Is getting around West County getting harder? Is traffic on I-80 at every hour of the day getting you down? If you’re interested in providing input to the design of public transportation that works for you, join staff and other citizens at a community workshop to help shape the future of transit in West County.
The West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee (WCCTAC) is hosting a series of community workshops and an online survey to develop realistic public transportation alternatives to driving and commuting on congested roadways. Do you live in Richmond and want an express bus to see your family in Oakland? Do you live in Hercules and want BART to get you into San Francisco on workdays? These are just some of the options being considered, but policy makers need your input to decide which options will move the region one step closer to reality.
If you live, work, or travel anywhere in West County and are interested in expanding your transportation options, WCCTAC wants to hear from you! Attend the workshop closest to you or the one that works best for your schedule (the same information will be provided at each workshop). Attendees will have a chance to win pre-loaded Clipper Cards from 511 Contra Costa!
West County Community Workshops:
Tuesday, April 12
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
San Pablo City Council Chambers
13831 San Pablo Avenue, San Pablo
Add to calendar: Google | Outlook | iCal
Wednesday, April 13
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Pinole City Council Chambers
2131 Pear Street, Pinole
Add to calendar: Google | Outlook | iCal
Thursday, April 14
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council Chambers
440 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond
Add to calendar: Google | Outlook | iCal
If you can’t make it to one of the workshops, your option can still be heard. One week before the April meetings, WCCTAC will post a brief survey to learn more about your preferred travel methods and favorite destinations at WestCountyTransitStudy.com. Using your the public’s, WCCTAC will determine which transit options will make it to the next stage. A second round of workshops will be held in the fall to see what the public thinks about the options that were advanced.
Tag: AC Transit
Presidents Day 2016: Transit Schedules – Monday, February 15
On Presidents Day (Monday, February 15), some transit agencies will run on regular weekday schedules while others will run on holiday schedules. We’ve collected all the schedules for easy reference.
Click any link below for additional schedule information.
- BART: Saturday schedule
- AC Transit: Sunday schedule
- WestCAT: Saturday schedule: Express J, DAR, Local (11, 19); No Lynx, JX, JPX, 30Z, or C3 service
- Capitol Corridor: Regular weekday schedule
- County Connection: Regular weekday schedule
- Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393, 394 and 395 on Sunday schedule; no other service
- Wheels (LAVTA): Saturday schedule plus the addition of limited service on Routes 20x, 70x; no service on Rapid
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2016: Transit Schedules (Jan. 18)
On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Monday, January 18), 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: Express JR/JR, DAR, Local (11, 19)
- No JX, JPX, 30Z, or C3 Service
- Modified Holiday Service: LYNX
- Capitol Corridor: Regular weekday schedule
- County Connection: Regular weekday schedule
- Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393, 394 and 395 on Sunday schedule; no other service
- Wheels (LAVTA): Regular Saturday service plus the addition of limited service on Routes 20x, 70x; no service on Rapid
New Year's Eve 2015 & New Year's Day 2016: Transit Schedules
On New Year’s Day, all transit agencies serving Contra Costa County will be on Sunday or Holiday schedules. On New Year’s Eve, BART will run until 3am and WestCAT will offer a Modified Holiday Service schedule.
Special 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.
New Year’s Eve (December 31)
- WestCAT:
- DAR, Local Fixed Route, C3, JPX, 30Z, JX – Modified Holiday Service, 7pm Close (Approx.)
- LYNX – Limited Service
- Express J – Regular Service
- BART: Regular weekday schedule with supplemental New Year’s eve service until 3am
- All other transit on regular weekday schedule (AC Transit, County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, Wheels, Capitol Corridor)
New Year’s Day (January 1)
- BART: Sunday schedule
- AC Transit: Sunday schedule
- WestCAT: Express J – Sunday service; no other service
- Capitol Corridor: Holiday schedule
- County Connection: No service
- Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393, 394 and 395 will operate on a Sunday schedule; no other service
- Wheels (LAVTA): Sunday Service; no service on Rapid
Christmas 2015: Holiday Transit Service Information
On Christmas Day, all transit agencies serving Contra Costa County will be on Sunday or Holiday schedules. Modified service will be offered by some local transit agencies on the day before Christmas.
Click any link below for additional schedule information.
Christmas Eve (December 24)
- Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393, 394 and 395 will operate on a Sunday schedule; no other service
- Wheels (LAVTA): Enhanced Saturday service; no service on Rapid
- WestCAT:
- DAR, Local Fixed Route, C3, JPX, 30Z, JX – Modified Holiday Service, 7pm Close (Approx.)
- LYNX – Limited Service
- Express J – Regular Service
- All other transit on regular weekday schedule (BART, AC Transit, County Connection, Capitol Corridor)
Christmas Day (December 25)
- BART: Sunday schedule
- AC Transit: Sunday schedule
- WestCAT: Express J – Sunday service; no other service
- Capitol Corridor: Holiday schedule
- 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 – No service on Rapid
December 26th
- All transit on regular Saturday schedule
Thanksgiving 2015: Holiday Transit Service
On Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26), all transit agencies serving Contra Costa County will be running 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
- BART – Sunday
- AC Transit – Sunday
- County Connection – No Service
- WestCAT – Sunday: only Express J operating
- Wheels – Special service (no Rapid)
- Tri Delta Transit – Sunday: only routes 392, 393, 394 and 395 operating
- Capitol Corridor – Holiday
Day After Thanksgiving – Nov. 27
- WestCAT – Saturday: only Express J, Local (11, 19) and DAR operating
- Tri Delta Transit – Sunday: only routes 392, 393, 394 and 395 operating
- Wheels – Enhanced Saturday service (no Rapid)
- Capitol Corridor – Holiday
- All other transit on regular weekday schedule (BART, AC Transit, County Connection)
Veterans Day 2015: Transit Schedules
Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11. While most transit agencies serving Contra Costa County will be running on regular weekday schedules, both Tri Delta Transit and WestCAT will be operating on holiday schedules.
Holiday Schedule
- Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393, 394 and 395 will operate on a Sunday schedule; no other service
- WestCAT:
- DAR, Express J, Local (11, 19) – Saturday Service
- LYNX – Limited Service
- JX – Regular Service
- 30Z, JPX, C3 – No Service
Weekday Schedule
- BART
- AC Transit
- County Connection
- Wheels (LAVTA)
- Capitol Corridor
Transit Schedules for Labor Day – September 7, 2015
We’ve collected the transit schedules for Labor Day to make it easier to know which buses and trains are running and how often to expect them. For more information about specific schedules, click the links below.
Transit Operators Running Sunday Service on Labor Day
-
-
- AC Transit
- BART
- Capitol Corridor
- Tri Delta Transit – Only Routes 392, 393, 394 & 395 in service
- WestCAT – Only Express J in service
- Wheels (LAVTA) – No Rapid service available
-
No Service
-
-
- County Connection
-
Upcoming Service Changes: County Connection, AC Transit, Wheels, SolTrans (Aug. 2015)
County Connection, AC Transit, SolTrans & Wheels (LAVTA) have all announced upcoming service changes. Here’s what you need to know:
Agency: County Connection
Changes Take Effect: August 16
Full Details: http://www.countyconnection.com
Digest:
- Route 1M – New Service: Service to the Marchbanks neighborhood is being restored between WC BART, John Muir Medical Center and Marchbanks
- Route 3 – New Martinez Community Shuttle: New route will serve Amtrak, CC Regional Medical Center, Adult Education Serivces, Kaiser, Arnold Dr, and the Senior Center
- Route 19: Alignment changes to serve Sun Valley Mall and Diamond Blvd
- Route 310: Two AM and two PM trips added between Concord BART and Clayton/Kirker
- Route 314: Trip added leaving DVC at 6:10pm
- 600 Series: Changes to the 611, 613, 616, and 619 school day service
Agency: AC Transit
Changes Take Effect: August 23
Full Details: http://www.actransit.org
Digest:
- Line 800 will operate more frequently on Friday night/Saturday morning and Saturday night/Sunday morning, with service every 20 minutes from 12:30am–6:30am On Sunday mornings, buses will operate every 30 minutes from 6:30am–7:30am
- Line 76: Two new trips added heading toward El Cerrito del Norte BART on weekdays, leaving Hilltop Mall at 7:13am and 2:24pm
- Minor schedule changes to Line 72R and G
Agency: Wheels (LAVTA)
Changes Take Effect: August 22
Full Details: http://www.wheelsbus.com
Digest:
- Route 70X has been modified to bypass Walnut Creek in the non-commute direction, operating directly from Dublin to Pleasant Hill in the AM and directly from Pleasant Hill to Dublin in the PM
- Route 12/12X: Certain trips of the 12X and trips that begin at the Airway Park-n-Ride have been re-arranged within the schedule
- Route 54: The 5:36am trip is to be discontinued
- Route 503: The PM schedule has been re-arranged to accommodate Wells Middle School and Dublin High School with separate trips; the previously operated 5:30pm trip has been moved to 5:00pm in order to accommodate the after-school program at Dublin High School
- Route 501: A second, later departure has been added in the PM to accommodate the after-school program at Dublin High School
- Schedule changes to Route 3, 10, 12, 54, 70X, 501, 502, 503, 603, 607, 609, and 610
Agency: SolTrans
Changes Take Effect: August 15
Full Details: http://www.soltransride.com
Digest:
- Minor adjustments to printed schedules for Route 80 & 80s (1-2 minutes) to accurately reflect travel time
Schedule & Services Changes: County Connection, Wheels, Tri Delta Transit (Feb. 2015)
Wheels (LAVTA) – The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority is making minor changes to several of its regular and school-focused bus routes effective Saturday, February 21:
- Route 2 – The afternoon schedule has been modified to improve timings for Fallon Middle School students; trips now depart E Dublin BART at 30 minutes past each hour instead of at the hour.
- Route 9 – Trips that previously operated as Route 70X now operate as Route 9 in the Hacienda Business Park. The Inglewood/Chabot loop has been discontinued.
- Route 10 – The morning starting time of service has been modified; westbound service now begins
approximately 30 minutes later, while eastbound service starts approximately 30 minutes earlier than in the
previous schedule. - Route 11 – The previous 5:57am trip has been discontinued, and a new 8:12am trip added to the morning service. In the afternoon, all trips now depart the Transit Center 15 minutes later compared to the previous schedule.
- Route 70X – See notation for Route 9 above; passengers will continue to be able to travel between the Walnut Creek and Hacienda areas and vice versa without the need to transfer buses.
- Route 605 – The route has been extended to Martin Avenue, and now operates the segment similar to Route 608.
- Minor timing adjustments have been made to the schedules of routes 10, 12, 15, and Rapid.
Click here to see the full press release.
Tri Delta Transit – Tri Delta Transit will have a new schedule taking effect on Sunday, March 8. The new schedule will include:
- Time Changes: Routes 201, 300, 380, 385, 387, 388, 391
- NEW morning run on Route 385 EB. Service for Liberty High School Students
Transit Service on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2015
Some transit agencies will be operating on non-weekday schedules on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 19. Here are the transit schedules which will be in effect:
- County Connection: Regular weekday schedule
- Capitol Corridor: Regular weekday schedule
- BART: Saturday schedule
- Wheels: Enhanced Saturday schedule; No service on Rapid
- WestCAT: Express J, DAR, Local (11, 19) – Saturday schedule; LYNX – Limited Holiday service
- AC Transit: Sunday schedule
- Tri Delta Transit: Sunday schedule (only Route 392, 393, 394 and 395 in operation)
AC Transit's 2014 Holiday Bus – Catch the Holiday Spirit through Jan. 3
The year may be drawing to a close, but there’s still time to enjoy a little extra holiday cheer by climbing aboard AC Transit’s Holiday Bus!
As in years past, AC Transit has transformed one bus in their fleet with brightly colored holiday decorations. Each day through January 3, the bus will run along a different route offering free rides to anyone who cares to hop aboard!
“The Holiday Bus is a token of gratitude to our riders,” said AC Transit General Manager David Armijo. “It’s a small thing but it’s a way for us to contribute in this season of sharing, and we intend to do so in hopes of making the season a little brighter for anyone who boards the holiday bus.”
Since the Holiday Bus travels a different route each day, you might see it only once, so make sure to hop on board or take a photo!
Christmas 2014: Holiday Transit Service Information
On Christmas Day, all transit agencies serving Contra Costa County will be on Sunday or Holiday schedules. Modified service will be offered by some local transit agencies on the days before and after Christmas. Here are the holiday service changes for December 22-26th:
Christmas Eve
- Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393, 394 and 395 will operate on a Sunday schedule; no other service
- Wheels (LAVTA): Enhanced Saturday service; no service on Rapid
- WestCAT:
DAR, Local Fixed Route, C3, JPX, 30Z, JX – Modified Holiday Service, 7pm Close (Approx.)
LYNX – Limited Service
Express J – Regular Service
**All other transit agencies will offer regular weekday service on Christmas Eve (December 24)
Christmas Day
- BART: Sunday schedule
- AC Transit: Sunday schedule
- WestCAT: Express J – Sunday service; no other service
- Capitol Corridor: Holiday schedule
- County Connection: No service
- Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393, 394 and 395 will operate on a Sunday schedule; no other service
- Wheels: Special Service – No service on Rapid; only Route 10 and Route 15 are operating (on a special holiday schedule). Please see individual schedules for detail.
December 26th
- Capitol Corridor: Holiday Schedule
**All other transit agencies will offer regular weekday service on December 26
From the Archives: Old AC Transit
(Photo credit: AC Transit)
While it’s true all eyes are set on modernizing our transit system, AC Transit uploaded some fantastic pictures of buses and billboard ads from the 1960’s and 70’s. We salute AC Transit’s fleet and campaigns from half a century ago! (All photos courtesy of AC Transit)
Can’t get enough of old-school AC Transit? The agency has dozens of more old photos in its “From the Archives March 2014” flickr set. And if you’re on Facebook, check out the Vintage AC Transit page and give it a “like” for more pictures and history.
Removing The Conflict Between Buses and Bikes
A bicyclist peacefully overtakes a bus loading and unloading passengers. Photo credit: Canadian Veggie
If you commute by bike or bus, the conflict is familiar: a bus will overtake a person bicycling then arrive at a stop to pick up passengers, and while the bus is momentarily stopped the person bicycling will catch up and overtake the bus.
This effectively creates an unwanted game of “leap frog” in which bicycles and buses are constantly overtaking one another, sometimes causing near collisions since it can be difficult to see a bicycle approaching on the left as the bus driver attempts to re-enter the flow of traffic. As if contending with traffic weren’t stressful enough, this repeated negotiation can be exhausting and tense for both parties.
Thankfully, there is a solution– routing bicycles to the left of bus stops in a separated lane, known as “bike channel” or “bus bypass.” Here in the Bay Area, San Francisco has pioneered this practice on streets with streetcar stops where it seems to be working just as it should, removing the bus-bike conflict seen on heavily traveled routes throughout the region.
So it comes as good news that the practice will soon expand into the East Bay along AC Transit’s 51 route this summer as part of the “Line 51 Corridor Delay Reduction and Sustainability Project.” Not only is this anticipated to remove the common “leap frogging” conflict between buses and bikes, but this is also expected to help speed up bus times too– a win-win!
While the proposed orientation (which will look similar to the configuration in the lead photo) is unfamiliar in the East Bay, it certainly is not new. In The Netherlands, transportation planners have separated buses and bicycles at bus stops since as early as the 1950’s. To learn more about how this clever design improves conditions for everyone watch the video.
Video credit: markenlei
Well That Was Fast: AC Transit's 72 Rapid Turned 10! (2013)
“The 72R made us look at our service in a whole new way and played an important part in the modernization of bus travel.”
– AC Transit Board Director Chris Peeples. Photo credit: AC Transit
Can you believe it? Back in June, AC Transit’s San Pablo Rapid Line – the 72R – turned 10 years old! Naturally, the milestone was celebrated (see photos here) and the line has many more years ahead of it.
So while we missed the 72R’s birthday it’s not too late to honor this work-horse of a bus line, it has been invaluable to many East Bay commuters. Just what makes the 72R so great, you ask? AC Transit the answer of course, with our emphasis added:
Line 72R made its debut on June 30, 2003, the result of an ambitious partnership among the seven cities through which it runs, Caltrans, and what was then the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency. The line is recognized not only by its bold red striping and logo, but also for its distinction as the first “enhanced bus” line in the Bay Area.
[…]
The 72R replaced what was then called the 72 Limited, or 72L, and cut travel time along its 14-mile San Pablo Avenue route by 17% compared to the 72Land 30% compared to the underlying local service. This was achieved by placing stops farther apart; eliminating set time points at individual stops and running buses every 12 minutes; and using state-of-the-art technology to coordinate traffic signals and hold green lights longer for buses. The line also featured, for the first time, 40-foot buses with three doors to facilitate exiting and bus shelters with electronic, real-time arrival displays.
Today, the San Pablo Rapid carries about 7,000 passengers each weekday to destinations between Jack London Square in Oakland and Contra Costa College in San Pablo. The service also complements the many residential developments and commercial enterprises that have sprung up along the corridor.
And as if that weren’t enough reason to love the 72R, there’s more!
In the San Pablo Rapid’s lifespan, the line has covered some serious ground, making 134 trips every weekday for a total of 4,735,556 miles. Taking this cumulative distance into consideration, the 72R could have travelled to the moon and back 10 times!
The line has worked a total of 2,530 weekdays, with only 80 holidays “off.” In that time, it has provided nearly 18 million individual passenger trips and has saved those riders a total of 57,718,099 minutes over its predecessor. Now that’s a timesaver!
Other fun facts?
- A year after its introduction, AC Transit ridership increased along the San Pablo corridor by 15% and 19% of new 72R passengers indicating that they previously drove.
- Many regular BART riders also switched to the bus or used the Rapid as a way to get to BART instead of taking their car.
- Ridership on the line has been steady.
It was because of the 72R’s success that AC Transit introduced the 1R and that an enhanced Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line is scheduled to be available in 2017, connecting San Leandro and downtown Oakland with light rail quality but at a much cheaper price– a real win-win for the agency and riders.
Read more about the future of East Bay BRT over at AC Transit.
Have You Been Enjoying A Better Ride? (2013)
New AC Transit bus, the “Gillig Suburban,” offers riders free wifi. Photo credit: AC Transit
In March AC Transit began phasing in a new line of buses built by Bay Area based company Gillig to replace some of the fleet’s older models. In August, AC Transit introduced the New Flyer 60’ articulated buses, which feature 52 seats (and additional room for standing) to handle demand along its most heavily traveled routes (click here to check out the specs of the bus).
Now, as of November 8th, AC Transit has unveiled yet another type of bus to improve service quality for riders, one geared to to accommodate long distance commuters, called the “Gillig Suburban.” These buses have the following features:
With seats like that, riding the Gillig Suburban bus could make for a very relaxing commute. Photo credit: AC Transit
- Passenger-controlled overhead reading lamps
- High-backed cushioned seats
- Overhead luggage racks
- Free wifi
All three new models of buses are part of AC Transit’s “A Better Ride” effort to make bus travel more pleasant and efficient. If you have ridden any of the new types of buses, AC Transit encourages you to provide feedback by sending an email to abetterride@actransit.org.
To keep up with the latest news from AC Transit, check out the agency on facebook, twitter, youtube, or sign up to receive their e-newsletters
Pending BART Strike: Have a Plan (2013)
BART workers may strike as early as Sunday, October 13th. Here is a comprehensive guide from multiple transit agencies and general information for getting around if there is another BART strike.
- Up to date information about the pending BART strike can be found at KQED
- Up to date traffic and transit info at 511 Alert
BART has put together a contingency plan for their limited shuttle buses departing from the following nine stations:
- El Cerrito del Norte
- West Oakland
- Concord
- Walnut Creek
- Lafayette
- Dublin/Pleasanton
- San Leandro
- Hayward
- Fremont
The buses will go directly into San Francisco from 5 am to 8 am and back from a stop near the San Francisco Transbay Terminal (loading zone located at Howard Street between Fremont Street and Beale Street) from 3 PM to 7 PM. Weekend shuttle service will also be available in the event of a strike at the same nine stations listed above. Shuttles will run on Saturday from 6am-9am and 3pm-6pm, and on Sunday from 8am-11am and 3pm-6pm. For more detailed information please visit BART’s webpage.
The County Connection will operate in conjunction with the BART shuttle service.
AM Shuttle
- Departures from Concord BART to Downtown Oakland – 5:15, 6:15, and 7:15.
PM shuttle
- Departures from Walnut Creek BART to Downtown Oakland – 4:15 and 6:15 PM
- Downtown Oakland to Concord BART – 5:15, 6:15, and 7:15 PM
- Downtown Oakland to Walnut Creek BART – 6:15, and 7:15
Riders are urged to confirm the number of buses, and departure times each evening after 6:30pm here.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
WESTCAT– WestCAT will set up temporary bus stops on Kearny Street outside of the El Cerrito del Norte BART station.
- WestCAT will make no changes to the JL and JR routes. Subject to traffic delays we will operate this service unaffected.
- WestCAT will not operate any JX service during the strike. All riders wishing to travel to El Cerrito del Norte BART should use the JPX or J (JL/JR) services.
- WestCAT local routes will operate without change. WestCAT will operate additional trips on the Martinez link 30Z. These trips will extend service to 8 p.m.
- BART issued bus tickets will also be honored. Parking at HTC will be free. HTC parking permit holders will be reimbursed for their parking during the strike.
Transbay Service – During the stoppage Lynx routes will operate per the regular service schedule throughout the day. In addition, WestCAT will operate all JPX routes to and from San Francisco. The last vehicle leaving San Francisco in the evening will depart the Transbay Terminal at approximately 8 p.m.
Find out where to catch your bus on Kearny Street here
AC Transit will run regular service to San Francisco in the event of a strike, supplementing transbay lines to San Francisco with extra service when possible.
Note: AC Transit bus stops located inside BART stations will be moved outside BART property if BART strikes. BART station information sheets contain maps of the alternative locations, as well as information on transit alternatives to BART from each station.
Read more about AC Transit options for commuting to San Francisco.
A Better Ride With AC Transit (2013)
A look at the interior of AC Transit’s new Gillg buses. Click the image for additional photos of the new buses Photo credit: AC Transit
Some good news for AC Transit riders– the transit agency recently acquired 65 new buses from Hayward based Gillig! The buses started being phased in March and will be replacing some of the agency’s older buses.
What makes these buses so great? Well, a number of things, including:
- Low-floor accessibility
- Stroller and wheel-chair areas
- Catalytic reduction and gas recirculation system that makes the engines of these new buses 90-percent cleaner than the buses being replaced
- Low-maintenance seating
- Digital display of next stops
See the below video for other improvements are on the way for AC Transit and to see some views of what these new buses look like
Video credit: AC Transit
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (and Bikes, and Buses)
Whether for work, vacation, picking up or dropping off a friend – a trip to the airport is nearly as common as as trip to the market. But what is the best way to get there? Undoubtedly the simplest choice for some trips to the airport may be to drive but there’s a whole menu of transport options to choose from and consider. Let’s look at other options for getting to two of the Bay Area’s major international airports– SFO and Oakland International
AirBART. Photo credit: Tzuhsun Hsu
SFO and Oakland International are both serviced by BART. BART can be a viable alternative to driving and serves a wide number of Bay Area residents. Rather than driving to the airport and hassling with parking ride BART. This way you are relieved of the duty of driving; definitely an option for the no nonsense traveler. If you are traveling from Contra Costa County to SFO, BART is definitely the way to go. If you are traveling from Contra Costa County to the Oakland International Airport, BART plus the AirBART bus from Oakland Coliseum BART Station is your alternative. Remember to carry $3 in cash or a $3 BART pass to pay for the AirBART connector from BART to the Oakland International Airport.
There’s also the option of taking the bus. While you would still be on the same roadways as cars, buses can use the HOV lane during peak hours M-F and traveling by bus also relieves you from the duty of driving, and parking. There are a number of bus options but AC Transit is likely the best bus option from West Contra Costa to the Oakland International.
Bike friendly design as seen in Denver International Airport. Photo credit: Richard Masoner
And for you daredevil bicycle travelers, there are bike access options nowadays to the airports. SFO can be reached locally by designated bike routes and offers of bike parking – even valet bike parking! Oakland International has class 1 bike path and class 2 bike lanes that link Oakland International Airport terminals with the cities of Oakland, Alameda and San Leandro.
There seems to be an ongoing, collective conversation about ways of traveling to and from the airport these days. Here in the Bay Area, Oakland North recently tested four different modes – bus, bike, BART, and car – against each other in a “race to Oakland International“. An article (with video included of each traveler), it’s well worth a read that highlights not only the convenience and route choice of different modes, but also the time and cost involved. Meanwhile in Canada, James Schwartz of The Urban Country shared his personal account of traveling to and from Toronto Inernational by bike.
It’s not unusual to think “I’m heading to the airport” and instinctively decide to drive, catch a ride with a friend, or go by taxi, but these are not the only options at your disposal. At times, you may find it convenient or cost-effective to reach the airport by a different mode, or mixing modes– like catching a taxi to BART or biking to a bus stop and taking your bike on AC Transit to reach the airport. Interested in trying a new mode to reach the airport? Check out directions getting to and from SFO and Oakland International by all modes.
U.S. DOT Funds Bay Area Transit Improvements
AC Transit, one of the Bay Area agencies that received federal funding to improve transportation. Photo credit: Paul Sullivan
In July the Bay Area received several grants from the U.S. DOT to improve transit.
AC Transit received $7.5 million to improve fare collection and BART received about $3 million to improve departure and arrival information.
Grants were also awarded to San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo and Monterey counties to replace diesel buses with fuel efficient hybrid buses.
Read more at San Francisco CBS.
AC Transit Clipper Youth Card Sign-Ups
AC Transit is holding several Saturday youth sign-up events. To load a discounted 31-day AC Transit Youth pass on a
Clipper card, students need a personalized Clipper youth card. Youths, age 5-18 are eligible to sign up and must bring one of the following documents as proof of age: birth certificate or passport, medical benefit card with birth date, Sate ID or driver’s license, military dependent card with birth date, alien registration/permanent resident card, consular ID card, student ID with birth date.
PDF Flyer
Saturday, Sept 8, 2012
Bayfair Center, 5555 E. 14th St, San Leandro 12-4 p.m.
AC Transit’s Customer Service Center, 1600 Franklin St, Oakland 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Sept 15, 2012
Hilltop Mall, 2200 Hilltop Mall Rd, Richmond, 12-4 p.m.
AC Transit’s Customer Service Center, 1600 Franklin St, Oakland 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Sept 22, 2012
Newpark Mall, 2086 Newpark Mall, Newark 12-4 p.m.
AC Transit’s Customer Service Center, 1600 Franklin St, Oakland 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A "Glowing" View of Bay Area Transit
Things are looking bright for Bay Area transit with record high ridership, but if you really want to see a glowing view of the agencies serving the Bay, look no further. The map below was created by deviantART user DylanofTilden.
The Bay Area, through public transit lines. Image credit: DylanofTilden
According to DylanofTilden what started as an attempt to map San Francisco through public transit ballooned into the map that you see here. Be sure to check out the SF Weekly’s coverage and a larger size of the impressive, artistic map as well!
Do You Want to Join AC Transit's Citizens Advisory Committee?
AC Transit is filing a seat on its Citizens Advisory Committee. Interested individuals are to contact AC Transit District Secretary Linda Nemeroff at (510) 891-7201 for an application. Applications are due by Friday, June 29th and applicants must specify how they utilize AC Transit when applying.
AC Transit’s 25 line on the move. Photo credit: Paul Sullivan
See AC Transit for more information about the application and to Alameda County Transportation Commission about the Citizens Committee.
