Back 2 School: Transit 101🚌📚 – County Connection

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.