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Category: Announcements

BART Keeps Improving

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If you haven’t ridden BART in a while, you might not be aware of the changes they’ve made to improve the customer experience and increase ridership. Riders are fans of the improvements – overall ridership is up more than 9% over last year and BART’s most recent customer satisfaction rating was 81%.

BART has made improvements in a variety of areas, including cleanliness, safety, accessibility, and reliability. Here’s a snapshot of what they’ve done:

Cleaning and Safety

In fall 2023, BART launched its Safe and Clean Plan to make sure riders feel safe, to keep trains cleaner, and to provide exceptional service. BART doubled the rate of deep cleaning on train cars, retired all older trains, and added nearly 66% more crews working to clean stations. They also installed LED lighting on platforms and in parking facilities to eliminate dark corners and staffed station restrooms at high-volume stations with attendants to guarantee cleanliness and safety.

BART also doubled the presence of BART Police officers throughout the system and allocated more of their time to riding the trains. The increased patrols have already helped deter crime, aid in apprehending suspects, and enforce the BART Code of Conduct. The number of trains delayed by unwanted behavior dropped nearly 40% from May to October, and more riders than ever say they are seeing BART PD on their trips.

BART also uses unarmed Crisis Intervention Specialists, Ambassadors, and Fare Inspectors for additional patrols with experts in de-escalation. As a result, 7% of calls have been diverted from police to an employee with training in social work.

Fleet of the Future Trains for All Trips

In September 2023, BART began running Fleet of the Future trains exclusively as part of their reimagined schedule. The change represents a big improvement in the rider experience as well as to on-time performance since the new trains are much more reliable than legacy trains.

The implementation of BART’s reimagined schedule brought a number of other benefits to BART riders. In addition to a 50% increase in evening service, the wait time between trains became 20 minutes or less – no matter the hour of the day or day of the week. Service on the Yellow Line, BART’s busiest weekday line, also increased from trains every 15 minutes to every 10 minutes from Pittsburg/Bay Point Station.

Join the Last Ride on the Legacy Fleet: BART invites the public to celebrate the last run of BART’s legacy trains on April 20 at MacArthur BART Station. The ceremony begins at 1pm and the public is welcome to board the legacy trains on their farewell ride.

Clipper-Only Fare Payment

In December, BART completed the move to a Clipper-only fare payment system. Clipper is accepted by nearly all transit agencies in the Bay Area, and many agencies offer discounted fares when using Clipper. The ‘tag in, tag out’ system allows riders to move through fare gates faster than the old paper tickets, plus riders can set up their Clipper card account to reload automatically.

One of the biggest advantages in BART moving to Clipper-only is the ability to efficiently provide discounted fares to qualifying riders based on age, income, and disability. Clipper offers Youth, Senior, RTC, and START cards. The Clipper START card provides low-income riders 50% off single-ride transit fares throughout the Bay Area.

Improved Fare Gates

BART has begun the process of installing brand-new fare gates systemwide. The first prototype gates have already gone into service at West Oakland station, and Richmond and Antioch stations will receive new fare gates this summer. The new gates offer a variety of benefits:

  • Accessibility – Gates can detect wheelchair users and those with luggage, strollers, or bikes to ensure they get through with ease, and LED lighting assists visually impaired riders.
  • Safety – The new fare gates have tall swing barriers, making them more difficult to push through, jump over, or climb under.
  • Expanded Payment Compatibility – The new gates will be compatible with the next generation of Clipper, which will allow payment by debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

Try Riding BART – Incentives Available

With all the improvements to the system, it’s worth taking a ride on BART. And if you currently commute by driving alone, you try it for free. Just request a complientary $25 Clipper card through Try Transit. The offer is available to commuters 18+ who live or work in Contra Costa County.

Contra Costa Earth Day Events 2024

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Earth Day Events

All Month

  • Iron Horse Trail or Online: Go With the Flow – A biking (or walking) tour of Central San’s service area, following the flow of wastewater for 21 miles along the Iron Horse Regional Trail from San Ramon to Martinez. Explore all or part of the route in person or travel it virtually with the guided map tour. Self-guided tour. Location: Iron Horse Trail or online.

Friday, April 19

  • Walnut Creek: Plan(e)t Based Diet Workshop – Speaker April Capil will guide you through the nutritional benefits of a vegetable-rich diet, share easy and delicious ways to include more greens in your daily meals, and discuss the positive effects on physical health, mental clarity, and environmental sustainability. 4-5pm, Walnut Creek Library.

Saturday, April 20

  • Antioch: Keep Antioch Beautiful Cleanup – Join the City of Antioch and help beautify the community by volunteering to do trash cleanup at Waldie Plaza or plant flowers at the Antioch Water Park. After volunteering, head to the Antioch Community Center for a volunteer lunch. 9am-1pm, Antioch Water Park & Waldie Plaza.
  • Antioch: Upper Sand Creek Basin Cleanup – Join the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD) for a trash cleanup at Upper Sand Creek Basin to celebrate Earth Day. If you have any questions regarding this event, or would like to attend, please send Victoria Woolfolk an email at vwoolfolk@ccrcd.org. Click here to register. Cleanup 9am-noon, Upper Sand Creek Basin.
  • Crockett: Earth Day Cleanup in Crockett – Celebrate Crockett’s 5th Annual Earth Day with a waterfront cleanup from 10am to 1pm. Toss on your boots and gloves and help the CCRCD make a difference! Click here to register. Cleanup 10am-1pm, Crockett Waterfront.
  • East Bay Regional Parks: Visit the EBRPD Earth Day Programs & Activities Page to see a list of volunteer opportunities for April 20, including habitat restoration, dune restoration, and cleanup projects. Various times and locations.
  • El Cerrito: El Cerrito Earth Day Celebration – Residents can volunteer at work parties across the city, helping clean up and beautify the city starting at 9am. Work parties (various locations) 9am-noon.
  • El Sobrante: Earth Day Cleanup & Celebration – Join the El Sobrante/94803 Green Team and SPAWNERS at the El Sobrante Library for their annual cleanup and celebration. Sign in and join Green Teams to clean up streets or SPAWNERS to clean local creeks and do landscape gardening. A celebration will follow the cleanup, featuring food, children’s art activities, entertainment, speakers, and more. Cleanup 9:30am-12pm / Celebration 12-2pm. El Sobrante Library.
  • Martinez: John Muir’s Birthday / Earth Day Celebration – A wonderful fun-filled family day in the sun, at the grounds of the John Muir National Historic Site, which includes his 1880s Victorian home and an authentic 1849 Mexican Adobe, along with his orchards and vineyard. There will be youth activities, food and live music, and many displays relating to history, ecology, and nature. Free admission. 10am-4pm, John Muir Historic Site.
  • Pinole: Pinole Earth Walk – A three-mile paved loop walk beginning and ending in Fernandez Park. Snacks and refreshments will be provided at the finish line, and there will be kids’ activities and local environmental organizations to connect with. 9am-noon, Fernandez Park.
  • Pinole: Point Pinole Beach Cleanup – Join the East Bay Regional Park District to celebrate Earth Day at Point Pinole with a shoreline Cleanup. 9am-12pm, Giant Staging Area at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline.
  • Pittsburg: Pittsburg Civic Pride Day – Get involved and take pride in Pittsburg by joining a community litter removal effort! All ages welcome. Check in at Highlands Elementary with weather-proof clothes, sturdy shoes, and a can-do attitude. Water, litter grabbers, safety vests, collection bags, and clipboards will be provided. RSVP here. Check-in 8:45am, litter removal 9am-noon. Meet at Highlands Elementary School (4141 Harbor Street).
  • Invite your friends and RSVP by reserving free tickets at pittcivicpride.eventbrite.com
  • Richmond: Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Habitat Restoration – Join the East Bay Regional Park District to celebrate Earth Day with a morning of habitat restoration at Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. 9am-noon, Alvardo Staging Area at Wildcat Canyon Regional Park.
  • Richmond: Earth Day Celebration at the Greenway – The community is invited to discover innovative methods for leading sustainable lives through engaging activities like upcycling clothes, gardening, mural painting, park and garden beautification projects, games, inspiring speakers, bike-powered smoothies, and a variety of other interactive booths. 10am-1pm, Unity Park Community Plaza (1605 Ohio Ave).
  • Richmond: Earth Day Cleanup in North Richmond – Volunteer to help clean up Wildcat Creek. Volunteers should bring closed-toed shoes, a water bottle, and clothes they don’t mind getting dirty. When you’re done volunteering, enjoy a celebration at Shields-Reid Park featuring lots of kid-friendly activities a silent auction. 9-11am: Meet at North Richmond Ballpark and volunteer, 10am-noon: Celebration at Shields-Reid Park.
  • Rodeo: Rodeo Earth Day Cleanup – Toss on your boots and gloves and help the CCRCD make a difference on Earth Day by being part of their cleanup of the Lower Rodeo Creek. Click here to register. Cleanup 10am-1pm, Lower Rodeo Creek.
  • Walnut Creek: Walnut Creek Earth Day. Enjoy live music, a kids’ zone, eco-circus entertainment, a trashy fashion show, and inspiring speakers at Walnut Creek’s Earth Day Celebration. Civic Park, 11am-4pm.
  • Walnut Creek: Broadway Plaza’s Earth Day Celebration – Take the pledge to use reusable bags each time you shop and receive a free reusable shopping bag, then you can visit the Pixie Pop-Ups Flower Truck to build your own beautiful bouquet. 11am-2pm, Event Plaza at Broadway Plaza.
  • Walnut Creek: Parkmead Neighborhood Earth Day Cleanup – Meet at the Tice Creek Elementary School parking lot from 9-11:30am. Groups will head out on pick-up routes that hit the highest litter areas, like Olympic, South Main, Tice Creek and Parkmead Schools. 9-11:30am, Tice Creek Elementary.
  • Walnut Creek: Unity of Walnut Creek – Tending Our Sacred Grounds – During the event, volunteers can enjoy an Earth Day ceremony, help clean up the grounds, and are welcome to bring a potluck item to share with others who care about the environment. 10am-1pm Cleanup projects. 1-2pm: Plant-based potluck. Unity Center of Walnut Creek, 1871 Geary Rd.

Sunday, April 21

  • Emeryville: Shorebird Park Shoreline Cleanup – Come out to Shorebird Park on Sunday, any time from 9am-11:30am. Snacks and refreshments provided. As always, bring what you can (e.g. gloves, grabber, garden digging claw). Organizers will have limited supplies for those who show up without any of the above. Shorebird Park, 9-11:30am.
  • Lafayette: Lafayette Earth Day Festival – Learn how you can help our planet at a family-friendly festival featuring free bike tune-ups, a petting zoo, kids’ activities, educational exhibits, food vendors, and more. Lafayette Plaza Park, 11am-2pm.

Monday, April 22

  • Walnut Creek: Climate Walk – Hosted by Sustainable Walnut Creek, enjoy a captivating tour around the city’s cherished creek, where you’ll witness firsthand the fruitful outcomes of various initiatives aimed at revitalizing the native plant life and enhancing the local ecosystem. 9-11am, Civic Park Gazebo.

Saturday, April 27

  • Pleasant Hill: Grayson Creek Earth Day Cleanup – Grayson Creek is home to more than 100 bird species and also provides habitat for river otters, western pond turtles, and even beavers. Help protect this important community resource by removing trash from the creek banks. Hosted by the Watershed Project, the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, and volunteers from Friends of Pleasant Hill Creeks. Click here to register. Cleanup 9am-noon. Sign in at 250 Cleaveland Rd.

BikeLink Lockers Offer Secure Public Bike Parking

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Leaving your bike locked on the street or at transit stops can be stressful. That’s why BikeLink built a network of secure public electronic bike lockers and group parking locations. Not only are they easy to use, but they cost just pennies an hour. You pay for bike parking with either a BikeLink card or the BikeLink app, depending on location. And they’re conveniently located – you’ll find them at all Bay Area BART, Capitol Corridor, and Amtrak stations, as well as other popular destinations.

Map of BikeLink Locker and Group Parking Locations
BikeLink E-Locker Features

BikeLink’s e-lockers make it easy to relax when you’re away from your bike. The fully-enclosed lockers feature all-steel construction and are designed specifically to resist prying and cutting. The locker door springs even make them self-closing, so you don’t accidentally leave your bike unsecured.

While the list of security features on BikeLink’s standard e-lockers is already impressive, they have started installing next-generation e-lockers which also feature vibration sensors, a keypad, an interior camera (to enable remote monitoring), and app-based access. The Shadelands Business Center in Walnut Creek features two of these new high-tech e-lockers. Located in the Del Monte parking lot, they offer parking for up to four bikes. (Note: To use the new lockers you’ll need to download the BikeLink app.)

Features on BikeLink’s next-generation e-lockers
Bike Stations

For areas which see a large amount of commuter traffic, there are even indoor group parking locations called “bike stations” which offer 24-hour controlled BikeLink access. Bike stations are located in or close to BART stations, and Contra Costa has one at Pleasant Hill BART station. There are also two in San Francisco, at Embarcadero and Civic Center BART stations.

How to Find BikeLink Bike Parking

BikeLink’s map makes it easy to locate e-lockers and bike stations. Most are accessed with a pre-paid BikeLink card which you can get at bike stations, Capitol Corridor, some bike shops, and online at BikeLink.org. Some, like the new e-lockers at Shadelands in Walnut Creek, require the BikeLink app.

Secure Your Cycle: Request a $20 BikeLink Card

Even if your ‘home’ BikeLink parking station uses the BikeLink app, you might want to expand your options by getting a BikeLink card. The vast majority of their lockers still use a BikeLink card, so having one lets you take advantage of easy, secure bike parking when you’re on the go.

If you’d like to try biking to work, you can request a free pre-loaded $20 BikeLink card through our Secure Your Cycle promotion. $20 is the equivalent of 400 hours of BikeLink bike parking, so it’s a great deal. If you’re 18+, live or work in Contra Costa, and want to reduce your car trips for commuting, see if you qualify and apply.

Apply for a $20 BikeLink Card

Presidents’ Day 2024 Transit Service

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On Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 19), some transit agencies will provide regular weekday service while others will run on modified schedules.

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2024 Transit Service

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On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Monday, January 15), some transit agencies will provide regular weekday service while others will run on modified schedules.

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

New California Transportation Laws for 2024

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With the start of the new year, a number of new laws go into effect. We’ve selected the most significant ones affecting pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists from the California Highway Patrol’s review of new transportation laws:

Increasing Visibility Around Crosswalks (AB 413): Vehicles are prohibited from stopping or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of an intersection or crosswalk, or within 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present. The law is intended to increase visibility for all road users to see oncoming traffic.

Cyclists Crossing with Bicycle or Pedestrian Signals (AB 1909): Whenever a traffic signal with different colored bicycle symbols exists in the same location as traffic signals for cars or pedestrians, a cyclist must obey the bicycle traffic signal. If no bicycle traffic signal is present, cyclists are allowed to cross when the pedestrian walk signal is lit, even if the traffic signal for cars is red.

Speed Camera Pilot Program (AB 645): As part of a five-year pilot program, Oakland and San Francisco can install a limited number of speed cameras on local streets where there are safety concerns. The cameras will automatically take a picture of a speeding car’s license plate and deliver a notice of violation to the registered owner through the mail.

Crackdown on Catalytic Converter Theft (SB 55): To help combat theft, motor vehicle dealers are required to ensure a catalytic converter has been permanently marked with a vehicle’s identification number (VIN) before selling that vehicle.

Traffic Stops (AB 2773): Requires a peace officer making a traffic or pedestrian stop to state the reason for the stop before asking any questions.

Driver’s Licenses Can No Longer Be Impounded (AB 1125): Courts no longer have the authority to impound a person’s driver’s license if they fail to make payments for bail or a fine. The law is intended to reduce the harm caused to people with low incomes who need to drive to work or access essential services.

To read more on these and other new transportation laws, read the California Highway Patrol press release.

Additional Reading:

New California Transportation Laws for 2023

New California Transportation Laws for 2022

New California Transportation Laws for 2021

New Year’s Eve 2023 & New Year’s Day 2024 Transit Service

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Fireworks display over water

Late Night BART Service from San Francisco: On New Years Eve, BART will run special 3-line service at 1am on the Orange, Yellow, and Blue lines. Timed transfers will be available at MacArthur, 12th St Oakland, and Bay Fair. The last East Bay bound train will run through downtown San Francisco around 1:30am. For full details, refer to this BART news story.

Free Rides on Transit: AC Transit, Caltrain, and SF Muni will all offer free rides starting at 8pm New Year’s Eve. AC Transit is offering free rides on all lines through 5am New Year’s Day, including AC Transit Transbay and Tempo lines. SF Muni will offer free rides on all lines until 5am New Year’s Day. Caltrain will offer free service on all trains until the last southbound train departs San Francisco at 2am.

Click any link below for additional information.

New Year’s Eve Observed (Friday, December 29)

  • Wheels (LAVTA): Modified Weekday service – no school service
  • All other transit agencies serving Contra Costa will provide regular weekday service

New Year’s Eve (Sunday, December 31)

  • BART: Extended Sunday service (8am-midnight + 1am special service)
  • All other transit agencies serving Contra Costa will provide regular Sunday service

New Year’s Day (Monday, January 1)

Christmas Holiday Transit Service

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2023 AC Transit Holiday Bus - Bus is blue with cursive writing saying, "Oh what fun it is to Ride!"

This year, transit agencies serving Contra Costa will modify their schedules for December 25 but not Christmas Eve (December 24). On Christmas Day no service will be offered by County Connection, San Francisco Bay Ferry, SolanoExpress, SolTrans, and Vine Transit.

Tri Delta Transit Service Note: On Friday, December 22, Tri Delta Transit will provide Weekend/Holiday service.

SolanoExpress Service Note: For all weekdays from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Eve, all SolTrans lines including SolanoExpress will operate on a Saturday service schedule.

Click any link below for additional information.

Friday, December 22

  • Tri Delta Transit: Routes 380, 381, 388, 389, 391 & 395 on a Sunday schedule; limited Paratransit service
  • All other transit agencies serving Contra Costa will be on a regular weekday schedule

Christmas Day (Sunday, December 25)

Thanksgiving 2023 – Holiday Transit Service

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On Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 23), all transit agencies serving Contra Costa County will run on modified schedules or offer no service. On the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 24), all agencies but BART, AC Transit, and County Connection will run on modified schedules.

Click any link below for additional information.

Thanksgiving Day – Nov. 23

Day After Thanksgiving – Nov. 24

  • WestCAT – JR/JL, DAR, 11, and 19 – Saturday service
  • Tri Delta Transit – 380, 381, 388, 389, 391, and 395 only (on a Sunday schedule)
  • Capitol Corridor – Weekend/Holiday service
  • San Francisco Bay Ferry – Weekend schedule with service on all routes except Harbor Bay and South San Francisco.
  • Wheels (LAVTA) – Weekend service
  • Golden Gate Transit – Weekend/Holiday service
  • SolTrans – Saturday service
  • Vine Transit – Local routes on a Saturday schedule; Regional routes (11X, 21, 29) on a regular weekday schedule
  • All other transit on regular weekday schedules (BART, AC Transit, County Connection)

Veterans Day 2023 – Contra Costa Transit Service

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Tri Delta Transit is the only transit agency serving Contra Costa County which will make schedule changes surrounding Veterans Day. On Friday, November 10, they will operate on their Saturday/Sunday/Holiday schedule and administrative offices will be closed. On November 11, their regular Saturday/Sunday/Holiday schedule will remain in effect.

All other transit agencies serving Contra Costa will run on regular schedules on both Friday (11/10) and Saturday (11/11). Details on Tri Delta Transit’s schedule for Friday are below.

Click any link for additional information.

Tri Delta Transit Service – Friday, November 10:

  • Routes 380, 381, 388, 389, 391 & 395 on a Saturday/Sunday/Holiday schedule; Administrative offices will be closed

Agencies Providing Regular Service Both November 10 & 11:

Labor Day 2023 Transit Service (Monday, Sep. 4)

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On Monday, September 4, transit will run on modified schedules throughout Contra Costa. We’ve collected schedule information below for all agencies serving the county.

NOTE: County Connection, SolTrans, and Vine Transit will offer no service on September 4.

Click any link for additional information

Labor Day (Monday, September 4)

Contra Costa Transit Service for July 4, 2023

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BART Will Run Extra Trains for San Francisco Fireworks

BART will be providing additional trains to help riders get home after the San Francisco fireworks. Parking will be free at all East Bay BART stations.

Transit Service for Tuesday, July 4

County Connection, SolTrans, SolanoExpress, and Vine Transit will offer no service on Tuesday, July 4. All other transit agencies serving Contra Costa County will operate on weekend or holiday schedules.

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

Memorial Day 2023 Transit Service (Monday, May 29)

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On Memorial Day 2023 (May 29), all transit agencies serving Contra Costa will run on modified schedules except County Connection, SolTrans, and Vine Transit, which will offer no service.

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

Contra Costa Earth Day Events 2023

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Earth Day Events

All Month

  • Iron Horse Trail or Online: Go With The Flow – A biking (or walking) tour of Central San’s service area, following the flow of wastewater for 21 miles along the Iron Horse Regional Trail from San Ramon to Martinez. Explore all or part of the route in person, or travel it virtually with the guided map tour.
  • Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda: Lamorinda Zero Waste Challenge – A fun, free and friendly competition between the cities of Lafayette, Orinda, and Moraga. Sustainable Contra Costa will provide a weekly set of two simple and impactful actions. Each time a participant submits an action shot, they’ll be entered into that week’s drawing for amazing local gift cards. April 3-May 14.

Saturday, April 15

  • El Cerrito: El Cerrito Earth Day & Appreciation Lunch – Residents can volunteer at work parties across the city, helping clean up and beautify the city, starting at 9am, followed by a volunteer appreciation luncheon at the El Cerrito Community Center from noon to 1:30pm.
  • Online: Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour – In a series of live garden visits passionate garden owners will take you on private tours of their gardens. In addition, you can learn about the must-have plants for your garden, how to create a pollinator pathway, how to garden for birds, butterflies and bees, and more. 10am-3pm, Zoom or YouTube.

Sunday, April 16

  • Online: Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour – In a series of live garden visits passionate garden owners will take you on private tours of their gardens. In addition, you can learn about the must-have plants for your garden, how to create a pollinator pathway, how to garden for birds, butterflies and bees, and more. 10am-3pm, Zoom or YouTube.

Saturday, April 22

  • Antioch: RecycleSmart Annual Compost Giveaway – Alamo, Diablo, Danville, and Walnut Creek residents can register in advance to pick up free compost at Creekside Community Church in Alamo. 9am-2pm.
  • East Bay Regional Parks: Visit the EBRPD Earth Day Programs & Activities Page to see what outdoor events are happening Earth Day weekend.
  • El Sobrante: Earth Day Cleanup & Celebration – Join the El Sobrante/94803 Green Team and SPAWNERS at the El Sobrante Library for their annual cleanup and celebration. Sign in and join Green Teams to clean up streets or SPAWNERS to clean up creeks. A celebration will follow the cleanup, featuring food, children’s art activities, entertainment, speakers, electric car and bike demos, and more. Cleanup 9:30am-12pm / Celebration 12-2pm, El Sobrante Library.
  • Martinez: John Muir Birthday – Earth Day – A wonderful fun-filled family day in the sun, at the grounds of the John Muir National Historic Site, which includes his 1880s Victorian home and an authentic 1849 Mexican Adobe, along with his orchards and vineyard. There will be food and live music along with many displays relating to history, ecology, and nature. 10am-4pm, John Muir Historic Site.
  • Martinez: Earth Day Rocks – The Martinez Public Library is hosting a make-and-take craft event for teens and tweens all day (9am-5pm) Saturday, April 22. For each participant, they will supply a rounded rock, 3 paint colors, and a paintbrush, which they can use to paint animal faces, a flower, an insect, a message to the earth or whatever else they like. 9am-5pm, Martinez Library, 740 Court St.
  • Oakley: Earth Day Community Clean-Up at Dutch Slough – River Partners and the California Department of Water Resources are hosting a community clean-up event at Dutch Slough Tidal Marsh Restoration. This is a great opportunity to connect with nature, get your hands dirty, and learn about the beautiful freshwater tidal marsh. RSVP required. Bring a water bottle, work gloves, sturdy shoes, a hat, and layers. 9am-12pm, Dutch Slough Tidal Marsh Restoration, 7199 Sellers Ave.
  • Pinole: Pinole Earth Walk – A three-mile paved loop walk beginning and ending in Fernandez Park. Snacks and refreshments will be provided at the finish line, and there will be kids’ activities and local environmental organizations to connect with. 9am, Fernandez Park.
  • Pinole: Point Pinole Beach Cleanup – Join the East Bay Regional Park District to celebrate Earth Day at Point Pinole with a shoreline Cleanup. 9am-12pm, Giant Highway Staging Area.
  • Pleasant Hill: Pleasant Hill Instructional Garden – Expert talks, informative displays, a garden tour, and hands-on demonstrations to understand how small efforts can make a difference to help the Earth, reduce our impact on climate change, and improve sustainable practices. 12:30-4:30pm, Pleasant Hill Instructional Garden, Santa Barbara Rd & Hawthorne Rd.
  • Richmond: Earth Day Celebration // Celebración del Día de la Tierra – This celebration honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources. 9-11:15am: Different volunteer activites at 3 locations. 12-1pm: Community celebration at Unity Park with games, speakers, bike-powered smoothies, a petting zoo, food trucks, and live music. Unity Park (1605 Ohio Ave).
  • Richmond: Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Trail Ride – Rich City Rides will lead a ride across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge to honor Earth Day and celebrate Trails Day. Meeting at the Richmond BART plaza at 2:30pm and rolling out at 3pm. 3pm, Richmond BART.
  • Richmond: The Watershed Project’s Earth Day of Action and Celebration – The Watershed Project will be hosting a Creek Cleanup at Wildcat Creek and a Native Plant Garden Planting at 320 Grove Ave, then moving to the North Richmond Ballpark for celebrations and family-friendly games and activities. 9am-12:30pm.
  • Walnut Creek: Walnut Creek Earth Day. Live music, speakers, and a kids’ eco art zone. Civic Park, 11am-2.
  • Walnut Creek: Broadway Plaza’s Earth Day Celebration – Take the pledge to use reusable bags each time you shop and receive a free reusable shopping bag then get to visit the Pixie Pop-Ups Flower Truck to build your own beautiful bouquet. There will also be face painting for the kids. 11am-3pm, Event Plaza at Broadway Plaza.
  • Walnut Creek: Downtown Earth Day Beautification Project – Join a team of over 60 volunteers and show off your artistic side by contributing to the “Painted Pianos!” project. 9am-1pm, Downtown Walnut Creek.
  • Walnut Creek: Parkmead Neighborhood Earth Day Cleanup – Meet at the Tice Creek Elementary School parking lot from 9-11:30am. Groups will head out on pick-up routes that will hit the highest litter areas, including Olympic, South Main, Tice Creek and Parkmead Schools. 9-11:30am, Tice Creek Elementary.
  • Walnut Creek: Unity of Walnut Creek – Tending Our Sacred Grounds – During the event, volunteers can enjoy an Earth Day ceremony, clean up the grounds including the Labyrinth at 1871 Geary Rd and feel free to bring a potluck item to join others who care about the environment. 1:15-3:30pm Cleanup projects. 4-5pm: Plant-based potluck. 1-5pm, Unity Center of Walnut Creek, 1871 Geary Rd.

Sunday, April 23

  • Concord: Lime Ridge Open Space Earth Day Celebration – Volunteers are needed to plant native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, as well as to work watering, picking up litter, removing invasive non-native plants, and spreading mulch. There will be a nature walk also. Bring gloves. 9am-12pm, Lime Ridge Open Space Community Building, 3701 Treat Blvd.
  • Emeryville: Shorebird Park Shoreline Cleanup – Come on out Sunday any time from 9am-noon. Snacks and refreshments provided. Meet at Shorebird Park. As always, bring what you can (e.g. gloves, grabber, garden digging claw). Organizers will have limited supplies for those who show up without any of the above. Shorebird Park, 9am-noon.
  • Lafayette: Lafayette Earth Day Festival – Learn how you can help our planet at a family-friendly festival featuring kids’ activities, educational exhibits, a petting zoo, food vendors, and more. Lafayette Plaza Park, 11am-2pm.

Presidents’ Day 2023 Transit Service

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On Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 20), some transit agencies will provide regular weekday service while others will run on modified schedules.

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2023 Transit Service

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On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Monday, January 16), some transit agencies will provide regular weekday service while others will run on modified schedules.

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

New California Transportation Laws for 2023

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In their annual review of new transportation laws, the California Highway Patrol has highlighted a few that affect motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. All these laws went into effect on January 1, 2023:

Pedestrians

Pedestrians (AB 2147, Ting)

This law prohibits peace officers from stopping pedestrians for certain pedestrian-specific violations, such as crossing the road outside of a crosswalk, unless there is an immediate danger of a crash.

Cyclists

Bicycles Omnibus Bill (AB 1909, Friedman)

This law provides for increased protections to bicyclists by requiring vehicles passing or overtaking a bicycle in the same direction, to move over to an adjacent lane of traffic, if one is available, or slow down and only pass the bicyclist when safe to do so. The law also permits cyclists to go when a walk sign is on at intersections and allows Class 3 e-bike riders to use approved bicycle paths and trails, bikeways, and bicycle lanes.

Electric Bicycles: Safety and Training Program (AB 1946, Boerner Horvath)

This requires the CHP to work with other traffic safety stakeholders such as the California Office of Traffic Safety, to develop statewide safety and training programs for electric bicycles. This training program will launch on the CHP’s website in September 2023.

Drivers

Hit-and-Run Incidents: Yellow Alert (AB 1732, Patterson)

This law authorizes law enforcement agencies to request the CHP to activate a “Yellow Alert” when a fatal hit-and-run crash has occurred. The law also encourages local media outlets to disseminate the information contained in a Yellow Alert.  The new law serves to use the public’s assistance to improve the investigatory ability of law enforcement agencies.

Motor Vehicle Speed Contests and Exhibitions of Speed (AB 2000, Gabriel)

Parking lots and off-street parking facilities are now included as locations where it is a crime to engage in a speed contest, exhibition of speed, or sideshow activity.

Additional Reading:

New California Transportation Laws for 2022

New California Transportation Laws for 2021

New Year’s Eve 2022 & New Year’s Day 2023 Transit Schedules (Dec. 30-Jan. 2)

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Late Night BART Service from San Francisco: On New Years Eve, BART will run special 3-line service at 1am on the Orange, Yellow, and Blue lines. Timed transfers will be available at MacArthur, 12th St/Oakland, and Bay Fair. The last East Bay bound train will run through San Francisco around 1:30am. For full details, refer to this Twitter thread.

Free Rides on Transit: AC Transit, Caltrain, and SF Muni will all offer free rides starting at 8pm New Year’s Eve. AC Transit is offering free rides on all lines through 5am New Year’s Day, including AC Transit Transbay and Tempo lines. SF Muni will offer free rides on all lines until 5am New Year’s Day and Caltrain will offer free service on all trains until 3:30am New Year’s Day.

Click any link below for additional information.

New Year’s Eve Observed (Friday, December 30)

New Year’s Eve (Saturday, December 31)

  • BART: Extended Saturday service (6am-1am + 1am special service)
  • All other transit agencies serving Contra Costa will provide their regular Saturday service

New Year’s Day (Sunday, January 1)

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

  • WestCAT: Lynx – Regular schedule; JR/JL, 11, 19, DAR – Saturday schedule
  • Tri Delta Transit: Routes 380, 381, 388, 389, 391 & 395 on a Sunday schedule; limited Paratransit service
  • County Connection: Weekend service (300 Series, Route 4 & Route 6)
  • Capitol Corridor: Weekend/Holiday service
  • Golden Gate Bus: Holiday service
  • Wheels (LAVTA): All current Weekend schedules in effect
  • All other transit agencies serving Contra Costa will provide their regular weekday service

Christmas 2022: Holiday Transit Schedules (Dec. 23-26)

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While most holiday service changes occur on Sunday, December 25, there are also a handful of changes on December 23, 24, and 26. In addition, no service will be offered on December 25 by County Connection, San Francisco Bay Ferry, Fairfield & Suisun Transit, and SolTrans.

SolTrans Service Note: For all weekdays from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Eve, all SolTrans lines including SolanoExpress will operate on a Saturday service schedule.

Click any link below for additional information.

Christmas Eve Observed (Friday, December 23)

  • Wheels (LAVTA): All current Weekend schedules, plus Routes 53 and 54

Christmas Eve (Saturday, December 24)

  • Tri Delta Transit: Routes 380, 381, 388, 389, 391 & 395 on a Sunday schedule; limited Paratransit service
  • All other transit serving Contra Costa will run on regular Saturday schedules

Christmas Day (Sunday, December 25)

Christmas Day Observed (Monday, December 26)

  • Golden Gate Bus: Holiday Service
  • AC Transit: Sunday schedules will be in effect
  • WestCAT: JR/JL – Sunday service
  • Wheels (LAVTA): All current Weekend schedules in effect
  • Tri Delta Transit: Routes 380, 381, 388, 389, 391 & 395 on a Sunday schedule; limited Paratransit service
  • SolTrans: Local Routes and SolanoExpress Lines – Saturday service schedule
  • County Connection: Weekend service (300 Series, Route 4 & Route 6)
  • Capitol Corridor: Weekend/Holiday service
  • All other transit serving Contra Costa will run on regular Monday schedules

Thanksgiving 2022 – Holiday Transit Service

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On Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 24), 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. 25).

Click any link below for additional information.

Thanksgiving Day – Nov. 24

Day After Thanksgiving – Nov. 25

  • WestCAT – JR/JL, DAR, 11, and 19 – Saturday service
  • Tri Delta Transit – 380, 381, 388, 389, 391, and 395 only (on a Sunday schedule)
  • Capitol Corridor – Weekend/Holiday service
  • San Francisco Bay Ferry – Weekend schedule with service on all routes except Alameda Seaplane, Harbor Bay, and South San Francisco
  • Wheels – Weekend service
  • Golden Gate Transit – Holiday service
  • SolTrans – Saturday service
  • All other transit on regular weekday schedules (BART, AC Transit, County Connection, FAST)

Tips for Biking After Dark

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With the end of Daylight Savings Time, sunset will occur before 5pm for most of the remainder of the year. This means the majority of commuters will be traveling home in the dark.

When biking after dark, especially during peak commute hours, it’s important to be both highly visible and able to clearly see your surroundings. Along those lines, here are some tips to help keep you safe:

Lights

Minimum Requirements: Front White Light and Rear Red Light or Reflector

By California law, if you’re biking after dark you must have a white light on the front of your bike and a red light or reflector on the rear of your bike. The front light needs to be clearly visible 300 feet in front of and to the sides of the cyclist.

If Riding Unlit or Poorly Lit Roads, Choose a Light That Illuminates the Road

Where a low-power front light might work to announce your presence on well-lit roads, on poorly lit or unlit roads you’ll need a light that can show you the road ahead. You’ll want to consider a light with an ouput of 400 to 800 lumens. That way you can see the road up ahead, identify obstacles and hazards, and let oncoming vehicles know you’re on the road. You’ll also want to consider using a red rear light, instead of just a reflector, in these conditions.

Wear Bright Clothing and Reflectives to Increase Visibility

For biking after dark, Hi-Vis yellow and green are the best colors for visibility. Steer clear of dark colors. Reflective details on clothing can boost visibility in general, as well as provide side-visibility, which lights alone often can’t. Reflective piping on gloves can assist others in seeing you and your hand signals.

Stay in View and Ride Predictably

Drivers are generally looking ahead, so when cycling at night you want to make sure you’re in their field of vision:

  • On roads where there is no bike lane, be sure to make use of the full lane, so that you are clearly visible to the motorists behind you.
  • Don’t make sudden turns without signaling properly.
  • Come to complete stops when required.

Additional Tips

Get additional tips on biking after dark from REI.

Veterans Day 2022 – Contra Costa Transit Service

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On Veterans Day (Friday, 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

Regular Weekday Service

Fare-Free October for WestCAT and County Connection

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For the month of October, all routes for WestCAT and County Connection will be fare-free. No ticket, pass, or coupon required – just get on the bus and enjoy a free ride. This includes County Connection paratransit service and WestCAT LYNX to San Francisco.

WestCAT 31-Day Pass Users: WestCAT is advising all 31-Day Pass users to delay activating any 31-Day Pass until this promotion is over to ensure they do not use a paid pass on any free-fare day. If you use a WestCAT 31-Day Pass on Clipper, you should temporarily disable Autoload to avoid paying in October.

Free Rides Year-Round on Select County Connection Routes: When October is over, you can still take advantage of County Connection’s seven fare-free routes serving Walnut Creek and the Monument Corridor.

Go Fare-Free: With gas prices still high, October is a great opportunity to save money by taking the bus – for commuting, errands, social outings, or whatever. And if you haven’t ridden transit in a while, it’s an excellent time to get back on board. For more information about fare-free October, click below.

WestCAT Fare-Free October
County Connection Fare-Free October