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County Connection’s Ramacier Stepping Down By Year’s End

Assistant General Manager of Administration Bill Churchill to become new GM

County Connection General Manager Rick Ramacier has announced his intent to step down by the end of December following 32 years with the agency, 24 of which he served as GM. Bill Churchill, identified early on as a strong leader for the agency, will be promoted to GM upon Ramacier’s retirement as part of the agency’s succession planning and leadership training. Churchill is currently serving as Assistant GM of Administration and has more than 23 years with County Connection.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank Rick for his years of outstanding service and significant contributions,” said Keith L. Haydon, Jr., City of Clayton and County Connection Board Chair. “His unwavering dedication to County Connection, along with his ability to build a
strong leadership team, will leave County Connection resilient and well positioned for the future.”

“I have been honored to lead County Connection and proud to be a part of the many ways in which our services improve people’s lives, and most recently positively impacting more than 2,200 essential service riders every day,” said Rick Ramacier, County Connection General Manager. “Having worked closely with Bill for many years, I am highly confident that under his leadership, the team at County Connection will continue to innovate and provide a variety of mobility choices for our customers. His appointment demonstrates the strength of our succession planning and talent pipeline, and I look forward to working with him during the
transition.”

Ramacier will remain as GM until his departure date in December.

Fall Fare Promotions – 2021

County Connection looks forward to welcoming back more passengers this Fall. Additional service restoration will be effective on August 8th, with all school service available for the new school year. Our buses are operating at full capacity and masks continue to be required.

We encourage all of our passengers to learn about our various discounted Clipper programs, including our day pass, youth fare, and Clipper START for low income adults. We are also offering fare promotions this Fall, including free rides for ALL in September 2021 and free passes for students. Learn more about these programs below.

We want your feedback! Take our survey here!

Free Rides in September

Ride FREE on any route

Everyone rides free on all County Connection routes and LINK paratransit during the entire month of September!

Just hop on any County Connection bus and get where you need to go. Plus, you can also ride free on our fellow East Bay operators (Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT, & Wheels), and get 50% off BART fares when using Clipper in September. We look forward to welcoming you back on transit!

Tip: If you typically use a 31-day pass on Clipper, consider disabling Autoload and avoid activating any new passes during the month of August. We are not be able to issue refunds for partially used passes.

Pass2Class

Take County Connection to school FREE

Skip the traffic and save gas while getting your students to school. With 511 Contra Costa’s Pass2Class program, it’s easy to make the switch. To help students return to in-person learning, we’re giving free rides for two months.

Students who are registered in a public or private school (grades 1-12) located in Central or Southwest Contra Costa can receive a County Connection pass that is valid through October (up to 2 per household and while supplies last).

Apply Now

Youth Clipper Discount

Youth (ages 6-18) get 20% off when using a Youth Clipper card

Youth ages 6-18 automatically get 20% off the adult Clipper fare when using a Youth Clipper card on County Connection.

Riders can apply for a Youth Clipper card by submitting an application via mail, email, or fax along with proof-of-age documentation. Once approved, a card will be sent by mail. To obtain a card immediately, call us at (925) 676-7500 to arrange an in-person visit.

Download Application (PDF)

Tip: Now you can transfer your existing plastic Youth Clipper card to your phone and pay fares with your mobile wallet! Click here to learn more about paying your fares with a smartphone. Please note that you must apply for and obtain a plastic Youth Clipper card first before transferring it to your phone.

Clipper START Discount

Eligible riders can get discounts on County Connection, BART, & more

Clipper START is a pilot program to provide fare discounts to eligible riders. Participants can receive a 20% discount off County Connection single-ride Clipper fares, plus discounts on BART, Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT, Wheels, and more!

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
Apply Now

2021/2022 School Schedules

Due to COVID-19, 600-series school route schedules are subject to change. Check this page regularly for updates.

Please note that face masks are required while on the bus.

Fall Fare Promotions: Students can take advantage of several fare promotions and discounts! Click here to learn more.

Last updated: 7/26/2021

Find schedules for our 600 series school routes for the 2021/2022 school year below. Note that schedule times on routes may have been adjusted due to bell time changes or to improve on-time performance.

Map of all school routesDownload

Lamorinda School Districts

Lamorinda School District – Map & SchedulesDownload

Acalanes Union High School District

Route 603: Lafayette BART – Saint Mary’s College – Campolindo High

Route 606: Orinda BART – Miramonte High  –  Orinda Intermediate  –  Lafayette BART

Route 625: Lafayette BART – Happy Valley Rd – Acalanes High

Campolindo HSDownload
Miramonte HSDownload

Lafayette School District

Route 626: Lafayette BART – Stanley Middle School – Saint Mary’s College

Stanley MSDownload

Orinda Union School District

Route 606: Orinda BART – Miramonte High  –  Orinda Intermediate  –  Lafayette BART

Orinda Intermediate School (OIS)Download

Mt. Diablo School District

Mt. Diablo School District – Map & SchedulesDownload
By route:

Route 608: VA Clinic – College Park High – Valley View Middle – DVC

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

By school:
Concord HSDownload
Diablo View MSDownload
El Dorado MSDownload
Mt. Diablo HSDownload
Oak Grove MSDownload
Pine Hollow MSDownload
Pleasant Hill MSDownload
Sequoia MSDownload
Valley View MSDownload
Ygnacio Valley HSDownload

San Ramon Valley Unified School District

San Ramon School District – Map & SchedulesDownload
By route:

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

By school:
California HSDownload
Dougherty Valley HSDownload
Gale Ranch MSDownload
Iron Horse MSDownload
Monte Vista HSDownload
Pine Valley MSDownload
Windemere Ranch MSDownload

Walnut Creek School District

Walnut Creek School District – Map & SchedulesDownload
By route:

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

By school:
Las Lomas HSDownload
Walnut Creek Intermediate (WCI)Download

County Connection Welcomes the State’s Reopening Plan

Physical distancing requirements on County Connection will be lifted Wednesday, June 16.

CONCORD, Calif. – County Connection is transitioning from six-foot onboard physical distancing requirements to normal capacity requirements starting Wednesday, June 16th. On June 15th, California is expected to fully reopen, and capacity and distancing restrictions will be lifted for most businesses and activities. The county tier system based on the Blueprint for a Safer Economy will no longer be in effect.

According to the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) Beyond the Blueprint public transit is no longer required to impose physical distancing requirements. However, per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) face masks will continue to be required for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems through September 13th. Additional extensions to be determined.

“Over the last 15 months County Connection has followed all local, state and federal guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We are proud of all our essential workers and their contributions to keep our economy going, allowing us to reach this reopening milestone”, said Keith Haydon, County Connection Board Chair. County Connection will continue to follow many protocols established during the COVID-19 pandemic including providing personal protective equipment, maintaining operator shields, nightly anti-viral fogging and cleaning and advanced HVAC system air filters across our fleet.

Free Service to COVID-19 Vaccination Site

We are happy to announce a new COVID-19 vaccination site in Concord at La Clinica located at 1034 Oak Grove Rd. In an effort to expand access to this site, County Connection will offer free rides 7 days a week on routes serving La Clinica. The site will operate from noon to 7 p.m.on Tuesdays (walk-in doses available 4:30 to 7 p.m.) and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays (walk-in doses from 12:30 to 3 p.m.).

Starting Saturday, May 1st, 2021 County Connection will offer free rides on Route 311. Weekday service on Route 11 has been free since 2019. Route 311 will be free through August 1st, 2021. We encourage the community to take advantage of this service to access the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have any questions, please call customer service at 925-676-7500.

Nos da gusta anunciar un nuevo sitio de vacunación contra el COVID-19, en Concord, localizado en La Clínica 1034 Oak Grove Rd.Para facilitar acceso a la vacuna, County Connection ofrecerá viajes gratis los 7 días de la semana en las rutas con servicio a La Clínica. La vacuna estará disponible del mediodía hasta las 7 p.m. los martes (habrá dosis disponible de 4:30 p.m. a 7 p.m. para aquellos sin cita). De miércoles a sábado habrá dosis disponible de 12:30 p.m. a 3 p.m. para aquellos sin cita.

Comenzando el sábado 1ro de mayo del 2021, County Connection no requerirá tarifa en la ruta 311. Servicio de lunes a viernes, en la ruta 11 ha sido gratis desde el 2019. La ruta 311 continuará ofreciendo servicio gratuito hasta el 1ro de agosto del 2021. Recomendamos aprovechar esta oportunidad para obtener la vacuna contra el COVID-19. Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor de llamar a nuestro servicio al cliente al 925-676-7500.

Service Changes Effective March 21, 2021

Spring service changes will take effect starting Sunday, March 21, 2021, and will include schedule adjustments to Routes 6, 10, 17, 20, 27, 310, 311, 314, 315, 320, 321, & 335.

RouteChangeNew Schedule
6Revised schedule (weekend only) Download PDF
10Revised schedule Download PDF
17Revised schedule Download PDF
20Revised schedule Download PDF
27Added trip leaving North Concord at 5:25 pm Download PDF
301John Muir Hospital loop on Route 321 moved to new Route 301 Download PDF
310Revised schedule Download PDF
311Revised schedule Download PDF
314Revised schedule Download PDF
315Revised schedule Download PDF
320Revised schedule Download PDF
321Revised schedule; John Muir Hospital loop moved to new Route 301 Download PDF
335Revised schedule Download PDF

Service Bulletin: Service to Schools (600 Series)

On March 16, 2020, Contra Costa County issued a Shelter in Place (SIP) Order. Since then, County Connection has continuously adjusted service in response to the needs of essential services and their workers. These efforts require significant coordination and time in order to implement an effective service profile that meets various demands. The 600 series, which is County Connection’s service to schools, was halted with the issuance of the SIP order last March. Since then, many schools districts have adopted hybrid schedules with little to no communication with the County Connection. Thus far, County Connection has not received any definitive information on actual start dates for schools typically served by our 600 series.

In order for County Connection to effectively plan for the potential re-introduction of our 600 series routes we require the following information:

  • School Schedules – days of the week schools are open/bell-times
  • Academic Calendars- including early-outs/late-in’s and holidays
  • Additional information regarding your process of re-entering the classroom that may have an impact on student transportation (i.e. blended hybrid learning model, percentage of student body allowed on campus and potential distance learning days)

Federal Regulations prohibit public transit operators from operating exclusive “school bus” type service. This means that all service provided to and for students must not only be available to the general public but must be published in our printed schedules. If we do not comply with these regulations, we are in danger of being sanctioned by the FTA, up to and including loss of funding. This process generally requires two months to develop, publish and disseminate appropriate public schedules as well as create the necessary work assignments.

For the remainder of the 2021 school year County Connection must maintain a six-foot physical distance protocol on all buses.  This means we can only allow 10 to 12 individuals on a bus as opposed to the typical 50 to 60 passengers a 600 series route carries. It would take five times as many buses and at least 30 additional operators to move the pre-COVID student demand with the new physical distancing protocols. 

As we look forward to this coming Fall, we will be working with the county to enhance our vehicle load capacity with the goal of meeting the expected student demand for the 2022 school calendar year. For additional information regarding County Connection’s response to COVID-19 and protocols please refer to the following link at: https://countyconnection.com/covid19/

Despite our limitation with providing the 600 series service, we continue to operate regular service within close proximity to many schools in our service area. We encourage everyone to visit our maps and schedule page for more information on existing service. Our customer service staff is available to assist with trip planning and/or answer any other questions regarding our service. For inquiries, please call 925-676-7500 or email help@countyconnection.com.

2021 Service Plan

Last updated: 12/11/2020

Due to COVID-19, many transit agencies throughout the Bay Area face varying degrees of financial uncertainty and must evaluate cost-cutting measures in order to remain financially viable. These are tough decisions and we want your input.

County Connection will conduct virtual meetings in the coming months to inform the public of potential service cuts. The first meeting will provide a general overview of the impact COVID-19 has had on funding levels, the current service profile and three scenarios for potential service reductions. This meeting is scheduled via Zoom on December 1st at 5pm. Subsequent public hearings are scheduled in January.

Please check this webpage on a regular basis to stay informed.

Service Proposals

Three service reduction scenarios have been developed with incremental service cuts that would result in cost reductions of $3, $5, and $7 million annually. The selection of the scenario will depend on future financial projections.

ScenarioFrequency ReductionsElimination of RoutesAlignment ChangesReduction in HoursReduction in Annual Costs
Scenario 1
(changes from pre-COVID service)		4, 5, 6, 7, 27, 35, 92X, 95X, 96X–6, 28, 92X13%$3M
Scenario 2
(changes in addition to Scenario 1)		15, 17, 93X, 98X, 99X91X, 97X, 31515, 3520%$5M
Scenario 3
(changes in addition to Scenarios 1 & 2)		10, 2092X, 93X, 95X, 96X–28%$7M
How to Comment

Scenario Details

Continue current service levels (as of October 4, 2020)
13% reduction in service hours
$3 million reduction in annual operating costs
Compared to pre-COVID service
Frequency Reductions
Route Pre-COVID
(peak/off-peak)		 Scenario 1
(peak/off-peak)
412 min20 min
520/45 min40 min
620/60 min30/60 min
715/- min20/- min
2740/60 min3 trips
3515-20/30-60 min30/60 min
92X8 trips4 trips
95X20/- min30/- min
96X20/60 min30/- min
Alignment Changes
  • Route 6 – eliminate Orinda Community Center loop
  • Route 28 – extend to Concord BART, reroute from Arnold/Center to Muir Rd
  • Route 92X – simplify routing through Bishop Ranch to remove stops at BR15 and Bishop/Sunset

Additional frequency reductions and elimination of low-ridership routes and route segments
20% reduction in service hours
$5 million reduction in annual operating costs
Compared to pre-COVID service
Frequency Reductions
(In addition to Scenario 1 changes)
Route Pre-COVID
(peak/off-peak)		 Scenario 2
(peak/off-peak)
412 min20 min
520/45 min40 min
620/60 min30/90 min
715/- min20/- min
1560 min90 min
1730/60 min60 min
2740/60 min3 trips
3515-20/30-60 min30/60 min
92X8 trips4 trips
93X13 trips11 trips
95X20/- min30/- min
96X20/60 min30/- min
98X30/60 min45/90 min
99X15-45/- min40/- min
Eliminate Routes
  • Route 91X
  • Route 97X
  • Route 315
Alignment Changes
(In addition to Scenario 1 changes)
  • Route 6 – eliminate Orinda Community Center loop
  • Route 15 – eliminate John Muir Hospital loop
  • Route 28 – extend to Concord BART, reroute from Arnold/Center to Muir Rd
  • Route 35 – eliminate Crow Canyon loop
    (New change since December webinar)
  • Route 92X – simplify routing through Bishop Ranch to remove stops at BR15 and Bishop/Sunset

Additional frequency reductions and elimination of express service to Bishop Ranch
28% reduction in service hours
$7 million reduction in annual operating costs
Compared to pre-COVID service
Frequency Reductions
(In addition to Scenario 1 & 2 changes)
Route Pre-COVID
(peak/off-peak)		 Scenario 3
(peak/off-peak)
412 min20 min
520/45 min40 min
620/60 min30/90 min
715/- min20/- min
1015-30 min15 (PM peak only)/30 min
1560 min90 min
1730/60 min60 min
2015-30 min15 (PM peak only)/30 min
2740/60 min3 trips
3515-20/30-60 min30/60 min
98X30/60 min45/90 min
99X15-45/- min40/- min
Eliminate Routes
(In addition to Scenario 2 changes)
  • Route 91X
  • Route 92X
  • Route 93X
  • Route 95X
  • Route 96X
  • Route 97X
  • Route 315
Alignment Changes
(None in addition to Scenario 1 & 2 changes)
  • Route 6 – eliminate Orinda Community Center loop
  • Route 15 – eliminate John Muir Hospital loop
  • Route 28 – extend to Concord BART, reroute from Arnold/Center to Muir Rd
  • Route 35 – eliminate Crow Canyon loop
    (New change since December webinar)
  • Route 92X – simplify routing through Bishop Ranch to remove stops at BR15 and Bishop/Sunset

Timeline

December 1, 2020Webinar
December 2020 – January 2021Refine plan details
January 2021Hold public hearings and gather public comment
February 18, 2021Summary of comments and draft recommendation to Board for feedback
March 18, 2021Final recommendation and Title VI Equity Analysis to Board for potential approval
Summer 2021 (or later)Implementation

Webinar

Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 5:00 pm

Members of the public are encouraged to participate remotely via Zoom at the following link or phone number. Members of the public participating by Zoom wishing to speak should use the “raise hand” feature or dial *9. In order to get the full Zoom experience, please make sure your application is up to date.

Attendee Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82214425092
Join by Telephone: 888 788 0099 (Toll Free) or 877 853 5247 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 822 1442 5092
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kelgsrbyXJ

2021 Service Plan Webinar PresentationDownload

Public Hearings

County Connection will hold four (4) public hearings to gather comments on potential service cuts. The public hearings will review three (3) proposed service reduction scenarios, and each public hearing will focus on a different region of County Connection’s service area.

Comments can be submitted in writing via mail, email, or online, or at one of the scheduled public hearings. Written comments must be received by January 22, 2021. It is anticipated that the Board of Directors will take action on the proposed service changes no later than March 18, 2021.

  • In writing to:
    Director of Planning & Marketing
    2477 Arnold Industrial Way
    Concord, CA 94520
  • At one of the public hearings (ALL via teleconference):

North Service Area – Martinez, North Concord
Tuesday, January 5, 2021, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Web link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88020890928
By phone: 408-638-0968 (Meeting ID: 880 2089 0928)

2021 Service Plan Public Hearing Presentation – NorthDownload

Core Service Area – Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek
Tuesday, January 5, 2021, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Web link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82806333877
By phone: 408-638-0968 (Meeting ID: 828 0633 3877)

2021 Service Plan Public Hearing Presentation – CoreDownload

Lamorinda Service Area – Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda
Friday, January 8, 2021, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Web link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86148441553
By phone: 408-638-0968 (Meeting ID: 861 4844 1553)

2021 Service Plan Public Hearing Presentation – LamorindaDownload

South Service Area – Danville, San Ramon, Dublin
Friday, January 8, 2021, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Web link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83388778518
By phone: 408-638-0968 (Meeting ID: 833 8877 8518)

2021 Service Plan Public Hearing Presentation – SouthDownload