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County Connection Supports State Audit Findings

Concord, CA – May 29, 2026 – County Connection supports the key findings and recommendations from the California State Auditor regarding East Bay Transit Agencies. County Connection itself, along with the five other transit agencies audited (AC Transit, Livermore-Amador Valley Transit Authority, Tri Delta Transit, and WestCAT), received no specific findings or recommendations. 

“This audit reflects the hard work and dedication of our employees and leadership team,” said Bill Churchill, General Manager of County Connection. “We remain committed to managing public resources responsibly while continuing to provide safe, reliable, and efficient transit service to our community.” 

The audit found that: 

  • East Bay transit agencies regularly coordinate, both directly and through regional initiatives, and that there are few barriers to their collaboration; 
  • An audit conducted while riding 25% of East Bay transit agencies’ bus routes that cross service areas found no significant obstacles for transit riders including transferring between agencies; 
  • All East Bay transit agencies anticipate challenges in meeting the State’s requirements to purchase zero-emission vehicles because of their high cost and lack of direct funding; 
  • Five of the six audited agencies may exhaust their reserves within the next one to five years and may need to reduce service without additional funding; 
  • Merging or combining the agencies would not resolve the financial challenges of the agencies and would likely increase labor costs; 

Board Chair Robert Storer said the positive findings reinforce public confidence in the agency’s operations and long-term planning efforts. “Our riders, employees, taxpayers, and funding partners deserve accountability and transparency,” Storer said. “These results demonstrate that the agency is meeting those expectations while positioning itself for a sustainable future.” 

The audit recommended that: 

  • MTC should establish realistic and attainable time frames for each of its transit action plan items by setting major milestones and subtasks for completion; 
  • To address the risk that transit agencies may have to reduce services due to rising operation costs, MTC should, by January 2027, begin identifying additional funding sources that it could direct to transit agencies at risk of reducing services; 
  • To ensure that agencies can comply with the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) mandate to make all new bus purchases zero-emission starting in 2029, the Legislature should consider extending the deadline or allocating new funds to the transit agencies to purchase zero-emission vehicles. 

County Connection, who delivers almost three million rides to the region annually, has long worked to advance collaborative transit initiatives. Recent examples include the One Seat Regional Ride program with Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT, and Wheels to provide a transfer-free service for passengers using paratransit within Contra Costa County and the Tri-Valley region; a summer Youth Ride Free program providing free rides to all passengers 18 years and younger within Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, and two pilot programs with MTC’s Regional Mapping and Wayfinding Project to test the implementation of a new unified design for all transit maps and signage across the entire Bay Area region.  

See State Auditor’s Report

About County Connection  
County Connection provides public transportation services throughout central Contra Costa County, serving approximately 2.8 million riders annually through bus and paratransit services. 

Questions or feedback? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Reach out to our Marketing Department at marketing@cccta.org

 Youth Ride Free Returns for Summer 2026 

Contra Costa County, CA — Following a highly successful youth program last summer, County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, and WestCAT will continue the Youth Ride Free program, offering fare-free rides on all fixed-bus routes for youth up to 18 years of age from June 1 through July 31, 2026. County Connection will also extend the Youth Ride Free program to its LINK paratransit service. 

With strong participation and widespread grassroots community support, Youth Ride Free has quickly become a cornerstone program for expanding access and mobility for young riders across the three connecting service areas in Contra Costa County. By removing barriers—no fares, applications, IDs, or special passes required—young riders can simply get on board, making transit more accessible than ever. 

“The Youth Ride Free program provides a vital mobility option for our youth in eastern Contra Costa,” said CEO Rashidi Barnes. “This valuable initiative allows our young people to participate freely in summer sports and school programs, connect with friends and family, all without relying on a car. Furthermore, as a teenager growing up in the Bay Area, public transportation enabled me to secure a summer job, which helped me support the local economy and develop important life skills.” 

Last year alone, Tri Delta Transit transported 40,000 youth during June and July and expects to reach similar ridership levels this year. Recognizing the significant impact of the program, Tri Delta Transit thanks District 3 County Supervisor Diane Burgis and District 5 County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston for their financial commitment, which has ensured the continuation of the 2026 Youth Ride Free program in eastern Contra Costa County. 

Says Rob Thompson, General Manager of WestCAT, “Our goal this summer is simple—remove barriers and make it easier for young people to get where they need to go. By offering free rides, we’re supporting opportunity, independence, and stronger connections across our community.” 

During last year’s Youth Ride Free pilot, WestCAT saw a 1,170% increase in youth ridership compared to the previous year. In 2025, WestCAT was the only participating agency that required students to show IDs to board—a requirement that did not significantly impact ridership. In 2026, WestCAT will eliminate this requirement, further aligning with the program’s barrier-free approach. 

County Connection’s program also demonstrated a transformative impact on youth mobility, with more than 25,000 free rides recorded over two months—an increase of more than 1,600% compared to previous summer programs. This growth was driven in large part by strong community support, including school districts, parents, and local organizations that helped raise awareness and encourage participation. 

Learn more about Youth Ride Free on County Connection

“I’m very proud of our staff for creating a program that allows our students to ride our buses,” said Robert Storer, Board Chair of County Connection. “When a program takes what was near stagnant youth ridership in the summer months and boosts it to 25,000 rides, as it did with Youth Ride Free, that’s a powerful measure of success. It shows what’s possible when we remove barriers and work closely with our community.” 

Beyond increased ridership across all participating agencies, the program also shifted how young people travel, attracting many first-time riders. While Youth Ride Free removes fares for riders, all three agency-led programs are supported through alternative, short-term funding sources. 

As Contra Costa and other Bay Area transit agencies navigate an uncertain long-term funding landscape, initiatives like Youth Ride Free represent a strategic investment in cultivating the next generation of transit riders. Building on this momentum, County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, and WestCAT will continue working closely with regional partners to strengthen transit connections and expand opportunities for youth throughout Contra Costa County. 

Media Contacts: 

County Connection
Ryan Jones
Manager of Marketing & Communications
rjones@cccta.org | 925-680-2037 

Tri Delta Transit
Leeann Loroño
Manager of Customer Service and Marketing
llorono@eccta.org | 925-754-6622 

WestCAT
Mica McFadden
Transit Operations Manager
mica@westcat.org | 510.724.3331 

Rising Gas, Steady Fares

As the cost of living continues to rise, more people are turning to public transit as a practical way to save money while getting where they need to go. Across the Bay Area, ridership is climbing, with BART, Caltrain, and Muni all reporting record-breaking post-pandemic ridership this March. And we’re seeing that same momentum here at County Connection. 

Image of bus passing a gas station with price-per-gallon displayed in the foreground.

While ridership has continued to grow since the pandemic, March saw an unusually large year-over-year increase, with 5% more riders compared to March of last year. In total, nearly 240,000 people rode County Connection in March 2026, with an average of about 9,700 weekday riders—making it our strongest March since 2019. 

At the same time, we recognize that this growth is closely tied to real financial pressures facing our community. Rising fuel costs, in particular, continue to strain household budgets. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the national average price of gasoline rose from $2.93 per gallon in January 2026 to $4.13 in March—a 41% increase. In California, prices climbed from $4.15 in January to $5.83 in March, a 40% jump. While transit agencies also feel the impact of rising fuel costs, these conditions are prompting more people to consider transit as a reliable and cost-effective alternative.  

That shift isn’t limited to the weekday commute. Weekend ridership is also growing, with more people choosing transit for shopping, dining, and recreation. In March, Saturday ridership was 36% higher than in March 2019—the largest post-pandemic increase we’ve seen. These gains highlight transit’s role not just in getting people to work, but in supporting local businesses and contributing to the region’s broader economic recovery. 

Table A: The line graph above shows a correlation with the average gas price per gallon in CA since and County Connection ridership from December 2025-March 2026. As the price of gas (yellow line) increases, so does the County Connection ridership (red line).

As demand grows, continued investment in transit will be key to sustaining this momentum and better serving the communities that rely on us every day. And as the cost of living—and especially gas prices—continues to fluctuate, County Connection remains a steady and reliable option, offering affordable, accessible transit since 1980. Whether you’re making the switch for the first time or returning to the bus, we’re here to help you get around central Contra Costa and perhaps give your wallet a well-deserved break.

Questions or feedback? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Reach out to our Marketing Department at marketing@cccta.org!

Real-Time Bus Arrival Signs Installed 

Real-time sign installed along Route 20, displaying County Connection bus arrival times.

Good news for County Connection riders—real-time bus arrival signs are now live at some of our busiest stops across central Contra Costa. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Did I just miss the bus?” or “How much longer do I have to wait?”—we’ve got you covered. Our newly installed signs take the guesswork out of riding. How? They show exactly when your bus will arrive, with updates in real-time, roughly every minute. 

This upgrade builds on an earlier set of real-time signs first introduced in 2016. After seeing how helpful those were for riders, we evaluated what was working and looked for ways to make the passenger experience even better. The results are these 28 brand-new, modern displays designed with you—our riders—in mind.  

The new signs feature easy-to-read 13-inch e-paper screens (an easy-to-read low-power consumption display, similar to an Amazon Kindle e-reader) that stay clear and visible in all lighting conditions…whether you’re catching an early morning ride or heading home after dark. They’re also built to last, with vandal-resistant enclosures to keep them reliable for the long haul. 

Accessibility was a key part of this upgrade. Each sign includes text-to-speech functionality, making it easier for visually impaired riders to hear real-time arrival information with the push of a button (literally).  

Push-to-talk feature for visually impaired passengers. Pushing button will activate a voice announcing arrival times of approaching buses.
Passenger waiting for County Connection bus, checking the real-time sign for arrival time.

You might notice these signs aren’t solar-powered like the previous ones—and that’s intentional. Advances in battery technology mean these displays can run for three to five years on a single battery, allowing us to install them in more locations without worrying about sun exposure or higher costs. 

We’ve placed the 28 signs where they can make the biggest impact by installing them at our stops with the greatest number of boardings. We also made sure to install at least one sign in each of the cities we serve where there is a stop averaging at least ten boardings per day. That means more riders in more places can benefit from real-time information. 

You’ll now find these signs in communities including Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Moraga, San Ramon, Walnut Creek (coming soon), and Danville—at key stops along corridors like Clayton Road, Monument Boulevard, Contra Costa Boulevard, and Treat Boulevard, as well as near major destinations like medical centers, park-and-ride lots, and college campuses. 

You may notice that stops at BART stations and major transit centers aren’t included just yet. Those locations are part of a larger regional effort led by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, with updates coming in the future. 

This project was funded through County Connection and delivered through a cooperative agreement with the California Association for Coordinated Transportation (CalACT), helping us bring this technology to riders efficiently and cost-effectively. Whether you’reheading to work, school, or anywhere in between, real-time information helps you plan with confidence. 

So next time you’re at the stop, take a look up—your bus may be close by (and now you’ll know exactly when it gets there). 

Have you seen one of our real-time signs? Whatdya think? We’d love to hear your feedback! Email your thoughts (and even photos of you with a real-time sign) to marketing@cccta.org.

Realignment, Improvements to Walnut Creek’s Route 4 

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. 

Image of the newly redrawn Route 3 service map.

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. 

Community Resources in Contra Costa

Image of crisis resource graphics

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 Logo
  • 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

  • Contra Costa Health, Adult and Youth Homeless Services (call 211 or text “HOPE” to 20121) – Contra Costa Health’s Health, Housing and Homeless Services provides a number of services to support unhoused people.
  • 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

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.

East Bay Small Operators Applaud Passage of SB 63 

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.  

Media Contacts: 

County Connection 
Ryan Jones | rjones@cccta.org | 925-680-2037 

Wheels 
David Mark | dmark@lavta.org | 925-455-7553 

Tri Delta Transit 
Leeann Loroño | llorono@eccta.org | 925-754-6622 

WestCAT 
Mica McFadden | mica@westcat.org | 510.724.3331 

Youth Ride Free This Summer on Four East Bay Transit Agencies   

CONCORD, CA – Four East Bay transit agencies—County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT, and Wheels—are working to bring more young riders to public transit with their free youth promotions going on throughout the summer. From June 1 through July 31, youth aged 18 and under can ride for free on County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, and WestCAT, while Wheels offers its Summer Youth Ride Free for a second year with the promotion through August 31.

This collaborative initiative aims to increase transit use by making public transportation more accessible, especially for youth navigating summer social and work options. 

“For Tri Delta Transit, this pilot lowers barriers and connects youth to summer jobs and programs—on our system and beyond,” said Rashidi Barnes, CEO of Tri Delta Transit. “There’s a whole world in California accessible by transit.”

In addition to increasing mobility, the pilot gives agencies a chance to better understand youth travel behavior. Ridership data is collected as youth board, and some agencies may have opt-in surveys, helping to provide a picture of the youth demographic and their travel habits, informing future planning and service decisions.

“It’s essential to build a new generation of riders,” said Rob Thompson, General Manager of WestCAT. “Youth can explore local systems and connect to others—like AC Transit, BART, and even ride our Lynx express to San Francisco, for free.”

“Wheels’ Summer Youth Ride Free program was a hit last year,” added Christy Wegener, Executive Director of LAVTA. “Now, with our neighboring agencies on board, we’re expanding that reach—helping youth connect in person and travel to jobs, getting them off their screens and out into their communities.”

This unified effort comes at a critical time—following a reallocation of funding and the recent discontinuation of the Summer Youth Pass. In its absence, these fare-free programs fill an essential gap, supporting not only youth mobility but also helping families who rely on public transportation during the summer months when school is out.

“The Youth Ride Free initiative helps us rethink how to serve young riders,” said County Connection General Manager Bill Churchill. “We’re excited about the data we collect–and even our new Youth Ride Free leaderboard–will inform future youth-focused programs.”

At the end of summer, Contra Costa and Tri-Valley youth can continue their transit journeys by utilizing a Youth Clipper pass which offers discounted fares across all Bay Area transit.

For more information about each agency’s free youth ride programs:

County Connection Launches Youth Ride Free Pilot Program   

Youth Ride Free gif

Regional summer travel just got a whole lot better for area youth! County Connection is thrilled to announce the launch of the Youth Ride Free pilot program, which will offer fare-free rides on all County Connection bus routes for youth up to 18 years of age, starting June 1 through July 31. Young riders can simply board without the need for an application or special pass, making access to public transit easier than ever. 

The Youth Ride Free program is designed to familiarize young riders with public transit and promote regular bus use, while also allowing County Connection to learn more about where its youth riders want to go. By eliminating fares and an application process, County Connection is removing obstacles that have historically prevented youth from fully utilizing public transportation.  

“Our goal is to create life-long transit users, either on our system or elsewhere,” says Kevin Wilk, Board Chair of County Connection. “Encouraging and understanding youth travel behavior are key to this pilot. While previous efforts to lower youth fares have shown some positive results, we need to gain a clearer picture of travel habits–especially among those who may hesitate to fill out an application, by reducing barriers to youths riding public transit.” 

Neighboring transit agencies implementing similar programs experienced substantial increases in youth ridership (ranging from 15% to 154%) during the summer of 2024.Transitioning to a fare-free system not only encourages more trips from low-income riders but also enhances bus service efficiency and reduces costs associated with fare collection.  

During the summer months, this free transit initiative is also expected to greatly enhance mobility for young people, allowing them to access vital resources such as libraries, parks, shopping centers, and summer job opportunities. Additionally, the program aims to reduce social isolation, foster greater transit literacy, and promote increased physical activity among youth.  

Previous programs like the Summer Youth Pass (which has been discontinued) and Pass2Class have facilitated youth access to public transit; however, ridership trends have not shown significant growth in the years since COVID. The Youth Ride Free program aims to change that dynamic.  

“With this pilot, we recognize the need to adapt to the changing demands of our young riders,” Bill Churchill, General Manager of County Connection. “This initiative encourages us to think creatively about how we can meet their travel habits by incentivizing changes in travel behavior. Regardless of the pilot’s outcome, the data we’re able to collect will help inform future programs.”  

In addition to tracking youth ridership, County Connection plans to collect passenger feedback through opt-in surveys, providing young riders with a platform to share their experience. However, providing free transit does come with financial implications. For County Connection, funding this pilot as a research initiative will inform future planning efforts and help determine the feasibility of sustaining a youth transit program in the long term. 

At the conclusion of the Youth Ride Free pilot in July, area youth will have the opportunity to register for Pass2Class, a program offered by 511 Contra Costa that requires an application and offers two months of free transit on County Connection buses. Following the pilot, County Connection staff will share data and insights with partnering agencies to ensure alignment and collaboration in future initiatives aimed at engaging our youth riders.  
 
For more information on the Youth Ride Free program, visit countyconnection.com/yrf/ 

County Connection, Behind the AdWheel Award 

You may be familiar with the Oscars and Grammys, but the AdWheel Award is a lesser-known accolade celebrated in the public transit marketing sphere. The AdWheel is a coveted recognition by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA)–and County Connection is a 2025 recipient. Woot! 

The AdWheel Awards are presented annually at the APTA Marketing, Communications, & Customer Experience Workshop, which takes place at various locations across the nation. The awards recognize excellence in three main categories:  

  • Best Marketing and Communications on Workforce Development 
  • Best Marketing and Communications to Increase Ridership or Sales 
  • Best Marketing and Communications Educational Initiative  

Each category features five subcategories based on platform or marketing format, including print media, electronic media, special events, social media, and comprehensive campaigns. Agencies must submit applications and, when applicable, samples of their campaigns, months in advance to be considered for an award. 

This year, County Connection won the AdWheel Award for Best Marketing and Communications on Workforce Development (Social Media) for our March 2024 campaign in honor of Transit Operator & Worker Appreciation Day. This annual event recognizes the contributions of those who not only drive our buses, but keep them clean and operational, providing essential service to our community. 

About our 2024 Campaign 

For our 2024 campaign, County Connection’s marketing team invited passengers to submit messages of appreciation for our transit workers through an online form. We received nearly 100 submissions, which staff used to create a graphic template that included the sender’s first name, age, and city alongside their message. We also highlighted our transit workforce by preparing posts featuring photos of three County Connection staff members representing our operators, maintenance team, and customer service team. Transit Operator & Worker Appreciation Day took place on March 18, 2024 (and every March 18), and the graphics from our award-winning campaign were shared throughout the day on social media. 

County Connection is proud to receive this recognition and aims to show our workforce how much they are valued, particularly as the public transit industry seeks to fill vacant positions. (BTW, we’re hiring!) 

Submit a message for our Appreciation 2025 campaign 

We’re repeating our efforts again this year and putting out a call for messages that we can share with our transit workforce. This year, you may submit a message (such as “Thanks for greeting me each morning”), or include a photo or video, and even haikus are welcome from those feeling poetic for transit workers! We will select as many submissions as possible to share (and tag if you wish) on our social media pages. 

Submit a message!

Thank you for helping us celebrate the dedicated individuals who make public transit possible!