Alec Berger | 511 Contra Costa - Part 3

Author: Alec Berger

Tolls on Bay Area Bridges Will Increase on January 1, 2022

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The Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) reminds drivers that tolls at the region’s seven state-owned toll bridges will go up by $1 on Jan. 1, 2022. Regular tolls for two-axle cars and trucks (as well as for motorcycles) at the San Francisco-Oakland Bay, Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward bridges will rise to $7 from the current $6 on Jan. 1, 2022.

Tolls for vehicles with three or more axles also will rise by $1 on Jan. 1, 2022, at all seven of the state-owned toll bridges: to $17 for three axles, $22 for four-axles, $27 for five axles, $32 for six axles, and $37 for combinations with seven or more axles.

Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore Named for Rep. Ellen Tauscher

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During the week of November 15, the fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel was named for Ellen O’Kane Tauscher, a former Congresswoman for California.

For more about the Caldecott Tunnel, visit our information page.

Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore 8th Anniversary

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On this day in 2013, the Fourth Bore of the Caldecott Tunnel had its official opening. At the time of the groundbreaking on January 22, 2010, the Fourth Bore had the distinction of being the largest American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Stimulus project in the nation, in terms of dollars allocated. Since the ribbon cutting in 2013, the Fourth Bore has improved mobility for motorists and emergency crews, reduced delays and improved travel times, eliminated the need for daily tunnel reversals and lane merges, and enhanced safety of the traveling public and Caltrans maintenance workers.

To celebrate the Caldecott Tunnel’s anniversary, here are some facts and figures about the project, as well as some photos. For more about the Fourth Bore, visit the CCTA website.

Thanksgiving 2021 – Holiday Transit Service

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On Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 25), all transit agencies serving Contra Costa County will run on modified schedules. In addition, some agencies will run on modified schedules the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 26).

Thanksgiving Day – Nov. 25

Day After Thanksgiving – Nov. 26

  • WestCAT: JR/JL, DAR, 11 and 19 – Saturday service
  • Tri Delta Transit – 392, 393, 394, 395, and 396 only (on a Sunday schedule)
  • Capitol Corridor – Weekend/Holiday service
  • Wheels – Saturday service
  • FAST:
    • Local Routes – Regular service
    • SolanoExpress Blue Line – Saturday service
    • SolanoExpress GX Line – No service
  • Golden Gate Transit – Holiday service
  • SolTrans – Saturday service
  • All other transit on regular weekday schedules (BART, AC Transit, County Connection, San Francisco Bay Ferry)

Veterans Day 2021 Transit Service (Thursday, Nov. 11)

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On Veterans Day (Thursday, Nov. 11), most transit agencies serving Contra Costa will run on regular weekday schedules. Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT, SolTrans, and FAST 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:
    Lynx – Current COVID-19 Schedule
    JL/JR, DAR, Local (11, 19) – Saturday Service
    30Z, JPX, JX, 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

Free Test Drives of EVs & E-Bikes at DVC’s Pleasant Hill Campus on October 25

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If you’ve been considering getting an electric vehicle, bicycle, or scooter, Diablo Valley College (DVC) is the place to be on Monday, October 25.

The DVC Pleasant Hill Campus will be hosting a test drive event, giving attendees the opportunity to test drive new and used EVs, and test ride e-bikes and e-scooters.

The event also offers:

  • Free food from the DVC Culinary Department for the first 100 test drivers.
  • Information on credits, rebates, grants and loans which help make EVs and e-bikes more affordable.
  • The opportunity to talk with local EV drivers and e-bike riders.

People looking to test ride bikes and scooters can simply visit the Ridepanda E-bike Showcase and Test Ride Zone to try them out. Attendees interested in driving EVs need to select a 30-minute test drive time slot when registering. Note: Individuals must be 21 or over and have a current drivers license and proof of vaccination to drive an EV.

E-Bike Buyer Bonus: Event attendees will receive a promo code for a $100 credit at Ridepanda.com good toward the purchase of a new e-bike. This offer will be valid for the first 5 Contra Costa residents who use the code before November 8. You can learn more about this bonus offer at the event.

All attendees are asked to register. If you’re planning on taking a test drive, you’ll want to register now and lock in your time slot before they’re all gone.

Event Registration & More Information


This event is sponsored by 511 Contra Costa, DVC Sustainability Committee, Charge Across Town, Drive Clean Bay Area, and Ridepanda.

California Clean Air Day – October 6

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October 6 is California Clean Air Day – an annual day of action to improve air quality across California. Small actions on your part can help make a big difference.

The Pledge

One of the key elements of the event is the Clean Air Pledge. By taking it, individuals and organizations commit to doing their part to help clean the air on October 6, through actions both big and small.

If you take the Clean Air Pledge as an individual or household, you select actions to take from three main categories: Switching Things Out, Planting Something, and Reducing Vehicle Use. For example, you might choose to change your home air filter, plant a tree, or take public transit to work instead of driving. How many action items you choose is completely up to you.

Here’s a sample of actions you can choose from:

There’s also a Clean Air Pledge for Kids (with more actions to choose from on the website):

Organizations and businesses can take the pledge, choosing which business practices to modify and educational efforts to undertake for Clean Air Day. Not only will participating organizations be listed on the Clean Air Day website, but employers can get a count of how many employees have decided to take the Clean Air Pledge as individuals.

Take the Clean Air Pledge

Local Events

The California Clean Air Day website has a list of events, some leading up to October 6 and some on Clean Air Day. Here are some events happening locally:

Other Ways to Get Involved

If you’re looking for other ways to get involved in California Clean Air Day, here are some ideas:

Every Little Bit Helps

No matter how small you might think an action is, like not idling your engine or adding a plant to your office, it all adds up. Contributing to better air quality is easier than you might think. So consider taking the Clean Air Pledge an committing to at least one action on October 6 and be an active part of California Clean Air Day.

Learn More About Clean Air Day

Labor Day 2021 Transit Service (Sept. 6)

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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

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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.

Going Electric: Webinars About EV Ownership & Incentives

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If you’re considering making the switch to driving electric, Drive Clean Bay Area hosts a series of virtual events to help you find the right electric vehicle for your budget and lifestyle. These events are online, free, and open to the public.

Click any link below to see upcoming events in that series of webinars:

If you have questions and can’t make it to one of these Zoom webinars, email Drive Clean Bay Area at info@drivecleanbayarea.org.

E-Bike Rebate: If you purchase an e-bike or have an e-bike conversion kit professionally installed, be sure to apply for a rebate from 511 Contra Costa. Rebates of up to $300 are available while supplies last. Learn more at 511cc.org/rebate.

Transit Service Restoration & Schedule Changes

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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 Transit – August 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 Transit – August 28 – Schedule change, routes will not be affected.

In the U.S., an E-Bike is Purchased Every 52 Seconds

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Last year, 600,000 e-bikes were sold in the United States, which works out to one e-bike sold every 52 seconds. For the majority of buyers, this isn’t about cycling as much as investing in mobility:

“Most of the e-bikes being sold are being used for transportation, not recreation. They are often replacing cars on commutes to work or to the store.”

–Treehugger, “The E-Bike Spike Continues”

With a much lower price tag than an electric vehicle (EV), the e-bike is a cost-effective way to go electric, save money, and help improve air quality:

“E-bikes can offer a cheaper alternative to car travel… [and] can be useful tools for reducing CO2 emissions, urban noise, and inner city traffic. Lastly, e-bikes encourage users to cycle farther and more often than conventional bicycles.”

–Study: “The E-Bike Potential“

If you’re interested in buying an e-bike, 511 Contra Costa wants to help. We’re currently offering cash rebates of up to $300 on the purchase of a new e-bike. What brand of e-bike you buy and where you buy it is up to you, just be sure to save the receipt so you can apply for your rebate.

Learn More

NOTE: If you purchased a new e-bike anytime after October 1, 2020 you can apply for your rebate now.

The Benefits of Using Clipper with Your Phone or Apple Watch

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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.

Visit ClipperCard.com

Independence Day 2021 (Actual & Observed) Transit Service

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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)

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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

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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.
Visit 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.

Help Shape Transportation Projects – Regional & Local Surveys

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A simple but effective way to have an impact on transportation projects is by giving your feedback during the planning phase. Get involved and give your input on the Link21 regional transit project (BART, Capitol Corridor), bike and pedestrian accessibility in your area (Caltrans), and projects in Concord, Antioch, San Pablo, and Pleasant Hill.

Click any button below to jump to the related survey page

Regional Survey

Link21 (BART, Capitol Corridor): Link21 will transform Northern California’s passenger rail network into a faster, more connected system, providing safe, efficient, and affordable travel for everyone. At the core of Link21 is a new transbay crossing for BART and Regional Rail. Provide your thoughts on the draft goals and objectives.

This survey is now closed

Local Surveys

Caltrans Active Transportation Plan Survey: Help Caltrans plan for biking and walking improvements in your area. Identify concerns you believe need to be addressed to better walking and biking on and along State Routes near you.

Take the Caltrans ATP Survey

Antioch Safe Streets: The City of Antioch is working to identify potential traffic safety projects. Your input is essential for the development of their Local Roadway Safety Plan. Use the interactive map on the Antioch Safe Streets site to share your concerns regarding traffic and safety.

Report an Area of Concern to Antioch Safe Streets

San Pablo Bicycle & Pedestrian Corridor Study: This is a project to make 10 high-priority streets and paths in the City of San Pablo safer and easier for walking and cycling. Survey respondents can enter their name and email for the chance to win a $50 gift card.

Take the San Pablo Bicycle & Pedestrian Corridor Survey

City of Concord Downtown Corridors Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Project: Help people get around more easily by bicycle and on foot around Todos Santos Plaza and Concord BART station. The city is looking to update pedestrian curb ramps and pavement striping in those areas and they need your input.

Take the Concord Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Project Survey

Monument Corridor Study (Pleasant Hill): Help the City of Pleasant Hill improve Monument Blvd. between Contra Costa Blvd. and Mohr Ln. for walking, biking, and transit. Use the interactive map to mark a location you feel needs improvement and describe the issue.

Share Issue Areas on the Monument Corridor Study Map

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

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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.

New Transportation Laws for 2021

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With 2021 now upon us, you should be aware of these three new laws affecting motorists:

  • Unattended children in motor vehicles: Exempts a person from civil or criminal liability for trespassing or damaging a vehicle when rescuing a child who is 6 years old or younger in immediate danger from heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or other dangerous circumstances. [Effective Jan. 1, 2021]
  • “Move Over, Slow Down” amendments: The “Move Over, Slow Down” law has been expanded to apply to local streets and roads. Drivers approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying emergency lights, including tow trucks and Caltrans vehicles, must move to another lane when possible, or slow to a reasonable speed on all highways, not just freeways. [Effective Jan. 1, 2021]
  • Points for distracted driving: Beginning July 1, violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driving record.

For more information on new driving-related laws taking effect in 2021, click below.

Get More Information on New Laws for 2021

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

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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

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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

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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)

Christmas 2020: Holiday Transit Schedules (Dec. 24 & 25)

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On Christmas Day, all transit agencies serving Contra Costa will either not be operating service or will be operating a modified schedule. On Christmas Eve, only Tri Delta Transit, Wheels, and Golden Gate Bus 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 & 396 on a Sunday schedule; no other service
  • 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 (BART, AC Transit, WestCAT, County Connection, Capitol Corridor, Richmond Ferry, SolTrans, FAST, Golden Gate Bus)

Christmas Day (December 25)

Thanksgiving 2020: Holiday Transit Service – Thursday & Friday

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On Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26), all transit agencies serving Contra Costa County will run on modified schedules. In addition, some agencies will run on modified schedules the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 27).

Click any link below for detailed schedule information

Thanksgiving Day – Nov. 26

Day After Thanksgiving – Nov. 27

  • WestCAT:
    • JR/JL, DAR, Local (11, 19) – Saturday service
    • LYNX, JX, JPX, 30Z, C3 – No service
  • Tri Delta Transit – 392, 393, 394, 395, and 396 only (on a Sunday schedule)
  • Capitol Corridor – Weekend/Holiday service
  • Wheels – Weekend schedules for Routes 1, 3, 8, 10R, 14, 15 and 30R; no other service
  • FAST:
    • Local Routes – Regular service
    • SolanoExpress Blue Line – Saturday service
    • SolanoExpress GX Line – No service
  • Golden Gate Transit – Holiday service
  • SolTrans – Saturday service
  • All other transit on regular weekday schedule (BART, AC Transit, County Connection, Richmond Ferry)