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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.
See Staff Report on Fare Proposal

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)

See updated Route 99X Map

Learn more about this project

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 CARD – Discounted 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

See All School Routes

Lamorinda School Districts

Lamorinda School District Map

Acalanes High
Miramonte High
Orinda Intermediate
Stanley Middle

  • Route 606 > Orinda BART – Miramonte High – Orinda 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

Mt. Diablo School District Map

Concord High
College Park High*
Diablo View Middle*
El Dorado Middle
Mt. Diablo High*
Oak Grove Middle
Pine Hollow Middle
Pleasant Hill Middle*
Sequoia Middle*
Valley View Middle*
Ygnacio Valley High*


*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 High – Olympic 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

San Ramon School District Map

California High
Dougherty Valley High
Gale Ranch Middle
Iron Horse Middle
Monte Vista High
Pine Valley Middle
San Ramon Valley High*
Windemere Ranch Middle


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

  • Route 622 > Pine Valley Middle – California High – Crow Canyon Rd
  • Route 623 > Alamo Plaza – Monte Vista High – Camino Tassajara – Crow Canyon Rd
  • Route 635 > Windemere Ranch – Gale Ranch Middle – Dougherty 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

Walnut Creek School District Map

Walnut Creek Intermediate

  • 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

Graphic of a County Connection bus at a bus stop.

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.

APPLY TODAY!
¡APLICA HOY!

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.
LEARN MORE
APRENDE MÁS

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

Image of bus agency logos

Summer Youth Pass 2023

Last day to purchase: Friday, July 21, 2023

Looking for discounts on public transit this summer? The Summer Youth Pass might be your answer! If you live in Contra Costa County, you can ride Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT, or County Connection unlimited for $30 all summer long. Now, that’s a deal. (You can’t even see 3 summer blockbuster movies for that much.)

PURCHASE YOUR SUMMER YOUTH PASS
LEARN MORE

Summer Youth Pass Details

  • Valid June 1-August 31, 2023
  • Eligible for ages 6-18 years
  • Participants must live, work, or attend school in Contra Costa County. Proof of eligibility may be required.
  • Limited to five (5) passes per household.

See service area maps:

Program Rules:

  • Summer Youth Passes are valid on local and express routes operated by County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, and WestCAT from June 1, 2023 to August 31, 2023. Not valid on Paratransit, Tri MyRide and Transbay services.
  • Actual pass price $60. Advertised $30 price reflects a $30 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 youth ages 6-18 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, non-redeemable and non-transferable. No refunds shall be made for purchased passes. Lost or stolen passes shall not be replaced. No refunds shall be made if one or more participating transit agency provides free fares during validity period.
  • Summer Youth Pass is made available with funding from Contra Costa Transportation Authority and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Travel Training For Seniors & Disabled Persons

Concord, CA, April 25, 2023 – County Connection is pleased to announce our newly founded Travel Training Program for seniors and disabled community members living in Central Contra Costa County. A program of Central Contra Costa Transit Authority and in partnership with Independent Living Resources of Solano & Contra Costa Counties (ILR), this free service is intended to teach practical travel skills to those who may be unsure how to navigate public transit on their own.  

Some of the tools participants will learn include understanding how to plan a trip on public transit, safe and secure travel tips, and using technology to locate a bus and pay for fares. There are individual and group trainings available, as well as field trips for anyone wanting to experience riding a County Connection fixed-route bus within a safe, supportive, and accessible learning environment. Skills learned through the trainings are applicable to all public transit.  

“We have been working to develop this program for many years,” expressed Rashida Kamara, Director of ADA & Special Services with County Connection. “Public transit is for everyone and being able to expand our existing ADA services with this program gives people independence and quality of living–just by simply demystifying how to ride a bus.”

Helping to lead the travel trainings is Sarah Birdwell, who is a person with a disability and says, “I’m an advocate for disabled rights and am passionate for giving back to my community.” Birdwell has sat on the board of two different committees in the disability community and uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others. “Something that may seem as simple as riding a bus is intimidating for many seniors and disabled people…especially with emerging technologies,” said Birdwell. “I’m here to help.”

For those who know someone or are interested in this Travel Training Program themself, participants must reside in Clayton, Concord, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, or Unincorporated Central Contra Costa County. If participants live outside of the service area, many other regional transit agencies also offer similar programs, including WestCAT, FAST, and MTC. 

To learn more please visit the ILR website (ilrscc.org) or contact Sarah Birdwell, Travel Training Program Coordinator, at sarahb@ilrscc.org, 925-363-7293 (ext. 114). 

Public Hearing: Route 27 and 99X Service Change

UPDATE ON PUBLIC HEARINGS
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the proposed service changes for Route 27 and 99X during today’s public hearing. We heard a lot of great comments and our Board approved the proposal to consolidate the two routes into a single free route, connecting Martinez Amtrak to North Concord BART. Changes will take effect August 6, 2023. Look for additional notifications posted on buses and our website.

Notice of Public Hearing – Thursday, May 18, 2023, 9:00 am

The Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) will hold a public hearing to gather comment on proposed changes to Route 99X and elimination of Route 27, which would be replaced by select trips on Route 99X. The proposal also includes offering free rides on Route 99X. Further information on the proposed changes is provided below.

Service & Fare Change Proposal

Route 99X began operating in August 2018 and is funded by the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) cap and trade grant program. Since its launch, the route has not attracted much ridership and continues to underperform compared to other express routes. Given its low performance, changes are being proposed to increase efficiency and productivity. The proposal also includes consolidation of Route 27, which currently provides limited trips within North Concord. The proposed new alignment and schedule would:

  • Provide a faster and more direct connection between North Concord BART and Martinez Amtrak;
  • Continue serving high usage stops like North Concord BART, Concord Adult Homeless Shelter, Morello/Arnold, Martinez Amtrak, and Mason Circle;
  • Eliminate route segments with little to no ridership on both Routes 27 and 99X, including Pike Ln, the Pacheco Transit Center, Muir Rd, and Arnold Dr;
  • Improve transfer connections with Amtrak; and
  • Preserve existing service levels overall, including hours and frequency

Since the consolidation of Route 27 into Route 99X would result in current riders on Route 27 paying the higher Express route fare when using Clipper, the proposal also includes making Route 99X fare-free.

Staff reports:

Service Change ProposalDownload
Route 99X Free Fares ProposalDownload

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 May 10, 2023.

  • Add a comment on this post (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, May 18, 2023 at 9:00 am (in person or via teleconference):

It is anticipated that the Board of Directors will take action on the proposed program at their regular meeting scheduled for May 18, 2023, following the public hearing.

Transit Operator Appreciation Day, Fare-Free March 18

Concord, CA – Transit Operator Appreciation Day is Saturday, March 18, 2023, and County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, and WestCAT are offering a day of fare-free rides. No payment will be required on all three agencies’ buses for fixed routes and paratransit. Additionally, Tri Delta Transit’s ride-hailing service, Tri MyRide, will not require any payment for the day either.  

Transit Operator Appreciation Day, sometimes called Transit Driver Appreciation Day, started in 2009 in Seattle as a blog about appreciating bus drivers. By 2014, the name was changed to cover the diverse public transportation available throughout the United States. The day is set aside to thank and appreciate transit drivers for their service for the community.  

Image of bus operator with text 'Transit Operator Appreciation Day'

“The contribution drivers make has never been realized more than over the past three years of the pandemic. Transit operators performed a critical and essential service during this time by continuing to provide public transportation,” said Tri Delta Transit CEO, Rashidi Barnes.  

Transit Operator Appreciation Day continues to be a notable day for those who value public transportation and want to acknowledge those on the front lines operating transit vehicles. In addition to risking possible exposure to COVID-19, transit operators have been asked to adapt to ever-changing regulations and dramatic fluctuations in ridership demand, adapt to new schedules, as well as work to fill open shifts due to national driver shortages.  

“There’ve been a lot of unknowns in the past few years in public transit operations,” acknowledged Bill Churchill, General Manager of County Connection. “We’re so proud that, despite any setbacks, we’ve maintained a high on-time performance rate—a testament to the dedication of our bus operators.”  

Rob Thompson, General Manager of WestCAT, shared a similar sentiment of transit drivers, stating, “Our drivers truly are the front line for our agencies. Their commitment and hard work are invaluable in providing public transit to our communities.”  

The three partnering transit agencies are glad to offer a day of fare-free riding for passengers, hoping to bring attention to this annual day of recognition. “We hope by going fare free, riders can focus on the driver and their rider experience, and vice-versa, instead of focusing on fares,” says Tri Delta Transit Board Chair Anissa Williams. “For Transit [Operator] Driver Appreciation Day, agencies hope everyone takes a moment to thank their transit driver when riding the bus and post positive messages on the social media pages of the system you ride so that the drivers can see them.”  

To learn more about these transit agencies, visit TriDeltaTransit.com, CountyConnection.com and WestCATorg.