Contra Costa | 511 Contra Costa - Part 3

BIKE TO WORK DAY 2017 – THURSDAY, MAY 11

Bike to Work Day is a promotional event to encourage the use of a bicycle instead of a car

About Bike To Work Day

On Thursday, May 11, almost 10,000 Bay Area cyclists celebrated National Bike Month by commuting to work by bicycle! 400+ Energizer Stations were set up dwhere cyclists could stop for refreshments and promotional items.
511 Contra Costa has supported cyclists and Energizer Station hosts throughout Contra Costa County since 2001 using Bay Area Air Quality Management District funds and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s half-cent sales tax for transportation funds.
Bike to Work Day 2017 was presented by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, 511 and Kaiser Permanente.  Regional sponsors included the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Clear Channel Outdoor and Clif Bar.

Wondering what Bike To Work Day looked like across Contra Costa? Click any thumbnail below to access our gallery of photos from energizer stations across the county, or view them on Facebook. We also suggest visiting the photo gallery at YouCanBikeThere.com. (Note: As energizer stations hosts send in photos, we’ll be adding them. If you have photos to share, email them to tips@511contracosta.org!)

Morning Energizer Stations

Brentwood: City Park at 2nd & Oak St – Host: Delta Pedalers Bicycle Club

Concord BART Station – Host: Bank of America & TRC Solutions

Concord: Monument Corridor Trail at Monument Blvd – Host: City of Concord

Martinez: Imhoff Pl & Imhoff Dr (Central San HQ) – Host: Central San

Martinez: John Muir National Historic Site – Host: John Muir National Historic Site

Walnut Creek: Contra Costa Canal Trail off of N Wiget Ln – Host: Renaissance ClubSport

Walnut Creek: Iron Horse & Contra Costa Canal Trail – Hosts: 511CCCCTAEBRPD

Walnut Creek: Olympic Blvd & Newell Ave – Host: .

=”” <strong=””>Walnut Creek: Walnut Creek BART – Host: Bike Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek: Walnut Creek City Hall – Host: City of Walnut Creek

Afternoon Energizer Stations

Concord: Todos Santos Plaza – Host: Bike Concord

Walnut Creek: Iron Horse & Contra Costa Canal Trail – Hosts: 511CCCCTAEBRPD

Walnut Creek: Walnut Creek BART – Host: Bike Walnut Creek

Any Day Can Be Bike to Work Day

1st time biking to work PHill to San RamonBike To Work Day is a great time to try commuting by bike, but it doesn’t have to be the only day you give it a shot! Just remember: Biking to work is all about what works for you. Maybe the weather, or having a bike buddy, or the copious amounts of stuff you have to haul on a bike factors into your decision to cycle to work, and that’s okay!
Biking to work should be enjoyable, so pick days when riding seems fun and reasonable, then go for it. Do that and you might find yourself planning more rides to work. Just like these first-time Bike To Work Day participants.

Tips: Preparing to Bike Commute

Need help getting ready to ride to work? Preparing for a bike commute isn’t as difficult as you might think. Taking a little time to get familiar with your bike, figure out how to carry your stuff & find a good route (or even a bike buddy) can make things much easier.
Take the guesswork out of preparing with our Tips & Tricks for Bike Commuting!

Isabella Zizi: 2017 Contra Costa Bike Commuter of the Year

Bike Party is what made Isabella Zizi start riding as an adult. That’s where “I broke in my orange ’70s Peugeot and introduced it to the fun.” Those rides opened the door to her commuting by bike, and she now regularly uses her bike to commute the six miles to Gathering Tribes in Albany, a Native American arts, crafts & jewelry store.
For Isabella, biking is more than just transportation, it provides a link to her community and its history. These days she rides the Richmond Greenway, but she used to live by it before it was green. “It was just dirt and rocks, and now it has been transformed. I love the connections it provides. The edible garden, the murals, it is so cool to see everything come to life and be open to the whole community.” During rides around Richmond, she also builds connections with her neighbors and strengthens friendships with other riders.
To get further inspired, read the rest of Isabella’s story and the stories of other 2017 Bike Commuter of the Year winners at YouCanBikeThere.com!

Bike Mapper: Choose the Route Best for You

511 Contra Costa’s Bike Mapper is an innovative bicycle mapping system designed to find the flattest, most direct, or fastest route anywhere in Contra Costa. Read more about the 511CC Interactive Bike Mapper here, or check out our selection of free paper and online bike maps.

Employers: Tips on Encouraging Bike Commuting

If you’re an employer and want to inspire more of your employees to commute by bike, we can help! You’ll find some great strategies on promoting bike commuting year-round when you download the Bike To Work Day Employer Toolkit!

Thanks to Our 2017 Energizer Station Hosts!

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Year’s Eve (December 31)

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

New Year’s Day (January 1)

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

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

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

Christmas 2016: Holiday Transit Service Information

lightsOn 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.
Click any link below for additional schedule information.
December 23

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

Christmas Eve (December 24)

  • Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393, 394 and 395 will operate on a Sunday schedule; no other service
  • WestCAT:
    • Route J – Saturday service
    • Routes 11, 19, and Dial-a-Ride – Saturday service until 7pm
    • All other routes – no service
  • Wheels (LAVTA): Weekend service – Routes 1, 3, 8, 10R, 14, 15 & 30R on a weekend schedule
  • All other transit on regular Saturday schedule (BART, AC Transit, County Connection, Capitol Corridor)

Christmas Day (December 25)

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

Day After Christmas (December 26)

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

Thanksgiving 2016: Holiday Transit Service – Thursday & Friday

On Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 24), all transit agencies serving Contra Costa County will be running on modified schedules. In addition, some agencies will have modified schedules the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 25).
Click any link below for detailed schedule information.
Thanksgiving Day – Nov. 24

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

Day After Thanksgiving – Nov. 25

  • WestCAT – Saturday service
  • Tri Delta Transit – Sunday service: only routes 392, 393, 394 and 395 operating
  • Wheels – Weekend service
  • Capitol Corridor – Weekend/Holiday service
  • All other transit on regular weekday schedule (BART, AC Transit, County Connection)
Photo courtesy Alasam

Labor Day 2016: Transit Schedules (Monday, Sept. 5)

511_logoWe’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

No Service

Keep It Simple: Easy Prep for Bike To Work Day 2016

BTWD2016_web_horizontal
If you’re still on the fence about biking to work, or are biking but worried about forgetting some vital piece of gear, we’ve got 4 tips to help make it a low-stress Bike To Work Day! These suggestions originally appeared in a Time.com article promoting Bike To Work Day 2015 and they’re worthy of a re-post:
Don’t get overwhelmed with tons of gear. It’s a good idea for anyone who rides a bike to know how to patch a tire. But if you get a flat and you aren’t sure how to fix it you are most like going to call somebody to pick you up. The point is that it’s not necessary to get bogged down loading up with gear in anticipation of every potential pitfall during a cycling commute.
Bike to Work Day 2015Forget cycling apparel. Wear a helmet. Other than that, no other bikewear is necessary, assuming your commute isn’t 30 miles of windy hills. “You don’t have to wear special cycling gear in order to ride a bike, everyday clothes work just fine,” advises the League of American Bicyclists. “If your bike doesn’t have a chain guard, you can keep your pants away from the chain by rolling up your pant leg or using a leg band.”
Plot the most sensible route. If your bicycling commute route isn’t obvious, do a little research. The shortest ride by distance is not necessarily the easiest or smartest way to go. It’s often worth it to go a bit out of your way to hook up with trails and other paths reserved for non-automobile traffic, or at least to ride on roads with dedicated bike lines or extra-wide shoulders. [Editor’s Note: We suggest trying 511CC’s Bike Mapper to plan your route to work.]
Bike to Work Day 2015Scope out the basics ahead of time. Get a good lock and know where you’re going to park your bike during the work day. Figure out the options for grabbing a shower, or at least washing up after the commute. Perhaps there is a gym nearby to negotiate a shower fee with, or maybe there are showers at the office office.
Bike To Work Day is about having fun getting to work, so if you’ve got a bicycle, a helmet and the desire to bike to work, you can do this!
For additional information and resources, visit our Bike To Work Day page.

Team Bike Challenge 2016 Starts May 1 – Bike to Win!

For the month of May, teams will earn points for commuting & running errands by bike. At month’s end, the team with the most points in Contra Costa County will win a prize from REI!
The Team Bike Challenge website makes tracking your miles easy, plus you can challenge yourself and your friends with yourbtwd 2016 personalized leaderboard.

Final Day: 2016 Bike Commuter of the Year Nominations

BTWD16_Logo_Horizontal_CMYK
BCOY Eric Odell 2015Know someone whose go-to mode of transportation is their bicycle? Someone who’d rather ride than drive? A person who uses their bike to get to work, grab groceries or take the kids to school? If so, nominate them for Bike Commuter of the Year (BCOY)!
The Contra Costa BCOY award recognizes an individual’s dedication to riding their bike for everyday transportation. If you know someone who routinely chooses riding their bike over driving, nominate them now. The deadline is tonight (Monday, April 4) at midnight… so hurry!
BCOY Online Nomination Form
 

Learn How You Can Help Shape the Future of West County Transportation (2016)

West County Transit Study
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.
CCC Transit Agency & Partner logos

Presidents Day 2016: Transit Schedules – Monday, February 15

american flagOn 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

Apply for a Free Tri Delta Transit 20-Ride Pass (2016 Promotion)

511 Contra Costa has teamed up with Tri Delta Transit to offer East County commuters a free 20-Ride pass!

You’re eligible for the pass if you:

  • Commute to and from work
  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Live or work in East Contra Costa
  • Have access to a car & would drive alone if Tri Delta Transit were not available, and
  • Agree to complete a follow-up survey

If you meet the requirements, requesting a free 20-Ride pass is as simple as filling out this online form. After that, Tri Delta Transit will send you a free 20-Ride pass (while supplies last).*
Time is of the essence! This offer expires February 14. Passes will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply today!

 
*Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and observe all program rules in order to receive a free pass. Ineligible or incomplete applications will not be processed. Completing the application does not guarantee receipt of a free pass. Passes not valid on paratransit buses (Dial-a-Ride).

Free Teen Driving Safety Program: Feb. 18, 2016 (Lafayette)

If you live in or near Lafayette, help your teen be a safer driver by bringing them to the CHP’s Start Smart program on February 18! This two-hour driver safety class at Acalanes High School is for new and future licensed teenage drivers and their parents. All are invited to attend!
Presented by the California Highway Patrol, and Acalanes High School, the event is free but registration is requested. Click here to register.
The class will be held at Acalanes High School (at 1200 Pleasant Hill Rd) in Lafayette from 7-9pm.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2016: Transit Schedules (Jan. 18)

Martin Luther King JrOn 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

Telephone Town Hall Nov. 12, 2015 – The Future of West County Transportation

The West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee (WCCTAC) and Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) are holding a joint Telephone Town Hall Call-In Event this Thursday at 6pm to talk about the West County High-Capacity Transit Study and other transportation improvements in West County.
West County Transit StudyThe West County High-Capacity Transit Study is evaluating new public transportation options and funding opportunities to expand alternatives to driving.
During the Telephone Town Hall, you’ll learn more about the Study and other planning efforts. Experts will be on the call to answer questions about West County transportation. You’ll also be asked to respond to a few quick polling questions.
West County Telephone Town Hall
Thursday, November 12, 6pm – 7pm
Call in toll-free to 1-877-229-8493
Enter access code 112664 when prompted

The Telephone Town Hall will provide an overview of the Study, but it won’t be the only opportunity to provide input. The first round of public meetings will be held in February 2016, with a second round anticipated in Spring 2016.
For more information on the Telephone Town Hall or the West County High-Capacity Transit Study, visit WCCTAC.org.

Clipper Expands in Contra Costa (Nov. 2015)

Color Clipper LogoThe wait is over! Clipper is now accepted on County Connection, WestCAT, Wheels (LAVTA) and Tri Delta Transit buses. Here is some information to help you get started using Clipper:
How to Get a Clipper Card: If you don’t already have a Clipper card, you can order one by phone, visit ClipperCard.com, or purchase one at transit agency ticket offices and select retail stores. (Details)
31-Day Pass vs. Cash: You can use a 31-Day Pass or cash value on a Clipper card. To determine the best value for you, visit the appropriate fare page:

Clipper Discounts: Clipper offers discount cards for youths and seniors. Customers with disabilities may also receive a discount card through the Regional Transit Connection (RTC) program. (Details)
Clipper Applies Transit Agency Discounts: Each transit agency offers its own discounted fares, passes, and/or tickets for adults, youths, seniors and passengers with disabilities. When you use cash value on a Youth, Senior or RTC Clipper card, Clipper automatically applies any available discounts for which you are eligible.
Routes Which Now Accept Clipper:

  • Tri Delta Transit: All fixed routes.
  • County Connection: All regular and express fixed routes except routes 250 and 260 and the Alamo Creek Shuttle.
  • WestCAT: All routes except the local portion of the Lynx route. If you ride a Lynx bus for a local trip, you should pay your fare in cash, or Clipper will charge you a transbay fare.
  • Wheels: All fixed routes.

How to Use Clipper: Tag your card by holding it flat against the Clipper logo on the Clipper card reader, and wait for the beep and green light. If your card balance is low, the reader will beep twice and display a yellow light. You can still board the bus, but you will need to add value to your card before your next trip. If you do not have enough value on your card, the reader will beep three times and display a red light, and you will not be able to pay your fare with Clipper.
Transfers Between Bus Systems: Clipper automatically grants you one free transfer from other Wheels, County Connection, Tri Delta Transit and WestCAT routes. If you are transferring to a transit service that does not accept Clipper, you should request a paper transfer.
Day Pass: A Day Pass gives you unlimited rides on a single day: $3.75 for adults and youth, $1.75 for senior and RTC customers. The Day Pass is a regional pass good on most Tri Delta Transit, County Connection, WestCAT and Wheels routes. You get the Day Pass discount automatically – once you pay $3.75 in fares in a day on any combination of the participating transit services, your rides will be free of charge for the rest of that day. Free transfers and fares paid on WestCAT Lynx Transbay service do not apply toward a Day Pass.
For more information on how using Clipper works with regard to a specific transit agency, visit ClipperCard.com and click the logo of the transit agency you’re interested in.

October is 'Walk to School' Month (2015)

WBTS_LogoInternational Walk to School Day is October 7. This means that in October, cities across the US (and throughout the world) will hold Walk to School events to encourage students and their families to get to school on foot and experience the benefits and joys of walking in their community.
streetsmartsdiabloSome schools in Brentwood, Oakley, Concord, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek will be teaming up with Street Smarts Diablo for Walk to School events. The events in Concord, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek will happen on October 7, while Brentwood and Oakley schools will celebrate on October 21.
With more students walking to and from school in October, motorists are reminded to drive with extra care, stay alert for children crossing the road, and be especially aware of school zone speed limits.
In honor of Bike to School Month, we thought we’d give you a look at what walking to school looked like 50 years ago with this walking safety video from 1964. Enjoy!

Contra Costa Schools Celebrating 'Walk to School Day': October 7 & 21, 2015

WBTS_LogoWalk to School Day began in the US in 1997 as a one-day event aimed at building awareness for the need for walkable communities. Now the event is part of a year-round movement for Safe Routes to School, with an annual celebration each October.
streetsmartsdiabloThis year, 11 Contra Costa County schools in 5 cities are teaming up with Street Smarts Diablo to celebrate Walk to School Day! School events in Concord, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek will happen on October 7, while Brentwood and Oakley schools will celebrate on October 21.
Here are some great reasons to encourage students to walk to school:

Whether it’s Bike to School Day or any other day, please remind children to walk safely:

  • Use crosswalks
  • Stop, look & listen before crossing, and
  • Walk with a buddy!

 

walktoschoolimageOctober 7

Pittsburg: Highlands Elementary
Walnut Creek: Indian Valley Elementary
Concord: Cambridge ElementaryMeadow Homes ElementaryOak Grove Middle SchoolWestwood Elementary

October 21

Brentwood: Marsh Creek ElementaryPioneer Elementary
Oakley: Almond Grove ElementaryGehringer ElementaryLaurel Elementary
For more information, visit the Walk to School Day website.

Play CCTA's Online Game: Spend Virtual Money, Give Real Feedback (2015 Promotion)

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is gathering public input to help prioritize what projects and programs should be included in their long-term roadmap for future investments – the Transportation Expenditure Plan (TEP). Giving your input is both easy and fun thanks to the CCTA’s online investment game.
The way the game works is simple: You start with ten ‘coins’ which you spend on the projects most important to you. Projects are grouped by category (e.g. BART, Biking, Highways) and to ‘invest’ in a project, you just drag one (or more) coins into the project’s ‘coin box’:
Screen Shot 2015-09-10 at 2.30.18 PM
Once you’ve used up all your coins, you can review and submit your investment priorities, as well as share the tool with your friends. Here’s what a completed investment ‘portfolio’ might look like, including the major project categories:
Screen Shot 2015-09-10 at 2.09.00 PM
If you’d like to play the game and give your feedback to CCTA, or just want to see which projects have gotten the most support so far, visit keepcontracostamoving.net.
CCTA Funding Our Future

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

WHEELSAgency: 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

Senior Driving Skills – "Age Well Drive Smart" on August 7, 2015 (Walnut Creek)

The California Highway Patrol knows that driving is freedom. Helping seniors preserve that freedom is the focus of their Age Well Drive Smart program.
CHP Age Well Drive SmartOn August 7, CHP – Contra Costa invites you to take their free Age Well Drive Smart class in Walnut Creek. This two-hour interactive program is designed to help Contra Costa County’s senior drivers refresh their knowledge of the “rules of the road” and learn about age-related physical changes and how to adjust to them.
Included in the discussion will be the importance of preserving the ability to drive, factors to consider in extending our driving years, and health issues which might require us to limit or stop driving. 
The event happens at John Muir Health Outpatient Center (1220 Rossmoor Parkway) in Walnut Creek on August 7th, from 9:30am to 11:30am.
To register, visit the Eventbrite page.

Contra Costa CHP – National Night Out Celebration: August 4, 2015 (Martinez)

HReg15NNO
The California Highway Patrol – Contra Costa invites you to celebrate National Night Out with them on Tuesday, August 4 from 3-6pm!

National Night Out 2015 flyer
Click to enlarge image

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our communities safer.
On August 4, CHP – Contra Costa will be hosting a National Night Out gathering at their Martinez headquarters, featuring:

  • Free child safety seat inspections/installations
  • Free bicycle helmet giveaways
  • Additional free gifts for the kids, and
  • A police utility vehicle on display for the children to check out

Everyone is invited!  The celebration will be held on August 4 from 3-6pm at 5001 Blum Road in Martinez. For more information, visit CHP-ContraCosta.Eventbrite.com.
 

SolTrans 31-Day Pass 2-for-1 Offer 2015 (Routes 78, 80 & 80s)

Do you commute to work by riding SolTrans Route 78, 80 or 80s? If so, you might qualify for their current ‘Buy One Get One’ offer.
Through June 30, 2016, qualified individuals can get two 31-Day Passes for the price of one! Eligibility requirements include living or working in Contra Costa, commuting to work by SolTrans and being willing to take a short survey.
To see if you qualify, click the image to the left to read the promotion details. Eligible individuals can apply at SolTransRide.com.