News Archive

Paratransit Information for Passengers

Exciting new changes beginning July 1, 2019!

The County Connection Board of Directors has approved exciting changes to improve the experience for our passengers.

Enhancements include:

  • A variety of vehicles ranging from wheelchair accessible vans to minivans. All vehicles will be easily identified as County Connection LINK vehicles.
  • Drivers and dispatchers will have improved GPS and mapping tools.
  • Drivers will receive enhanced customer service training.
  • Over the next 90 days, we will be testing and launching a new passenger app that will provide passengers with access to trip information, such as current vehicle location and status of pick up, as well as future trips and ride history.

Call Center

Our call center agents, who will also be going through enhanced customer service training, will continue to be of assistance to you by dialing (925) 938-7433. Please check our website www.countyconnection.com/paratransit for future updates and information as we launch the new mobile app.

You will still have the option to book your ride through the call center as you do today.

Some reminders and tips:

  • Have the exact fare. Drivers do not make change.
  • Call 925-938-RIDE (938-7433) to schedule a LINK trip.  
  • You may book reservations up to 7 days advance, but no later than 5:00 p.m. the day before.

If you have any questions about your rides or service, please call the LINK reservations line at (925) 938-7433. If you have any questions or concerns about the information provided on this webpage, please contact us at LINKcomments@countyconnection.com or (925) 680-2098.

Please check this page for future updates and information.

Paratransit Information for Centers and Facilities

New Technology for Trip Generating Facilities

Over the next ninety days we will be testing and launching a ride management system for our trip generating partners/facilities called Facility Transit Manager. Facility Transit Manager is easily accessed through a web link. This system enables you to provide increased customer service for our shared customers.  Facility team members will be able to view scheduled rides and track the estimated time of arrival for vehicles transporting your clients. A County Connection team member will be available to help with setting up the system at your location and will reach out to you soon with more information.

If you have any questions or concerns about the information provided on this webpage, please contact us at LINKcomments@countyconnection.com or (925) 680-2098. 

Please check this page for future updates and information.

2019 Summer Youth Pass

2019 Summer Youth Pass
Unlimited Bus Rides
June 1 to August 31, 2019
Ages 6–18
Only $35*

The Summer Youth Pass is the perfect way for youth riders to get around Contra Costa County during the summer. Passholders can take unlimited rides on County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, and WestCAT local and express buses for an affordable, discounted price.

Buy now

Retail Locations

You can purchase a Summer Youth Pass online or in person by visiting County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, or WestCAT’s sales offices.

County Connection
2477 Arnold Industrial Way, Concord
Mon-Fri: 8:00am – 5:00pm

Tri Delta Transit
801 Wilbur Ave, Antioch
Mon-Thurs: 7:00am – 6:00pm
Fri: 8:00 am – 5:00pm

WestCAT
601 Walter Ave, Pinole
Mon-Fri: 7:30am – 6:00pm

Mail Order

Prefer to pay by check but can’t make it to one of the locations above? Download a mail order form below:

Mail Order FormDownload
Mail Order Form (Spanish)Download

Questions?

Click here for answers to some Frequently Asked Questions.

Have More Questions or Need Help?
Email: store@511contracosta.org
Phone: (925) 322-0365

Program Rules:

Summer Youth Passes are valid on local and express routes operated by County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, and WestCAT. Not valid on Paratransit and Transbay services.

*Actual pass price $60. Advertised $35 price reflects a $25 supplement per pass provided by 511 Contra Costa. Passes receiving the 511 Contra Costa supplement are limited in quantity and available only while supplies last.

The 511 Contra Costa supplement is available to 6-18 year olds who reside, work, or attend school in Contra Costa County only. Proof of eligibility may be required. Limit five (5) passes per household.

Summer Youth Passes are Non-Refundable. No refunds shall be made for purchased passes. Lost or stolen passes shall not be replaced.

Proposed Bishop Ranch Service Restructure

UPDATE (5/28/2019): Based on the feedback received, County Connection has decided to delay the proposed changes to Routes 95X, 96X, and 97X until winter at the earliest. However, the new Route 335 weekend service from Dublin/Pleasanton BART to San Ramon will be implemented starting this August.

At the February 2019 Board of Directors meeting, staff presented a service restructure proposal for routes serving Bishop Ranch in San Ramon. The Board authorized staff to begin the public hearing process for the proposed changes. Staff will conduct the following two (2) public hearings:

  • Tuesday, April 9, 2019, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
    Walnut Creek Council Chambers
    1666 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
  • Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
    San Ramon Community Center, Fountain Room
    12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon

Comments are due by April 26, 2019 and may be submitted in the following ways:

  • In writing to:
    Director of Planning & Marketing
    2477 Arnold Industrial Way
    Concord, CA 94520
  • Via email to help@countyconnection.com
  • Calling Customer Service at (925) 676-7500 (Mon-Fri, 6:30am-6:30pm)
  • At the public hearing in San Ramon or Walnut Creek (see details above)

It is anticipated that the Board of Directors will take action on the proposed service changes at their regular meeting scheduled on May 16, 2019.

Proposed Changes

  • Eliminate Route 95X (see proposed Route 97X changes for alternate service)
  • Re-route Route 96X to terminate at the San Ramon Transit Center
  • Re-route Route 97X to operate between Walnut Creek BART and the San Ramon Transit Center via I-680 and Crow Canyon Rd. The route will also serve the Danville Park N Ride on peak trips going to/from Walnut Creek BART. The route will no longer serve Dublin/Pleasanton BART
  • Implement new weekend Route 335 from San Ramon Transit Center to Dublin/Pleasanton BART
February 2019 Board Item: Bishop Ranch Service RestructureDownload

BART Early Bird Express

Beginning February 11, 2019, BART will shift its start of service from 4am to 5am on weekdays to allow extra time for a critical seismic retrofit of the Transbay Tube. This change will last for the duration of the 3.5 year-long project.

Alternative bus service will be provided by several Bay Area bus operators, including County Connection. See below for a map of all Early Bird Express routes. County Connection will operate two routes, Routes 712 and 715, serving BART stations within Central Contra Costa.

Visit the BART website for more information: https://www.bart.gov/schedules/early-bird-express

Ride Route 99X for FREE in February

In partnership with 511 Contra Costa, we’re offering free rides on Express Route 99X for all of February.

With 5 morning and 5 afternoon round trips each weekday, Route 99X is a great way for commuters to reach destinations along Highway 4 and Pacheco Blvd, including County offices, the Pacheco Transit Center and the Shell Oil Martinez refinery. It’s also a fast and convenient way to connect between Amtrak and BART.

No pass is required to ride Express Route 99X in February, just hop aboard and enjoy a fast, convenient trip to your destination. Click here for schedule and route information.

This free-ride Valentine’s gift is brought to you by 511 Contra Costa, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority & the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Spring 2019 Service & Fare Changes

County Connection is planning a major service and fare change for March 10, 2019.

Summary of Route Changes

System Map (effective 3/10/2019)

Schedules to be posted once they are available.
Route
New Route
Alignment Change
Increased Service
Schedule Adjustment
Route Eliminated
 Description of Change
New Brochure
1     Increased service     Increase service frequency Download map
1M         Route eliminated Service discontinued  
2         Route eliminated Service discontinued  
4     Increased service     Increase service frequency Download map
5           No changes Download map
6     Increased service     Increase peak service frequency Download map
7       Schedule adjustment   Minor schedule adjustments Download map
9   Alignment change       Remove service to JFK and along Patterson Blvd and Oak Park Blvd (to be replaced by Route 18) Download map
10 Alignment change       Terminate some peak trips at new Washington/Michigan loop. Remove service from Ayers/Kirker Pass loop Download map
11       Schedule adjustment   Minor schedule adjustments Download map
14   Alignment change Increased service     Extend to Walnut Creek BART (to replace portion of Route 15). Increase service frequency Download map
15   Alignment change Increased service     Remove service between Pleasant Hill BART and Walnut Creek BART (to be replaced by Route 14). Extend to John Muir Medical Center in Concord. Increase service frequency. Download map
16       Schedule adjustment   Minor schedule adjustments Download map
17       Schedule adjustment   Minor schedule adjustments Download map
18   Alignment change       Realign route to serve Patterson Blvd and Oak Park Blvd (to replace portion of Route 9). Download map
19   Alignment change Increased service     Streamline route alignment between Galaxy Way and Contra Costa Blvd and between Concord Ave and Concord BART. Remove service along Bisso Ln and Stanwell Dr. Increase service frequency. Download map
20     Increased service     Increase service frequency Download map
21       Schedule adjustment   Minor schedule adjustments Download map
25         Route eliminated Service discontinued  
27 New route         New route from North Concord BART to Bates Ave and Arnold Industrial Way. Download map
28   Alignment change       Remove service between DVC and North Concord BART (portion to be replaced by Route 27). Realign to serve Muir Rd and Arnold Dr. Download map
35   Alignment change Increased service     Extend select trips to Crow Canyon (to replace portion of Route 36). Increase service frequency. Download map
36         Route eliminated Service discontinued. Northern portion to be replaced by Route 35.
91X           No changes Download map
92X   Alignment change       Remove service along Alcosta Blvd Download map
93X       Schedule adjustment   Limited stops trip to serve all stops. Minor schedule adjustments. Download map
95X       Schedule adjustment   Minor schedule adjustments Download map
96X           No changes Download map
97X           No changes Download map
98X     Increased service     Increase peak service frequency Download map
99X   Alignment change       Realign to serve Arnold Industrial Way. Download map
301         Route eliminated Service discontinued. Service between Walnut Creek BART and John Muir Medical Center to be replaced by Route 311  
310   Alignment change       Remove service from Ayers/Kirker pass loop. Select trips extended to serve Downtown Clayton Download map
311   Alignment change       Extend route to John Muir Medical Center (to replace portion of Route 301). Download map
314       Schedule adjustment   Minor schedule adjustments Download map
315     Increased service     Increase service frequency Download map
316           No changes Download map
320       Schedule adjustment   Minor schedule adjustments Download map
321           No changes Download map
627         Route eliminated Service to be replaced by Route 27  
No changes will be made to school routes (600 series) or Routes 250 and 260.

Summary of Fare Changes

Cash fares will be increased to $2.50 for all routes, and paper passes and transfers will be eliminated. Transfers and monthly passes will only be available on Clipper. Clipper fares will remain the same.

Fare Type Current Mar 10 Additional Details
Cash Clipper
Single ride
Adult/Youth Local$2.00$2.50$2.00Cash fare to increase by $0.50 on local routes. Clipper fare will remain at $2.00.
Adult/Youth Express$2.25$2.50$2.25Cash fare to increase by $0.25 on express routes (90 series). Clipper fare will remain at $2.25.
Children under 6FreeFreeWhen accompanied by an adult
Senior/Disabled$1.00$1.25$1.00Cash fare to increase by $0.25 on all regular and express routes. Clipper fare will remain at $1.00.
Senior/Disabled, 10am – 2pmFree$1.25$1.00Midday free program to be eliminated.
Bus-to-Bus transferFree–FreePaper transfers to be eliminated. One free two-hour transfer automatically given on Clipper.
Adult/Youth BART transfer$1.00–$1.00Paper BART transfer ticket to be eliminated. Transfer credit automatically given on Clipper.
Senior/Disabled BART transfer$0.50–$0.50Paper BART transfer ticket to be eliminated. Transfer credit automatically given on Clipper.
LINK Paratransit$4.00$5.00–One-way fare for all LINK paratransit trips
Passes
Adult East Bay Day Pass$3.75
(Clipper only)		–$3.75No change. Daily fares are automatically capped on Clipper. (Click here to learn more)
Senior/Disabled East Bay Day Pass$1.75
(Clipper only)		–$1.75No change. Daily fares are automatically capped on Clipper. (Click here to learn more)
Regular Monthly East Bay Pass$60.00–$60.00Paper monthly pass to be eliminated. 31-day pass for local routes will continue to be available on Clipper.
Express Monthly East Bay Pass$70.00–$70.00Paper monthly pass to be eliminated. 31-day pass for express routes will continue to be available on Clipper.
Adult/Youth 12-Ride Pass$20.00––Pass to be eliminated.
Adult/Youth 12-Ride Express Pass$23.00––Pass to be eliminated.
Senior/Disabled 20-Ride Pass$15.00––Pass to be eliminated.
Commuter Card$40.00––Pass to be eliminated.

Phase out of paper passes:

  • February 2019 will be the last month that paper monthly passes will be available.
  • Paper punch passes, including 12-Ride Passes, 20-Ride Passes, and Commuter Cards, will no longer be sold starting March 1, 2019.
  • Starting March 1, 2020, paper punch passes will no longer be accepted onboard vehicles.

Outreach Events

Staff will be present at various outreach events to provide information on the service changes, help with trip planning, and answer questions.

We’ll also be giving away limited-edition County Connection Clipper Cards at our outreach events, so be sure to get yours before they’re gone!

County Connection Clipper Card

 

DateTimeLocation
Tue, Jan 15, 20197:30AM – 9:30AM Concord BART
Thu, Jan 17, 20192:00PM – 4:00PM North Concord BART
Tue, Jan 22, 20197:30AM – 9:30AM Pleasant Hill BART
Thu, Jan 24, 20192:00PM – 4:00PM Walnut Creek BART
Mon, Jan 28, 20192:00PM – 4:00PMMartinez Amtrak
Tue, Jan 29, 20197:30AM – 9:30AM Lafayette BART
Wed, Jan 30, 201910:00AM – 12:00PMMartinez Amtrak
Thu, Jan 31, 20192:00PM – 4:00PMOrinda BART
Tue, Feb 5, 20197:30AM – 9:30AMDublin/Pleasanton BART
Thu, Feb 7, 20197:00AM – 8:30AM North Concord BART
Fri, Feb 8, 20199:00AM – 12:00PMMartinez Senior Center
Tue, Feb 12, 20197:30AM – 9:30AMConcord BART
Wed, Feb 13, 201910:00AM – 12:00PMDVC
Tue, Feb 19, 20197:30AM – 9:30AMWalnut Creek BART
Tue, Feb 19, 20191:00PM – 3:30PMDVC
Thu, Feb 21, 201912:00PM – 2:00PMMartinez Amtrak
Tue, Feb 26, 20197:30AM – 9:30AMSan Ramon Transit Center
Wed, Feb 27, 20197:30AM – 9:30AMPleasant Hill BART
Thu, Feb 28, 20191:00PM – 3:30PMDVC
Fri, Mar 1, 20199:00AM – 1:00PMConcord Senior Center
Thu, Mar 7, 20192:00PM – 4:00PMConcord BART

Subject to change. Check back for updates as additional events are added.

Can’t make it to an outreach event?

Call or email us for questions and to get more information:

Mon-Fri 6:30AM – 6:30PM
925-676-7500
help@countyconnection.com

Service Plan & Fare Proposal Development

In summer of 2017, staff started the process to restructure service throughout Central County in an effort to increase productivity and to modernize the agency’s fare structure. The data-driven process started with a Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA), a passenger survey, and staff’s interactions with passengers on routes with proposed changes.

FY 2017 Comprehensive Operations Analysis

Staff conducted six public hearings throughout County Connection’s service area in June and July 2018. In response to public comments received, staff adjusted the service proposal in an effort to minimize negative impacts. The final service proposal was approved by the Board in December 2018, and the fare proposal was approved in January 2019.

Final Service Restructure Proposal and Title VI Analysis

Final Fare Structure Proposal and Title VI Fare Equity Analysis

More Information

Service & Fare Changes Take OneDownload

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