Service Change – County Connection

Improvements in Service, On-Time Performance 

Graphic of a bus with a clock over it.

We hear you: you want your buses to arrive on time! At County Connection, we recognize the critical importance of on-time performance and providing a service you can count on, and we want that, too!  

In 2023, we conducted a passenger survey, something we do every three years, with results that guide our decisions on any service changes and route planning. 10% of riders we spoke to said they would ride County Connection more if our service was more reliable. And a sizable portion of people we surveyed (19%) rated our current reliability as fair or poor. These findings were enlightening, though not entirely surprising. 

We are committed to providing excellent service to our passengers, but face many challenges, including ever-increasing traffic congestion and a nationwide driver shortage. (There’s plenty of buses, but not enough people to drive them.) Driver shortages have impacted our ability to run all service lines effectively, however, we are actively recruiting new drivers to address this issue, too! (Psst…we’re hiring!) 

In response to the survey, our Planning team has been looking into ways to improve service reliability and the overall passenger experience. Last fall, we started using new data-driven software intended to improve service by continually tracking real-time bus location, and schedule adherence. This technology allows us to compare the actual running time of our buses as they travel down their routes against our published timetables. We are putting ourselves to the test by asking: are we delivering on our promises? By identifying differences between what we’ve scheduled and how our buses run, we can make informed changes to improve service reliability. 

What does improved on-time performance look like? 

We recently made some changes to our schedules to make them more accurate and adjusted some routes to help our buses flow better with traffic or, when possible, avoid congestion altogether. 

These changes were made to 24 routes, including weekday local, weekend, school, and express routes, and we’ve observed promising results (as shown in Table 1, below). Since these changes, 82% of our buses on these 24 routes are operating on-time. Across all 51 of our routes systemwide, 81% of our buses are on-time.

Table 1: On-time performance, measuring before Spring 2024 and after recent service changes (Current).

SERVICESpring 2024CurrentChange
Local78%82%+ 4%
Weekend74%82%+ 8%
Express76%82%+ 6%
School64%80%+ 16%
AVERAGE77%82%+ 5%

In Table 1, the column Spring 2024, shows percentages when our buses were scheduled to arrive at timepoints and the percentage of time they were actually arriving on schedule. The column Current, shows how, after changes in service, on-time performance shifted and buses were arriving on schedule an average of +5% of the time. (For all you math brains out there, average on-time performance percentages are calculated based on the actual number of on-time arrivals across all routes where service changes were made, giving more weight to routes with a greater number of trips, rather than just averaging the percentages for each service type.)

Predictive tools at your fingertips 

For passengers who want to stay informed about their bus’s arrival times, the Transit app and the route pages on our website include live feed maps showing the current location of the buses on your route, in addition to our published schedules (see below).  


A new start in bus stop improvements 

Additionally, we’re working to make system-wide improvements to our bus stops. As part of this initiative, we plan to install 28 new monitors that display real-time bus arrival times that are updated every 10 seconds. These displays will be housed in vandal-resistant cases and will include ADA-compliant text-to-speech features.  

Real-time display

The short-term goal is to install a real-time bus arrival display at the busiest bus stop in each city within the County Connection service area, if the stop has at least 10 passenger boardings per day (excluding BART stations and transit centers, which will see new signage as part of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Regional Mapping & Wayfinding Project coming in the next year). The remaining 18 displays will be installed at our other busiest stops, ensuring better coverage along various routes.

At County Connection, we are committed to continually enhancing our service and your experience. Thank you for your feedback, patience, and support as we make strides toward improving on-time performance and overall satisfaction.  


Service Changes Effective January 12, 2025

Service changes to Routes 4, 7, 11, 15, 99X, 301, 311, 315, 623, 636

ROUTE
WHAT CHANGED
SCHEDULE
4
  • Long term detour ended. Service is reinstated on Locust St but will continue on S. Broadway (no service on Broadway Plaza)
Download PDF
7
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
11
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
15
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
99X
  • Removed Mason Cir and added Solano Loop (Commercial Support Services relocated)
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
301
  • Extended route to Via Monte/Ygnacio Valley Rd
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
311
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
315
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
SELECT SCHOOL SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS
623
  • Revised schedule (Monte Vista High)
Download PDF
636
  • Revised schedule (California High, Iron Horse Middle, Pine Valley Middle)
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 and improve on time performance. 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 transporte vecinas y mejorar la puntualidad. 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.

Service Changes Effective November 10, 2024

Service changes to Routes 6, 10, 17, 20, 28, 321, 335, 601, 602, 605, 612

ROUTE
WHAT CHANGED
SCHEDULE
6
  • Adjustments to trips and running times weekday and weekend
Download PDF
10
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
17
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
20
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
28
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
321
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
335
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
SELECT SCHOOL SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS
601
  • Revised schedule
  • Changed timepoint name from Castlehill/Arbol Grande to Tice Valley/Del Valle
Download PDF
602
  • Revised schedule
Download PDF
605
  • Revised schedule
  • Added morning trip leaving Lilac/Newell (no service to Creekside)
Download PDF
612
  • Revised schedule
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.

Service Changes Effective August 11, 2024

Service changes to Routes 6, 91X, 93X, 600 Select School Routes

ROUTE
WHAT CHANGED
SCHEDULE
6
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
Download PDF
91X
  • Removed stop at Airport Plaza
  • Added stop at John Glenn/Concord Ave
  • Changed timepoint heading to John Glenn/Concord Ave
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
Download PDF
93X
  • Adjustments to times leaving Antioch BART at 7:07a
Download PDF
RESUME 600 SELECT SCHOOL SERVICE
600s
  • Lamorinda School Districts
Download PDF
600s
  • Mt. Diablo School District
Download PDF
600s
  • San Ramon School District
Download PDF
600s
  • Walnut Creek School District
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.

Service Changes Effective June 9, 2024

Service changes to Routes 5, 10, 20, 35, 91X, 92X, 96X, 97X, 98X, 321, 335

ROUTE
WHAT CHANGED
SCHEDULE
5
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
Download PDF
10
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
Download PDF
20
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
Download PDF
35
  • Removed timepoints at Sunset/Bishop and Camino Ramon/Bishop
Download PDF
91X
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
Download PDF
92X
  • Added Northbound stop at Camino Ramon/Bishop
Download PDF
96X
  • Removed timepoint at Sunset/Bishop
  • Added stop at Camino Ramon/Bishop
Download PDF
97X
  • Removed timepoint at Sunset/Bishop
  • Added stop at Camino Ramon/Bishop
Download PDF
98X
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
Download PDF
321
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
Download PDF
335
  • Adjustments to trips and running times
  • Removed timepoints at Sunset/Bishop and Camino Ramon/Bishop
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.

Service Changes Effective January 14, 2024

Service changes to Routes 7, 97X, 321

ROUTE
WHAT CHANGED
SCHEDULE
7
  • Stop relocated at Pleasant Hill BART
Download PDF
97X
  • Adjustments to running times on morning trips
Download PDF
321
  • Adjustments to running times from Walnut Creek BART
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.

Service Changes Effective November 12, 2023

Service changes to Routes 15, 35, 335

ROUTE
WHAT CHANGED
SCHEDULE
15
  • Adjustments to running times from Pleasant Hill BART by 3 minutes later.
  • Removed two AM trips and three PM trips from John Muir Medical Center Loop.
Download PDF
35
  • Revised northbound routing turning on Camino Ramon from Bollinger Canyon to San Ramon Transit Center.
  • Added new stop and time point at Camino Ramon/Bishop.
  • Adjustments to running times from Dublin/Pleasanton BART by 20 minutes between 11 AM and 3 PM.
  • Removed two AM and three PM trips from Crow Canyon Loop.
Download PDF
335
  • Revised northbound routing turning on Camino Ramon from Bollinger Canyon to San Ramon Transit Center.
  • Added new stop and time point at Camino Ramon/Bishop.
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.

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)

Fall Service Changes Effective August 6, 2023

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.