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Back 2 School: Transit 101🚌📚

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.
SCHOOLDATESTARTROUTESSLIDES
Concord High/
El Dorado Middle 		August 4 5:30pm 15, 615 PDF
Miramonte High/ 
Orinda Intermediate 		August 5 5:00pm 6, 606PDF
Walnut Creek Intermediate/ 
Las Lomas High 		August 56:00pm 1, 4, 5, 14, 21,
601, 602, 605 		PDF
Stanley Middle August 65:00pm 626 PDF
Acalanes High August 66:00pm 625 PDF
California High/ 
Pine Valley Middle 		August 115:00pm 622, 636 PDF
Iron Horse Middle August 116:00pm636 PDF
Monte Vista High August 125:00pm 623 PDF
Dougherty Valley High/
Gale Ranch Middle/
Windermere Ranch Middle 		August 126:00pm35, 635PDF

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)
  • Contact Customer Service: (925) 676-7500 (Mon–Fri, 6:30 am–6:30 pm)
  • Visit our website: countyconnection.com

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:

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.

Questions? Please contact Marketing at marketing@cccta.org.

Youth Ride Free: Halfway Highlights 

In April 2025, the Youth Ride Free (YRF) summer pilot program was just a glint in eye of County Connection–and we were hoping to launch something that would get area youth (18 and under) to ride transit during the summer months, when transit numbers typically drop amongst younger passengers. Now, with the program at its halfway point, early data is showing that this simple, barrier-free approach is already delivering promising results. 

Launched June 1, 2025, and going on through the end of July, YRF allows passengers ages 18 and under to ride any County Connection bus for free, with no application, ID, or special pass required. This approach removes obstacles that have traditionally discouraged young riders from using transit, helping to stimulate spontaneous, independent travel.  As well, there’s some secondary “transit literacy” our riders are getting, like learning how to plan trips, read a timetables, or check out bus times on Transit–all helpful skills in building a lifelong relationship with public transit.

“In addition to providing free rides to our younger riders, we’re learning how to better serve youth by paying attention to their behavior and feedback,” said Andrew Smith, Director of Marketing & Communications at County Connection. “That’s data we can use to improve future programs, whether or not we’re able to offer free transit long-term.” 

The campaign kicked off its outreach in late April with a three-pronged strategy: paid advertising, messaging via community partners, and word-of-mouth from riders and supporters. Engagement has been strong across the board surpassing 1 million views of online ads in English and Spanish. Notably, TikTok ads have led the way, generating more than double the impressions of other platforms.  

Meanwhile offline and prior to summer break, County Connection staff visited 27 middle and high schools to distribute flyers and stickers, and partnered with local movie theaters to run YRF pre-preview ads across 34 movie screens. Additionally, over 160 media packets were sent to libraries, small businesses, and community partners to help spread the word. 

But the real test of success? Ridership! 

Just four weeks into the program,  youth boardings has already surpassed all of June and July 2024’s total Summer Youth Pass (now discontinued) usage, reaching  714% of last summer’s two-month total. With one month still to go, staff now expect a 50-60% increase in all youth ridership (Summer Youth Pass + Clipper Youth) by the end of July. Our ridership data reveals significant youth activity at locations including Hurricane Harbor Waterpark, schools offering summer programs, and popular hubs like Sunvalley Mall, City Center, and BART stations. Most popular routes include the 6, 10, 15, 20 and 35 on weekdays and the 310, 320, 321 and 335 on weekends. 

Our very serious staff showing off our limited-edition County Connection trucker cap, available to winners on the Youth Ride Free Leaderboard. If you’re 13-18, register on the leaderboard to win weekly prizes (just for riding). youthridefree.com

To measure impact and gather insights, County Connection is tracking results through: 

  • Passenger boardings (logged by our bus drivers) 
  • YRF leaderboard, where riders ages 13-18 can log trips, earn digital badges, and win prizes like movie tickets, gift cards, and limited-edition County Connection merch (see image above). Note: While primarily an engagement tool, the leaderboard is also providing valuable insights into ridership trends by route and day of week. Join the leaderboard at youthridefree.com  
  • (Coming soon) An opt-in survey (open to youth and parents through August)  

Also exciting is that our neighboring agencies have joined in! Tri Delta Transit and WestCAT launched their own Youth Ride Free programs, sharing messaging to ensure a consistent experience for riders throughout the region. While WestCAT’s version requires an ID, the programs are otherwise aligned, giving youth a seamless travel experience across east, central, and western Contra Costa. 

The YRF program is scheduled to end on July 31, at which point County Connection will share all data and lessons learned with partnering agencies. County Connection is currently exploring opportunities to sustain or build on the program after the pilot wraps up, and we will share more information just as soon as it’s available. 

It’s Easy Being Green on Public Transit

Image of Earth with text Happy Earth Day.

Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22, and since its inception in 1970, public transit has been tied to it. Why? Public transit services not only reduce carbon emissions but also alleviate traffic congestion and are more energy-efficient per passenger-mile than private vehicles. The benefits are clear and in step with Earth Day’s push for environmental protection and sustainability. But the challenge lies in encouraging real change. For County Connection, we want to get you on one of our buses, if even for one day! Contact Marketing at marketing@cccta.org to request a free pass.

Other way to Go Green: Free, Save, Make Green

Free Green
Did you know County Connection offers 10 free routes? Hop on. Hop off. No need to pay! These routes are made possible by public state and city funds, as incentives to encourage usage in select areas around central Contra Costa County. 

  • Weekdays: 4, 5, 7, 11, 14, 16, and 99X 
  • Weekends: 4, 311, 314, and 316 

Save Green
Save money on transit when you pay with Clipper!
> Click here to see which Clipper Card is best for you!

 CLIPPER CASH YOU SAVE 
ADULT $2.00 $2.50 $0.50 
YOUTH (6-18) $1.00 $2.50 $1.50 
SENIOR/RTC $1.00 $1.25 $0.25 

Make Green
We’re hiring! We’re looking for motivated people who share our values. County Connection has 200+ employees offering careers in Administration, Maintenance, and Transportation. Full-time positions are available, with benefits including medical, vacation, paid training, retirement/CalPERS, and more.

Apply today

EARTH DAY CELEBRATIONS AROUND CONTRA COSTA 

Looking for places to celebrate Earth Day? There’s lots going on and showing up for an event is a great way to see your community turn out! 

Concord 
April 19, 2025 – Family Food Sort 2025 with Food Bank of Solano & Contra Costa 
Please join the Food Bank for our Earth Day Family Food Sort. Families with children as young as five years old are invited to learn about our green initiatives and “Volunteer to Improve the Environment” by bagging fresh produce at our warehouse for our food distribution programs.  Concord Warehouse, 4010 Nelson Ave, Concord, 925-676-7543 

Clayton 
April 19, 2025, 9am-noon – Clayton Cleans Up (Clayton Business and Community Association).  
Celebrate Earth Day by Cleaning Up Clayton! The Clayton Business & Community Association (CBCA) invites volunteers to celebrate Earth Day by helping clean up local parks, streets, and creeks. After a rewarding morning of cleanup, volunteers will be treated to a free barbecue as a thank-you for their efforts. The first 200 volunteers will receive a free T-shirt featuring this year’s logo —so be sure to arrive early! Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton 

Lafayette 
April 27, 2025, 11am-2pm – Earth Day Festival 2025 
The City of Lafayette invites residents to enjoy the outdoors and learn about how to protect the Earth, fight climate change, and create a more sustainable Lafayette. Lafayette Plaza, 3530 Plaza Way, Lafayette

Martinez 
April 26, 2025, 10am-4pm – 2025 John Muir’s Birthday/Earth Day Celebration 
Join us for a special event celebrating the life and legacy of John Muir. This family-friendly day of activities, exhibits, and performances highlights Muir’s contributions to conservation and encourages environmental awareness. John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Ave, Martinez

Pleasant Hill 
May 10, 2025, 9am-noon – Grayson Creek Earth Day 2025 
Help protect Grayson Creek and improve habitat for birds, turtles, otters, and other riparian species. 250 Cleaveland Road, Pleasant Hill 

Walnut Creek 
April 19, 2025, 11am-2pm – Celebration Day at Civic Park 
Join us for Walnut Creek’s biggest Earth Day celebration! Civic Park will come alive with a dynamic, family-friendly festival celebrating the intersection of sustainability and movement. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability or just looking for a fun day out, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Civic Park, 1375 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek

Rider Spotlight: Alex Harmon on Bay Area Transit 

Meet Alex Harmon, a lifelong East Bay resident who is well-versed in the ways of Bay Area public transit. Working in radio, Alex manages the behind the scenes promotions for four local radio stations, calling on him to cover a lot of territory in his day. And though he does have a car to cover that territory, Alex opts for public transit, giving him more freedom and opportunity to appreciate the different landscapes of the Bay Area.

Alex’s journey with public transit began during his childhood when he rode BART with his father. Their trips to Oakland for appointments and Raiders games introduced him to the public transit system long before smartphones made navigation simple. “In the late 1990s, I’d find myself enjoying the sights of the system by looking out windows or at maps,” he recalls. As he gained some teenage independence, Alex started to ride BART and AC Transit on his own, later expanding his travels to MUNI, Wheels, and County Connection.

One of his earliest memories of County Connection was taking the bus in San Ramon to attend an eye appointment during his high school years. “Being a Hayward kid, it was interesting to see another part of the East Bay on a nice brown bus,” he shares. Later he became a resident of Dublin and his connection with County Connection further solidified as he frequently rode the routes to central Contra Costa County.

Alex takes pride in his choice to rely on public transit. “I’ve always been fortunate to reside near a bus line and within walking distance from BART,” he explains. His affinity for biking also complements his public transit journeys. “Taking public transit allows you to see and embrace the Bay Area in a different way than you would in the driver’s seat,” he adds. 

For Alex, riding transit is not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about adventure. He often documents his journeys through photography, sharing them on social media and connecting with a community of fellow transit enthusiasts. As a regular user of BART, AC Transit, County Connection, Tri Valley Wheels, and Muni, Alex’s daily travels vary. “I work in Daly City, so I get a SamTrans fix plus VTA when I’m down in the South Bay,” he mentions. Some of his go-to County Connection routes include the 1, 4, 21/321, 35/335, and 93X.

Over the years, Alex has witnessed notable changes in the public transit landscape. He appreciates the integration of the Clipper card system, which has streamlined travel across the Bay Area. However, he’s also seen public transit adapt to societal shifts, from economic recessions to the recent pandemic, which altered ridership patterns.

One challenge he recognizes is the perception that public transit is only for commuting. “I’d like to see more people understand that anyone can ride public transit for more than just their work commute,” Alex insists. He advocates that individuals can incorporate transit into weekend activities, exercise routines, and more, ultimately reducing car dependency.

For Alex, the benefits of public transit also extend to his lifestyle. “My step count is great!” he laughs, emphasizing that the freedom from car dependency allows him to catch up on life during his commutes—whether answering messages, reading the news, or simply enjoying the view outside his window.

Looking ahead, Alex is eager to explore other transit systems. His experiences in New York City’s subway left him wanting more, and he has a keen interest in riding the WMATA Metro in Washington D.C., which shares similarities with BART. For Alex, public transit is more than a practical way to navigate a city; it’s an adventure that offers authentic experiences and personal souvenirs in the form of transit passes and stories.

In a world increasingly influenced by cars, Alex Harmon’s experience serves as a reminder of the joys and benefits of public transportation. Embracing the diverse transit options of the Bay Area not only enriches his daily routine but also opens the door to new connections.

Are you a transit enthusiast? We’d love to share your perspective on how public transit shapes your day. Reach out to our Marketing Department at marketing@cccta.org and let us know about your story!