County Connection | 511 Contra Costa - Part 2

Labor Day 2021 Transit Service (Sept. 6)

On Monday, September 6, transit will run on adjusted schedules throughout Contra Costa. We’ve collected schedule information below for all agencies serving the county.

NOTE: County Connection, FAST, SolTrans, and SolanoExpress will offer no service on September 6.

Click any link for additional information

Labor Day (Monday, September 6)

Fare-Free September: Ride Transit for Free

Enjoy fare-free rides on all County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT, and Wheels buses during the month of September

Bay Area transit agencies are welcoming you back to transit by offering free or discounted rides during the month of September.

County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT, and Wheels are going fare-free on all routes for the entire month. This includes Tri MyRide, Paratransit routes, and even WestCAT’s express Lynx service between Contra Costa and San Francisco.

31-Day Pass Holders: Delay activating any new 31-Day Pass until October 1 so you don’t lose any value. If you use a 31-Day Pass on Clipper, consider temporarily disabling Autoload to avoid paying during September.

Fare-Free Fridays: AC Transit

AC Transit will be offering fare-free rides on Fridays during September on all local and Transbay routes. Riders can expect to see fareboxes and Clipper card readers covered, Tempo ticket vending machines turned off, and mobile fare payment deactivated on Fridays during this time.

50% Off All Clipper Fares for September: BART

BART is offering 50% off all Clipper fares during the month of September. The discount will be automatically applied to Clipper cards when using the fare gates. All cards will receive the 50% discount, including already discounted fares like Youth, Senior, RTC, Clipper Start, and the Gator Pass.

Clipper’s online Trip Planner and Fare Calculator have been updated to show discounted fares during the month of September.

50% off All Caltrain Fares

For the month of September, Caltrain is offering 50% off all fares.

Transit Service Restoration & Schedule Changes

Many transit agencies serving Contra Costa County have returned to service levels at or near pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, BART’s August 2 restoration has caused a number of transit agencies to update their schedules to make connections to and from BART easier.

Here’s a quick look at recent service restorations and schedule changes in Contra Costa. Click any link below for more information.

  • BART – BART returned to near-regular service on August 2. Closing times have been extended to midnight Monday-Saturday. Sunday service will continue to run at 30-minute frequencies with a 9pm closure.
  • San Francisco Bay Ferry – On July 1, San Francisco Bay Ferry increased their service to levels surpassing pre-pandemic levels. They added rush hour trips, midday and late evening service, reduced fares, and brought back weekend service.
  • Tri Delta Transit – Tri Delta Transit made the return to full service on July 4, 2021.
  • FAST Transit / SolanoExpress – On August 1, FAST Transit Increased service on SolanoExpress routes, including Increased Green Express (GX) Line and Blue Line service. In addition, Blue Line service was transitioned from Pleasant Hill BART to Walnut Creek BART.
  • SolTrans / Solano Express – On August 1, SolTrans increased the frequency on the SolanoExpress Yellow Line, changing it to hourly service to and from Walnut Creek BART.
  • Wheels (LAVTA) – On June 14, Wheels reinstated weekday service to pre-COVID levels from approximately 6:00-9:00 am and 3:00-6:00 pm on Routes 1, 3, 8, 10R, 14, and 30R. Route 15 returned to all-day pre-COVID service levels. Service continues to end at 11 pm.
  • County Connection August 8 – County Connection will be making fall service changes, which means an updated schedule, as well as the addition of service on Route 92X and the resumption of service on their 600-series school routes.
  • AC TransitAugust 8 – AC Transit’s service changes will include a new schedule, the addition of operating hours on local and Transbay lines, and the reactivation of Supplementary Service to schools.
  • Tri Delta TransitAugust 28 – Schedule change, routes will not be affected.

The Benefits of Using Clipper with Your Phone or Apple Watch

If you have an iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android phone, you have the option of paying your transit fare using your mobile device instead of a plastic Clipper card. To help you decide if you’re ready to move your Clipper account to your phone or smart watch, here are some of the benefits, as well as some important reminders.

If You Have Your Phone, You Have Your Clipper Card

You no longer have to worry about forgetting or losing your plastic Clipper card. If you’ve got your phone or Apple Watch, you’re ready to use Clipper.

Adding Funds Is a Snap

Adding funds to your Clipper account takes only seconds with Apple Wallet and Google Pay. It saves you the time and trouble of finding a Clipper machine or visiting a website.

Added Funds Are Available Instantly

Because your Clipper account is connected to Apple Wallet or Google Pay, when you add funds to your Clipper account, they’re available instantly.

No Need to Unlock Your Phone to Use Clipper

To pay using your phone or Apple Watch, you don’t need to unlock your phone. With an Android phone, you only need to turn your phone screen on before holding it up to the Clipper reader. If you’re using an iPhone or Apple Watch you don’t even need to do that.

Things to Know Before Setting Up Your Mobile Device

  • Plastic Card Deactivation – Once you have transferred a plastic Clipper card to your mobile device, the plastic card can no longer be used at Clipper readers. If you want to be able to use both a plastic card and your phone, you should add a new Clipper card to your phone in Apple Wallet or Google Pay.
  • Transferred Plastic Cards Still Unlock BikeLink Lockers – If you use your Clipper card to unlock BikeLink eLockers, it will still work after you’ve transferred the card to your phone.
  • Android Smart Watches Not Supported – You can use an Apple Watch to pay your fares at Clipper readers, but that option doesn’t currently exist for Android smart watches.

If you’re ready to make the switch, the Clipper website offers simple step-by-step guides which help walk you through the process of transferring a plastic Clipper card to Apple Wallet or Google Pay. For more information about using Clipper on your phone, including an extensive FAQ, visit the Clipper website.

Independence Day 2021 (Actual & Observed) Transit Service

BART Will Run Special Event Trains for San Francisco’s Fireworks

BART will be providing additional trains serving Embarcadero station after regular BART service ends for San Francisco’s 4th of July fireworks. On July 4, BART service will close at 9pm. About 30 minutes after the conclusion of the fireworks, BART will run two sets of special event trains from the Embarcadero Station to Richmond, Antioch, Berryessa, and SFO/Millbrae making all station stops.

Holiday Transit Schedules for July 4 & 5

With Independence Day being observed Monday, July 5, the holiday impacts transit schedules on both Sunday and Monday. We’ve collected information on transit service for both days.

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

Sunday, July 4

Monday, July 5

Memorial Day 2021 Transit Service (Monday, May 31)

On Memorial Day (May 31), transit agencies serving Contra Costa will run on modified schedules, except for County Connection, SolTrans, and FAST which will offer no service.

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

Clipper START – Save up to 50% on Transit

Clipper START is a pilot program which provides single-ride transit discounts on all Contra Costa transit agencies, as well as BART, SF Bay Ferry, and others. Bay Area residents age 19-64 who meet certain income requirements can apply for the program and save up to 50% on local fares.

With a Clipper START fare card, riders can receive single-fare discounts from 20% to 50%. Households of four making $53,000 or less annually qualify for the program. Learn more and apply online at clipperstartcard.com.
Note: In addition to the Clipper START program, Clipper discounts are available for seniors and people with disabilities. Some transit agencies also offer youth Clipper card fares.

Presidents’ Day 2021 Transit Service (Monday, Feb. 15)

On Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 15), some transit agencies will provide regular weekday service while others will run on modified schedules. Below, we’ve collected information on Contra Costa holiday transit service for easy reference.

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2021 Transit Service (January 18)

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Monday, January 18), some transit agencies will provide regular weekday service while others will run on modified schedules. Below, we’ve collected information on Contra Costa holiday transit service for easy reference.

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

County Connection Service Reductions: Virtual Public Hearings

Due to reduced ridership from COVID-19, County Connection is currently evaluating cost-cutting measures in order to remain financially viable. They need the public’s help in evaluating their three proposed service reduction options.

People who live in County Connection’s service area are encouraged to attend one of four public hearings scheduled for January 5 and January 8. Attendees can join the meeting for their region by phone or videoconference (Zoom).

Comments can be submitted in writing via mail, email, or online, or at one of the scheduled public hearings. Written comments must be received by January 22, 2021.

For more information on how to comment or attend, click the banner below to visit County Connection’s 2021 Service Plan webpage.

New Year’s Eve 2020 & New Year’s Day 2021 Transit Schedules

On New Year’s Eve, all transit serving Contra Costa will run on regular weekday schedules with the exception of Wheels. On New Year’s Day (Jan. 1), all transit agencies will be on holiday schedules, except for those providing no service: County Connection, the San Francisco Bay Ferry, SolTrans, and FAST.

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

New Year’s Eve (Thu., December 31)

  • Wheels (LAVTA): Routes 1, 3, 8, 10R, 14, 15, 30R, 53 & 54 on a weekend schedule; no other service
  • All other transit on regular Thursday schedule (WestCAT, SolTrans, FAST, BART, AC Transit, County Connection, Capitol Corridor, Richmond Ferry, Tri Delta Transit. Golden Gate Bus)

New Year’s Day (Fri., January 1)

Veterans Day 2020 Transit Service (Wednesday, Nov. 11)

On Veterans Day (Wednesday, Nov. 11), most transit agencies serving Contra Costa will run on regular weekday schedules. Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT, SolTrans, and FAST Transit will operate on modified schedules. We’ve collected service information for all transit providers for easy reference.

Click any link for additional information.

Modified/Holiday Service

  • Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393, 394, 395 & 396 on a Sunday schedule
  • WestCAT:
    JX & Lynx – Regular Service
    JL/JR, DAR, Local (11, 19) – Saturday Service
    30Z, JPX, C3 – No Service
  • Fairfield & Suisun Transit:
    Local Routes – Saturday Service
    Blue Line – Saturday Service
    GX Line – No Service
  • Solano Transit: Saturday Service

Regular Weekday Service

Transit Service Changes: Status as of March 26

For additional information, click the name of any transit agency name to visit their service updates page.
For transit service updates for the larger Bay Area, visit 511.org.

BART: Reduced Service
BART is providing service Monday-Friday from 5am-9pm. Regular weekday train frequency will remain the same. All riders must be in the system by 8:45pm to have a guaranteed ride to their destination. Starting Saturday March 28, Saturday and Sunday service will be from 8am-9pm (currently Saturday service is 6am-midnight and Sunday is 8am-midnight). Current weekend train frequency will remain the same.

AC Transit: Boarding Changes, No Fare Collection
AC Transit has implemented rear-door boarding on buses with multiple doors. Fare payment is not required until further notice. Passengers requiring ADA ramps, utilizing mobility devices or need priority seating may continue to use the front door for boarding. Wheelchair riders may be allowed onboard without securements by bus operators.

County Connection: No Fare Collection
County Connection has temporarily suspended fare collection on all routes including paratransit.

WestCAT: Reduced Service, Boarding Changes, No Fare Collection
WestCAT isn’t collecting fares on any service until further notice and is suspending all mail orders. The JX Route has been suspended. WestCAT Lynx will operate on a holiday schedule only. The Early Bird Express will continue to operate. All passengers able to board & exit through the rear door should do so.

Tri Delta Transit: Boarding Changes, No Fare Collection
Passengers will board fixed-route buses through the rear door unless they require the wheelchair ramp. Additionally, no fares will be collected on any Tri Delta Transit buses.

Richmond Ferry: Suspended Service
The Richmond Ferry will not operate until further notice.

Capitol Corridor: Reduced Service
Train frequency has been reduced to five round trips daily between Sacramento and Oakland, with four of these round trips continuing to San Jose. This schedule will be the same all seven days of the week, meaning no weekend/holiday schedule differences.

Wheels Bus: Reduced Service, Boarding Changes, No Fare Collection
Fare collection has been suspended and passengers without disabilities are to use the rear door for boarding and exiting. Service frequencies have been reduced on Rapid Routes 10R and 30R. Operation of Routes 2, 20X, and 580X has been suspended. Dial-a-Ride Paratransit, Para-taxi and GoDublin are still available.

Altamont Corridor Express: Reduced Service, Ticketing Changes
Until further notice, ACE has suspended Saturday service as well as the ACE 07 and ACE 10, and will be running shorter trains. ACE has suspended in-person ticket sales at the Lathrop/Manteca and Tracy stations and is encouraging passengers to use mobile ticketing when boarding. In-person ticket sales will still be available during mornings at the Pleasanton station.

Golden Gate Transit: Reduced Service
Service adjustments have been made, including the cancellation of some southbound and northbound commute trips until further notice. Additional cancellations may be necessary on a daily basis.

Fairfield and Suisun Transit: Reduced Service, Boarding Changes, No Fare Collection
FAST local service and SolanoExpress commuter service have been reduced. Details of changes are available on FAST’s Service Advisory page. No fares are being collected and passengers are being asked to board and exit through the rear door if able to.

Solano Transit: Reduced Service, Boarding Changes, No Fare Collection
SolTrans Local, SolanoExpress, and Paratransit service are operating on a Saturday service schedule on weekdays until further notice. Passengers should board using the center doors. Those who need assistance from the ramp may board at the front doors. If possible, the use of Token Transit is recommended for easy visual fare adherence boarding (so that money does not need to be handled). SolTrans will not collect fares on Local, SolanoExpress and Paratransit service.

Presidents’ Day 2020 Transit Service (Feb. 17)

american flagOn Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 17), some Contra Costa transit agencies will offer regular weekday service while others will run on holiday schedules. We’ve collected service information for all transit providers below for easy reference.

Click any link below for additional information.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2020 Transit Service (January 20)

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Monday, January 20), some transit agencies will provide regular weekday service while others will run on modified schedules. Below, we’ve collected information on Contra Costa holiday transit service for easy reference.

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

New Year’s Eve 2019 & New Year’s Day 2020 Transit Schedules

On New Year’s Day 2020, all transit agencies serving Contra Costa County will be on Sunday or Holiday schedules, except for County Connection and the Richmond Ferry, which will offer no service. On New Year’s Eve 2019, Tuesday, December 31, BART will offer regular weekday service until 8pm, then special service until 3am. Wheels and WestCAT are the only agencies providing modified or holiday service on Tuesday. All other agencies will be on a regular weekday schedule.

Special Note Regarding BART: San Francisco-bound Antioch and Richmond trains will not stop at Embarcadero Station after 8pm on New Year’s Eve. Passengers may exit at Montgomery Street Station for the fireworks show.

After the San Francisco fireworks show is over, passengers bound for Antioch and Richmond must use Montgomery Street Station. Trains on these lines will not stop at Embarcadero Station on their way out of San Francisco.

Free Transit:

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

New Year’s Eve (Tues., December 31)

  • WestCAT:
    • Dial-A-Ride, Local Fixed Route, C3, JPX, 30Z, JX – Modified Service 7pm close (approx.)
    • Lynx- Limited Service (last outbound from SF at 8PM)
    • JR/JL – Regular Service
    • No other service
  • Wheels (LAVTA): Routes 1, 3, 8, 10R, 14, 15, and 30R on a weekend schedule; no other service
  • All other transit on regular Tuesday schedule

New Year’s Day (Wed., January 1)

Transit Passes: Buy One, Get One Free

Stretch your commuting dollar by taking advantage of our ‘Buy One, Get One’ offers! 511 Contra Costa has partnered with county transit agencies to offer two-for-one deals on the following cards and passes:

 

  • WestCAT – 31-Day Lynx Transbay Pass
  • Tri Delta Transit – Commuter 20-Ride Pass
  • SolTrans – Monthly Pass for Routes 78 & 80
  • Fairfield & Suisun Transit – 31-day pass for SolanoExpress Green Express Line or Blue Line.

Taking advantage of the offer is easy – just download a form & apply. You’ll find application forms, including offer details, on the 511 Contra Costa Promotions Page.

Christmas 2019: Holiday Transit Schedules (Dec. 24 & 25)

lightsOn Christmas Day, all transit agencies serving Contra Costa will be on holiday schedules, with County Connection & the Richmond ferry offering no service. On Christmas Eve, only Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT, and Wheels will be on holiday schedules.

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

Christmas Eve (December 24)

  • Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393, 394, 395, and 396 will operate on a Sunday schedule; no other service
  • WestCAT:
    • JR/JL: Regular service
    • Lynx: Limited service (last outbound from SF at 8PM)
    • Dial-A-Ride, local fixed route, C3, JPX, 30Z, JX: Modified service 7pm close (approx.)
    • All other routes: no service
  • Wheels (LAVTA): Weekend service – Routes 1, 3, 8, 10R, 14, 15 & 30R on a weekend schedule
  • All other transit on regular Tuesday schedule (BART, AC Transit, County Connection, Capitol Corridor, Richmond Ferry)

Christmas Day (December 25)

Thanksgiving 2019: Holiday Transit Service – Thursday & Friday

On Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 28), all transit agencies serving Contra Costa County will be on modified schedules. In addition, some agencies will have modified schedules the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 29).

Click any link below for detailed schedule information

Thanksgiving Day – Nov. 28

  • BART – Sunday service
  • AC Transit – Sunday service
  • County Connection – No service
  • WestCAT – Sunday service
  • Richmond Ferry – No service
  • Wheels – Routes 10R, 14, 15 and 30R only (on a Sunday schedule)
  • Tri Delta Transit – Sunday service: only routes 392, 393, 394, 395 and 396 operating
  • Capitol Corridor – Weekend/Holiday service

Day After Thanksgiving – Nov. 29

  • WestCAT – SJR/JL, 11, 19, DAR – Saturday Service, All Other Routes – No Service
  • Tri Delta Transit – Sunday service: only routes 392, 393, 394, 395 and 396 operating
  • Richmond Ferry – No service
  • Wheels – Weekend schedules for Routes 1, 3, 8, 10R, 14, 15 and 30R; no other service
  • Capitol Corridor – Weekend/Holiday service
  • All other transit on regular weekday schedule (BART, AC Transit, County Connection)

Labor Day 2019: Transit Schedules (Monday, Sept. 2)

On Monday, September 2, all agencies serving Contra Costa will be on modified schedules. County Connection will offer no service. For additional schedule information, click any link below.

NOTE: BART Track Work & Delays – Due to track upgrade work, there will be no train service between Walnut Creek & Orinda BART stations all day Saturday, Sunday & Monday. Buses will replace train service. Expect delays of 40 minutes or more.

  • AC Transit – Sunday service
  • BART – Sunday service
  • Capitol Corridor – Weekend service
  • County ConnectionNo service
  • San Francisco Bay Ferry – Richmond/SF – Weekend service
  • Tri Delta Transit – Routes 392, 393, 394, 395 & 396 on a Sunday schedule; no other service
  • WestCAT – Sunday service
  • Wheels (LAVTA) – Weekend service: weekend schedules for Routes 1, 3, 8, 10R, 14, 15 & 30R

Summer Youth Pass 2019: $35 for Unlimited Bus Rides

Kids don’t want to be stuck at home for the summer, and parents don’t want to be stuck driving everywhere. Give your kids their own set of wheels with a Summer Youth Bus Pass.

For only $35*, youth 6-18 can take unlimited bus rides from June 1 through Aug. 31, 2019 – one of the best summertime bargains for getting around Contra Costa County!

New for 2019: The Summer Youth Pass is now valid for unlimited rides on local and express routes operated by County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, and WestCAT.

*Regular price is $60. Advertised price reflects a $25 supplement provided by 511CC. Passes receiving the 511CC supplement are limited and available while supplies last.
Excludes Paratransit and Transbay service

Construction Starts Mid-May 2017: Lafayette BART Station – North Lots

Starting in mid-May 2017, construction work will begin on the northern parking lots of the Lafayette Station as part of the Station Site Improvements Project.
The work will take approximately 8 months and be completed in two phases. Phase 1 will include the temporary relocation of the ADA lot and intermodal zone. Phase 2 will include the temporary relocation of the permit lot adjacent to Happy Valley Rd.
The entrance to the north side of the Lafayette BART station will remain open during construction.
While construction is taking place, you can use County Connection bus routes 6 and 25 to get to the station.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2017: Transit Schedules (Monday, January 16)

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Monday, January 16), some transit agencies will run on regular weekday schedules while others will run on holiday schedules. We’ve collected the transit schedules for easy reference.
Click any link below for additional schedule information.

  • BART: Saturday schedule
  • AC Transit: Sunday schedule
  • WestCAT: Saturday service; Limited Lynx service
  • County Connection: Regular weekday schedule
  • Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393, 394 and 395 on Sunday schedule; No other service
  • Wheels (LAVTA): Weekend Plus: All normal weekend service plus 53, 54
  • Capitol Corridor: Regular weekday schedule

New Year's Eve 2016 & New Year's Day Transit Schedules

On New Year’s Day, all transit agencies serving Contra Costa County will be on Sunday or Holiday schedules, except for County Connection which will have no service. On New Year’s Eve, BART will run until 3am.
explosion-firework-new-year-s-eve-december-31Special Note Regarding BART: San Francisco-bound Pittsburg/Bay Point and Richmond trains will not stop at Embarcadero Station after 8pm on New Year’s Eve.
After the San Francisco fireworks show is over, passengers bound for Pittsburg/Bay Point and Richmond must use Montgomery Street Station. Trains on these lines will not stop at Embarcadero Station on their way out of San Francisco.
Free Transit: AC Transit & Muni will be offering free travel from 8pm New Year’s Eve until 5am the following morning. During the complimentary service, there is no need to tag your Clipper card.
Click any link below for additional schedule information.
December 30 (Friday)

  • Wheels (LAVTA): Weekend Plus service – All normal weekend service plus Routes 53 & 54

New Year’s Eve (December 31)

  • BART: Regular Saturday schedule with supplemental New Year’s eve service until 3am
  • WestCAT:
    • J – Saturday service
    • 11, 19, DAR – Saturday service until 7pm
    • All other routes – no service
  • Wheels (LAVTA): Weekend service – Routes 1, 3, 8, 10R, 14, 15 & 30R on a weekend schedule
  • All other transit on regular Saturday schedule (AC Transit, County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, Capitol Corridor)

New Year’s Day (January 1)

  • BART: Sunday schedule
  • AC Transit: Sunday schedule
  • WestCAT: Sunday service
  • County Connection: No service
  • Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393, 394 and 395 will operate on a Sunday schedule; no other service
  • Wheels (LAVTA): Special service – Routes 10R, 14, 15 & 30R on a Sunday schedule
  • Capitol Corridor: Weekend/Holiday service

January 2 – Monday (New Year’s Day Observed)

  • AC Transit: Sunday schedule
  • WestCAT: Sunday service
  • Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393, 394 and 395 will operate on a Sunday schedule; no other service
  • Wheels (LAVTA): Weekend service – Routes 1, 3, 8, 10R, 14, 15 & 30R on a weekend schedule
  • County Connection: Weekend service
  • All other transit on regular weekday schedule (BART, Capitol Corridor)