bus | 511 Contra Costa

Tag: bus

The Benefits of Using Clipper with Your Phone or Apple Watch

Posted on

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 (Actual & Observed) Transit Service

Posted on

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)

Posted on

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.

Is Your Bike Ready to Ride? Do the ABC Quick Check

Posted on

With May being bike month, you might find yourself reaching for your bike helmet instead of the car keys. An easy way to remember what to check on your bike before heading out, especially if you haven’t ridden it in a while, is ‘ABC Quick Check‘:

A – Air: Check the air in your tires. Inflate to the pressure listed on the side of the tire. Spin the wheels and check for wear. If there’s less than 1/4” of tread, it’s time for a new set.

B – Brakes: Brake levers should stop short of reaching the handlebar when pulled. Brake pads should be clean, straight, and contact the rims. You should still be able to see the pattern of grooves in the brake pads. Check coaster brakes by spinning the back wheel and pushing the pedal backward.

C – Chain: The chain should move freely, be free of rust, and lightly oiled. Pro tip: Avoid solvents like WD40 on your chain – use a lubricant instead.

Quick – Quick-release levers: If your bike has quick-release levers, make sure they are all closed.

Check – Give the bike a gentle bounce, looking and listening for anything loose: Take a slow, brief ride to check that your bike seat and handlebars are adjusted to the right height and that everything is working properly.

If your bike needs attention beyond the ABC’s, take it to a local bike shop for a thorough tune up.

For more bicycle maintenance resources and free classes, visit Bike East Bay. Also be sure to check out 511 Contra Costa’s maintenance and safe biking resources.

Clipper START – Save up to 50% on Transit

Posted on

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

Posted on

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.

Take the Link21 Survey

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)

Posted on

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

Posted on

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)

Posted on

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

Posted on

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

Posted on

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

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

New Year’s Eve (Thu., December 31)

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

New Year’s Day (Fri., January 1)

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

Posted on

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

Click any link for additional information.

Modified/Holiday Service

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

Regular Weekday Service

Transit Service Changes: Status as of March 26

Posted on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Presidents’ Day 2020 Transit Service (Feb. 17)

Posted on

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

Click any link below for additional information.

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

Posted on

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

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

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

Posted on

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

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

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

Free Transit:

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

New Year’s Eve (Tues., December 31)

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

New Year’s Day (Wed., January 1)

Transit Passes: Buy One, Get One Free

Posted on

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

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

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

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

Posted on

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

Click any link below for additional schedule information.

Christmas Eve (December 24)

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

Christmas Day (December 25)

Thanksgiving 2019: Holiday Transit Service – Thursday & Friday

Posted on

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

Click any link below for detailed schedule information

Thanksgiving Day – Nov. 28

Day After Thanksgiving – Nov. 29

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

511CC & the Miles App: Get Rewarded for Your Commute

Posted on

511 Contra Costa and the Miles app have teamed up to help you get the most out of your commute!

Download the Miles app, and you’ll start earning points called ‘miles’ anytime you walk, bike, ride transit or take the ferry, or drive in Contra Costa and beyond. The greener your mode of travel, the more points you’ll earn!

Your miles can be converted into rewards which you choose, selecting from a wide range of products and services. A sample of companies offering Miles rewards appears at the bottom of the page.

Click either download button to get started. For more information about how the Miles app rewards points for travel, visit the Miles website.

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

Posted on

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

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

Green Commute Contest: Win a $20 BART Ticket

Posted on

Enter for a chance to WIN a $20 BART ticket!

If you skip driving alone and walk, bike, carpool, take transit, or vanpool to work from Contra Costa, posting a photo of your green trip gives you the chance to win a $20 BART ticket.

Just post with the hashtag #511CCgreencommute and you’re entered to win. Full contest rules and details available at 511contracosta.org/greencommute.

https://twitter.com/mohnemus/status/1155904637955760131

Summer Youth Pass 2019: $35 for Unlimited Bus Rides

Posted on

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

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

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

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

BART to Antioch Service Starts May 2018

Posted on

BART service to Antioch began in May 2018 with the official opening of two new stations: Antioch & Pittsburg Center.

Using the New BART to Antioch Service

No Park & Ride at the New Stations: Park & Ride parking is not available for bus patrons, carpools, ride sharing, etc. at the Antioch and Pittsburg Center stations. The Brentwood Park & Ride lot serviced by Tri Delta Transit offers free Park & Ride parking.
Transferring at Pittsburg/Bay Point Station: The East Contra Costa BART Extension trains run on their own tracks and connect with the existing BART system at a Transfer Platform just east of the Pittsburg Bay Point Station. At the Transfer Platform, riders simply exit one train and walk across the platform to board the other train. BART passengers trying to reach the Pittsburg Center Station or the Antioch Station will remain in the BART train to reach the Transfer Platform.
Train Technology: The new trains are Diesel Multiple Units or DMU train cars. They meet the US Government’s strictest emissions standards and use renewable diesel, an advanced biofuel produced from bio-based sources such as vegetable oil. The extension will be able to carry an estimated 2,400 people in each direction, per hour, during rush hours.