511 Contra Costa

Pittsburg/Bay Point station, the current eastern terminus in Contra Costa County. Photo credit: 
Chris Downs
Back in October two major construction projects broke ground– State Route 4 widening and the eBART extension to eastern Contra Costa County. Because eBART will operate down the median of State Route 4, the two projects are being implemented in tandem with construction projected to be completed in Fall 2016. Let’s take a closer look at the projects…. Read the rest

Beginning this month, Rio Vista Delta Breeze and 511 Contra Costa are partnering up to bring you a special transit offer: buy one get one free bus passes for Route 52!
Those who purchase one $90 InterCity Monthly Pass will receive the second month free…. Read the rest

Think your commute is a drag? If you’re traveling solo, ridesharing just might make your morning. As three Contra Costa County employees discovered, carpooling isn’t just for saving money, breezing through traffic, and reducing CO2 emissions–it can also be a great way to form meaningful friendships.
In late 2007, the story began when two commuters decided to share the drive from their homes in Antioch to work in downtown Martinez. After the addition of a third carpooler in 2008, what begin as a practical arrangement has since evolved into a fantastic friendship between the three carpoolers…. Read the rest

Construction on BART’s eastward extension, which will span 10 miles from the Pittsburg/Bay Point BART station towards Hillcrest Avenue, is set to begin this fall. The extension will fulfill the first phase of the eBart project, which aims to bring BART into East County. It should be completed by 2015.
BART will be providing a project overview and gathering feedback about fares, station access, and hours of operation at three venues next week…. Read the rest

Local News

Nominate a local biker for Bike Commuter of the Year before Monday, April 19, 2010
BART plans community outreach workshops in Richmond, Antioch, and Pittsburg (Tues 4/6/10)
The tunnel on the Contra Costa Canal Trail is now open for use
See if you live in a ‘red zone’ for the percent of your income that goes towards transportation on this East Bay map
Speeders on I-580 and I-680 face CHP crackdown
Rain delays six-month closure of freeway ramps btwn Hwy 4 + E-bound I-80 until April 19th
Antioch seeks residential input on greenhouse gas reduction at community meetings this April and May… Read the rest

For the most up to date transportation and transit news (as well as information about our promotions, contests, and giveaways), follow 511CC on Twitter.
Local News

Antioch Bridge motorists will face nighttime delays next week
BART to upgrade Pleasant Hill station for $5.2 million
State allocates $69.4 million for I-680 overhaul in San Ramon Valley
Antioch looks at BART beyond Hillcrest
Crews working on Caldecott Tunnel 4th bore cut down trees before bird-nesting season begins
Construction noise in Walnut Creek south of Pleasant Hill BART station to last for the next 8-10 weekends

Bay Area and California News

Bay Area high-speed rail track alignment details delayed again
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Unveils Sample Legislation for Texting While Driving
Proposed rules could make smog check less expensive and time-consuming for most motorists
Senator Simitian proposes tougher penalties in California for hands-free & text messaging violations that would also apply to bicyclists
BART explores more fare hikes, cuts
Toll increase creates casual carpool conundrum
Bay Area gas prices expected to jump in coming weeks… Read the rest

The City of Antioch approved the eBART Station at  Hillcrest Avenue but the decision still isn’t clear as to whether  the station will be located to the east or west of Hillcrest Avenue…. Read the rest