—all while raising funds to support pet rescue, adoption, veterinary care, and service dog programs. > More
September 18 | 6:30-8pm 🎵Concord Music & Market Concert Series, Todos Santos Plaza, 2175 Willow Pass Rd, Concord 🚍Bus Service: County Connection Route 11 On Thursday nights at Todos Santos Plaza, enjoy the Farmers’ Market (4pm) followed by free concerts, featuring a great lineup of Bay Area musicians playing salsa, jazz, zydeco, blues, rock, Motown, pop, and more. Musical guests include Annie Sampson. > More
September 18 | 7-9pm 🎵Pleasant Hill Summer Concert Series, Downtown Plaza, 60 Crescent Dr, Pleasant Hill 🚍Bus Service: County Connection Route 9, 16, 18 Downtown Pleasant Hill offers great shopping and dining experience in an outdoor setting. Enjoy some great summer entertainment this summer, in downtown Pleasant Hill. Musical guests include Foreverland (Michael Jackson tribute band). > More
September 19 | 5-9pm 🍺Side Gate Brewery Oktoberfest, 1822 Grant Street, Concord 🚍Bus Service: County Connection Route 11 Celebrate Oktoberfest 2025 at Side Gate Brewery with exclusive German-style beers, delicious food, live music, a stein-holding contest, local craft vendors, and a $25 presale ticket that includes a stein, first pour, and a take-home can of Oktoberfence. > More
September 20 | 10am-7pm & September 21 | 10am-6pm 🍷Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, La Fiesta Square, Lafayette 🚍Bus Service: County Connection Route 6 Join us at the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival and stroll among the booths of art and handmade crafts, while enjoying foods from our local restaurants, as well as quality wines and microbrews. > More
September 25 | 5-9pm 🍔Off The Grid, City Hall Park, 138 Trelany Road, Pleasant Hill 🚍Bus Service: County Connection Route 9, 16, 18 Treat yourself to Off the Grid Food Truck Nights in Pleasant Hill! Enjoy live music, games, lawn activities, great food and drinks, and partnerships with local organizations to support community causes—so grab your friends and family for a fun, laid-back evening! > More
September 25 | 6:30-8pm 🎵Concord Music & Market Concert Series, Todos Santos Plaza, 2175 Willow Pass Rd, Concord 🚍Bus Service: County Connection Route 11 On Thursday nights at Todos Santos Plaza, enjoy the Farmers’ Market (4pm) followed by free concerts, featuring a great lineup of Bay Area musicians playing salsa, jazz, zydeco, blues, rock, Motown, pop, and more. Musical guests include The Purple Ones . > More
September 27 | 11am-3pm 🍷Pear and Wine Festival, Moraga Commons Park, Moraga 🚍Bus Service: County Connection Route 6 Enjoy an afternoon at Moraga Commons Park with family and friends, featuring pear pies, pear salad, specialty pear drinks, Lamorinda AVA wine, live music, community organizations, Moraga history, and local businesses. > More
Transit Month has a Rider Contest, which is a leaderboard for anyone looking to get more out of their transit experience. It’s easy. Sign up. Log any transit ride within the Bay Area…and win prizes! You may even win a County Connection beanie (as modeled by our stylish staff). It’s free to participate in the Rider Contest. > Check it out!
Update: The zoom sessions have concluded but we’ve linked the slides below. If you have specific questions about routes or Youth Clipper cards, please give our Customer Service a call at 925-676-7500 or email help@countyconnection.com.
PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS
600-series buses operate during school days only and are scheduled around bell times at select schools. These buses schedules as well as our fixed-routes (regular bus services) are linked below by school.
Youth Clipper is the best year-round transit pass option for students ages 6-18. This card requires an application, but once done, your youth will be able to get half the cost (50% discount) of an Adult Clipper card. To apply:
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION: Riders ages 6-18 can apply for a Youth Clipper card by mail, email or fax. By submitting an application, we are able to determine your eligibility.
APPLY IN PERSON: Youth riders can get a card in person at County Connection, 2477 Arnold Industrial Way in Concord, M-F, 8am-3pm.
Our staff offers a Mobile Lobby that pops up around Contra Costa County. All Mobile Lobbies have information on our services and programs, including applications for Youth Clipper. See the Mobile Lobby schedule for the month.
Note: Some presentation recordings are not available due to an issue with the file or the length (size) of the file. Please see the PDF of the presentations when recordings are not available.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
How can we contact you?
Come see us!: 2477 Arnold Industrial Way, Concord (Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–3:00 pm)
Is there enough room for all the students? Yes. Most 600-series routes use 40’ buses that hold about 70 passengers (seated + standing).
Do non-students ride the school buses? Yes. County Connection is public transit, so we cannot deny boarding to non-students if space allows. However, buses are usually filled with students on the 600-series buses, so non-student boardings rarely happen.
Are bikes allowed? Yes. All buses have front racks for two bikes. If the rack is full, drivers may allow bikes inside if space permits.
Do you provide morning service to schools? Not all 600-series routes run in the morning. The following routes are afternoon only: 613, 615, 619, 622, 623, 626, 635. For carpool options, visit 511contracosta.org.
Does the bus leave after 6th or 7th period? Buses are scheduled for 7th-period dismissal only.
How often do 600-series buses run in the afternoon? Each bus makes one trip at the posted time. There are no extra trips.
Will the driver wait for students? Yes. Drivers wait for students approaching the bus, generally up to three minutes.
Is there more than one bus per school? Some schools have multiple buses; most have only one.
What if my student misses the bus? Most 600-series buses make only one trip. If a fixed-route bus also serves the school, another option may be available.
Does the bus stop at every stop? Yes, if passengers are waiting or a rider requests a stop (pull the yellow cord).
Will students know where the stop is? Yes. Most stops are in front of the school. Look for the County Connection bus stop sign. (At WCI, some routes stop on Civic Dr. behind the school.) If you are not sure of the exact drop off or pick-up location is, please contact Customer Service (925-676-7500) to clarify.
How do I find the exact stop location? Search the address or intersection on Google Maps and look for the bus stop icon. If you are not sure of the exact location, please contact Customer Service (925-676-7500).
Can I track when my child gets on/off the bus? No. You can’t track individuals, but you can:
Track bus locations on countyconnection.com by selecting the route and viewing the live map.
What’s the difference between a Youth and Adult Clipper Card? They look the same, but youth cards are linked to birthdate and automatically apply a 50% discount until age 19. Adult Clipper Cards have the same function except the discount is not applied.
Does Pass2Class include a Clipper Card? No. They are separate programs with separate applications.
Can a Youth Clipper Card be added to the app/wallet? Yes. You need the physical card first to load it into your phone wallet and receive the discount.
How long does it take to get a Youth Clipper Card?
In-person at Concord office (M–F, 8:00a–3:00p): Same day (with required documents).
Online: A few weeks. Card is mailed after verification.
Does my child need to be present to apply? No. Bring their ID, birth certificate, or passport for verification.
Can students pay cash without a Clipper Card? Yes, but cash fare is $2.50 (exact change only). With a Youth Clipper Card, the fare is $1.00.
What time does the bus come on minimum days? Buses adjust to the bell schedule. Example: On Monte Vista High minimum days (1:00 pm dismissal), the Route 623 bus arrives around 1:00 pm. For specific minimum-day times, check the route schedule or call customer service.
What if the bus is full? If a bus reaches capacity, no additional students can board. Most school routes only have one bus. If overcrowding is consistent, our planning team reviews data to consider adding service, but it’s not guaranteed.
What about students in the Livorna Park/Rudgear area (Monte Vista High)? There’s no direct bus. Students can take Route 623 to San Ramon Valley Blvd and transfer to Route 21.
Will the presentation be shared? Yes, presentations are posted on our website in PDF format (except large video files).
How reliable is the 600-series service? Very reliable. School routes are a top priority. If a bus is delayed, our transportation department notifies schools directly.
