transit | 511 Contra Costa - Part 6

Tag: transit

Tri Delta Transit adds real-time arrival information

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Tri Delta Transit, East Contra Costa County’s public transit authority, is in the process of adding GPS-based vehicle locator system for its 69 buses. The system is expected to go live in the next three months after it has been thoroughly tested.
According to Steve Ponte, the Chief Operating Officer for Tri Delta Transit, the top phone inquiry from riders is “When is the next bus going to be here?” With the new system, riders will be able to access real-time arrival information via text message, calling an automated phone line, or online with a laptop or cell phone. At the line’s most popular stops, information for the next bus will be displayed on LED signs.
New features important for disabled riders include verbal announcements and textual displays of the next stop inside of buses.
Tri Delta Transit will join BART, AC Transit and a number of other transit agencies in having real-time information available to riders.
Source: When will next bus arrive? Tri-Delta Transit system will tell you – Contra Costa Times

This Week’s Headlines in Transportation & Transit: Mar. 6-12, 2010

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Local News

Bay Area and California News

Did you know we’re on Twitter? To receive these headlines, information for local transit agencies, 511CC promotions, and more, follow @511CC.

Car-free hiking & camping adventures in the Bay Area

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With the rain almost on its way out and with little but gorgeous days ahead, we thought we would point out one resource for helping you take advantage of the more than 1 million acres of publicly accessible open space in the Bay Area this weekend. The best part? You don’t even have to drive. By visiting the Transit & Trails website, you can plan to use public transit to travel to your next adventure, be it camping, hiking or cycling.

[Photo by richardmasoner]

The map, shown above, was last updated in April of 2009 and features a list of transit-accessible hikes, details about which spaces are open to the public or have limited access, and routes for a number of different modes of transit, including but not limited to: BART, Caltrain, VTA, SamTrans, Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT, Wheels, and the County Connection. The map is free, and can be downloaded from the Bay Area Open Council website.

This Week’s Headlines in Transportation & Transit: Feb. 20-26, 2010

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For the most up to date transportation and transit news (as well as information about our promotions, contests, and giveaways), follow 511CC on Twitter.
Local News

Bay Area and California News

This Week’s Headlines in Transportation & Transit: Feb. 13-19, 2010

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Follow 511CC on Twitter for the latest updates in Contra Costa County and Bay Area transportation and transit news. If you’ve been snoozing, here’s what you missed out on in the last week:
Local News

Bay Area and State News

This Week’s Headlines: Feb. 6-12, 2010

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Follow 511CC on Twitter for these headlines every week. For those of you not yet on the bandwagon, here’s what we Tweeted or blogged about in the last week:

This Week’s Headlines: Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2010

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Happy Friday! If you haven’t been following 511CC on Twitter, here’s a summary of this week’s transit news affecting Contra Costa County and the Bay Area:

This Week's Headlines: Jan. 23-29, 2010

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If you haven’t been following 511CC on Twitter, here’s what’s happening in Contra Costa County and Bay Area transit news that we tweeted or blogged about in the past week:

Bay Area public transit options for New Year's Eve 2009

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Don’t drive irresponsibly or get stuck being DD – put on your party hat and shades and ride home on public transit! Also, be glad you live in the Bay Area, where public transit options are rockin’.
Here’s what you need to know for each one:
BART

  • Service runs til 3 am
  • After 8 pm:
    • Pittsburg/Bay Point and Richmond trains will not stop at Embarcardero. Exit at Montgomery Station instead. After midnight, also board at Montgomery Station to get back on the Pittsburg/Bay Point or Richmond trains.
    • Dublin/Pleasanton and Fremont trains will not stop at Montgomery Street Station. Exit at Embarcadero. Likewise, board at Embarcadero to get back on a Pittsburg/Bay Point or Richmond-bound train.
  • More information about BART services on NYE

AC Transit

  • On December 31st, 2009, consider taking the Eastbound Line 800, which runs overnight.
  • On January 1st, 2010, AC Transit buses will operate on Sunday schedules.
  • For more information, visit AC Transit’s Website.

Muni

  • Free for travelers between 8 pm – 6 am between Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve and Jan. 1, New Year’s Day.
  • More information on the SF Muni NYE Page.

Caltrain

  • Free service after 11 pm.
  • Details for New Year’s Eve service on Caltrain.

Care for some more?

Just kidding, we know you wanted more transit info!
Well, here’s your cap. Scroll down to see the full list of Bay Area transit agency services on New Year’s Eve, including SamTrans and Golden Gate Transit.

2009 Holiday Hours and Services for Transit Agencies serving Contra Costa County

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Need to get from Point A to Point B on public transit this holiday season? 511 Contra Costa has compiled a list of transit agencies serving the Contra Costa area and their holiday services for Dec. 24th, Dec. 25th, Dec. 31st and Jan. 1st. If a transit agency is not listed on a certain date, it is running on its normal schedule.

Thursday, December 24, 2009 – Christmas Eve:

  • Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393 and 394 will operate on a Sunday schedule.
  • WestCAT routes: Exp J, 30Z, JPX & JX, and LYNX will run their regular service. The DAR and Local routes will run the regular service with 7 PM close. Route C3 will not have service.
  • Wheels: most routes will run their regular service.

Friday, December 25, 2009 – Christmas Day:

  • BART will run on its Sunday schedule.
  • WestCAT route Express J will run on its Sunday schedule.
  • AC Transit will run on a weekend schedule.
  • Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393 and 394 will operate on a Sunday schedule.
  • Golden Gate Transit Bus will have Holiday Service and Golden Gate Larkspur & Sausalito Ferry will have no service.
  • The County Connection buses will not be in operation.
  • Capitol Corridor will run on a weekend schedule.
  • Fairfield and Suisun Transit (FAST) Routes: no service.
  • Vallejo Transit: no service.
  • Wheels: Route 10 – Special Service, Route 15 – Sunday Service

Thursday, December 31, 2009 – New Year’s Eve:

  • BART will extend its service until 3 am.
  • WestCAT routes: Exp J, 30Z, JPX & JX, and LYNX will run their regular service. The DAR and Local routes will run the regular service with 7 PM close. Route C3 will not have service.
  • Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393 and 394 will operate on a Sunday schedule.
  • Wheels: most routes will run their regular service.

Friday, January 1, 2009 – New Year’s Day:

  • BART will run on its Sunday schedule.
  • WestCAT route Express J will run on its Sunday schedule.
  • AC Transit will run on a weekend schedule.
  • Tri Delta Transit: Routes 392, 393 and 394 will operate on a Sunday schedule.
  • Golden Gate Transit Bus will have Holiday Service and Golden Gate Larkspur & Sausalito Ferry will have no service.
  • The County Connection buses will not be in operation.
  • Capitol Corridor will run on a weekend schedule.
  • Fairfield and Suisun Transit (FAST) Routes: no service.
  • Vallejo Transit: no service.
  • Wheels: Routes 1, 10, 15 – Sunday Service Only.

For more information, please refer to each transit agency’s individual website:
BART – Holiday Schedule
BART – New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Information
WestCAT – Holiday Rider Information
AC Transit – Home
Tri Delta Transit – Holiday Service
Golden Gate Transit & Golden Gate Ferry Christmas & New Year’s Service Schedules
The County Connection – Home
Capitol Corridor – Home
Fairfield and Suisun Transit (FAST) Routes
Vallejo Transit Routes
WHEELS – Holiday Service

Real Time BART arrival info now on 511cc maps

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We’ve added a new map that shows estimate positions of BART trains based on real time arrival data.Where Is BART.
Train positions are estimated based on the data that BART provides. Our map is great for visualizing the system and checking when the next trains are estimated to arrive. BART also provides arrival predictions on their website, if you choose a station you get a page full of useful info about that station, for example see the page for Pleasant Hill.
» Where is BART? real time location prediction map

New Unofficial Transit Map of All Rail in the Bay Area

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bay_rail_7201San Francisco Cityscape has just released its third version of a Bay Area rail map that includes all lines:
“The last version was more detailed; like the new BART map, it listed destinations that couldn’t be fit on the map. But we’d like to think that this version combines the simplicity of the BART map with a relatively accurate rendering of geography, and it includes some detail that the BART map doesn’t, like major Muni stops.”
Read more at the San Francisco Cityscape website and check out the map  here.

BART Off-peak Service Reductions Begin Monday

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bart_logo_300From the BART Website:

“Starting Monday, September 14, BART will reduce service during off-peak hours (weekday evenings, weekends and holidays) by running fewer trains and single-route service South of Daly City.

Weekdays after 7:00 pm, weekends and holidays

  • 20-minute service (instead of 15-minute)
  • Single route service south of Daly City:
    • Pittsburg/Bay Point (Yellow) line extended to Millbrae from SFO
    • Dublin/Pleasanton (Blue) line stops at Daly City instead of Millbrae
  • Direct service between Millbrae and SFO
  • Timed transfers at 12th Street and MacArthur station
  • More even spacing of trains throughout the system
  • No change to Richmond (Red) or Fremont (Green, Orange) lines”

For more information on the BART service reductions check out the BART Website.

Start Your 2 in September

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Huh?  Do Your 2?  What does this mean?  511 Contra Costa wants you to try green commuting by sharing your ride to work or school just two times per week.  Hence, do your 2.
We’ve  added a little extra whip or foam to  the carpool and transit incentive–if you know the special promo code.  Receive a $5 Peet’s Coffee & Tea gift card with your incentive by adding the promo code at the bottom of your online application.  Current promotions can be found is here. Even if you are not eligible to receive the carpool or transit incentive, you may still receive a Peet’s Coffee & Tea gift card –if you submit the online application and the know the promo code.  Hurry and apply as this special offer ends September 30, 2009.
Read the details of special offers on the promotions page.

ATU Approves Tentative Four Year Contract

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30844137_4253ef4f71Last night members of the Amalgamated Transit Union approved the tentative four year labor agreement between BART and the ATU.  The last minute agreement which helped narrowly avoid a BART strike last week now just needs to be ratified by the BART board.
If you live or work in Contra Costa County you can help us celebrate the avoided BART strike by letting us buy you a $40 BART card.
For more information on the the ATU vote check out the BART news page and the Contra Costa Times.
Photo Credit: Thomas Hawk via Flickr

Is a Plane More Fuel Efficient Than a Prius?

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trans0209gettingaroundrevGOOD Magazine recently did a pretty cool piece examining the fuel usage per person for various modes of transportation from bicycles to cruise ships.  It is definitely worth a look.

“What’s the most efficient way to get around? Planes might burn a lot of fuel, but they also are filled with people, making each gallon go a lot farther. How does that stack up against trains, buses, cars, or the gasoline equivalent of eating a burger and hopping on your bike? The answer may surprise you.”

You can read more on good.is.

Don't Get Struck by the Strike: Check Out Your Many BART Alternatives

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Carpool
Carpool…Casually by pulling up to a curb and picking someone up at a casual carpool location. Unless otherwise arranged all carpools from the East Bay drop passengers at Fremont and Howard streets–or nearby–in downtown San Francisco.  Check out our extensive list of casual carpool locations.
Vanpool
Find a vanpool to join at www.511.org. Once you do, sign up for the 511 Contra Costa vanpool incentive providing 50% off for three consecutive months.
Take the Bus
Since you will probably only be able to drive as fast as the local bus, give it a try. County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, or WestCAT.
Take the Ferry
May want to take a reverse commute to access the Vallejo Ferry with service to San Francisco.
Telework
Work from home perhaps just one day a week. Write your reports, read your mail or reports – doesn’t have to required heavy computer connections.
Flex Your Schedule
Come in early or late – avoid the peak commute hours. Work 4 10-hour days and avoid commuting altogether one day a week.
Take the BART Express Bus From Walnut Creek Bart to Downtown San Francisco
Details are being worked out. Visit www.bart.gov for more updated info.
Muni has added Casual Carpooling departure points between 3 and 7 p.m. M-F in downtown SF.
Take the Lynx Express Bus From Hercules to Downtown San Francisco
WestCAT is providing service from the Hercules Transit Center.
Bike
Now is a fine time to ride your bike if you work and live in Contra Costa. Need help planning your route? Give us a call at 925-969-1083.
Need fuel for your ride?  Have some coffee on us!

BART Strike Midnight Sunday, August 16 2009

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bart_logo_300BART  unions announced their plans to strike on Sunday August 16, 2009 at Midnight. 511 Contra Costa has carpools for all commuters traveling to, from or through Contra Costa County and free WestCAT Lynx Express Bus passes for commuters traveling from Hercules to San Francisco.

Vallejo Transit is adding more ferries.
WestCAT is running the J and JPXservice to El Cerrito Del Norte BART  as well as Lynx service to San Francisco.
Read more about the impending strike on the BART website.

BART to Operate 24 Hours a Day During 2009 Labor Day Weekend Bay Bridge Closure

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bart_logo_300Starting this Friday, September 4, BART will be running trains 24 hours a day during the September 4th – 7th Bay Bridge closure. The trains will run hourly to 14 stations.
Stations with overnight service:

  • 24th Street Mission
  • Bay Fair (parking available)
  • Coliseum/Oakland Airport (parking available)
  • Concord (parking available)
  • Daly City (parking available)
  • Downtown Berkeley
  • Dublin/Pleasanton (parking available)
  • El Cerrito Del Norte (parking available)
  • Embarcadero
  • MacArthur (parking available, timed BART transfer point)
  • Oakland City Center/12th St. (timed BART transfers, AC Transit transfer point)
  • Powell Street
  • San Francisco International Airport
  • Walnut Creek(Parking Available)

For more info on BARTs overnight trains during the Bay Bridge closure check out the BART news page.

ReTweet for Peet's! Be a New 511CC Follower on Twitter or ReTweet us and You Could Win a $25 Peet's Coffee & Tea Gift Card

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511plustwitequlspeets

We are two months in to our $25 Peet’s Coffee & Tea gift card giveaway promotion.  Winning is easy.  Just be a new Twitter follower of @511CC or retweet us to be entered into our monthly drawing.
Not only will following us on Twitter give you the chance to win free coffee, but you will receive handy updates from us on important Contra Costa County traffic information, Spare the Air days and info about our numerous cool promotions like free BART passes to baseball games, carpooling incentives and more.
Our June and July winners were Norma (@normallyp) and Jerry (@DearJellyHiJely).  Both of whom are probably enjoying some delicious Peet’s coffee right now on us.

We’ll be giving away the next gift card at the end of August so there is still plenty of time to get in the runnings!

Follow 511 Contra Costa on Twitter: http://twitter.com/511cc

What is Twitter?   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddO9idmax0o

BART Announces a Limited Rollout of TransLink

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translink_largeThis Monday BART announced it has started a limited rollout of TransLink fare payments. Everyone has been expecting a soft launch like this from BART at some point but it seemed like it would never actually happen.
The TransLink project has gained a lot of clout lately  with BART and Muni on board.  Next up is Caltrain which will rollout TransLink payments on August 17th. The possibility of a universal Bay Area transit card is finally starting to seem like a reality. Translink is also currently available on AC Transit, Dumbarton Express, and Golden Gate Transit and Ferry.
TransLink is still not officially supported by BART and TransLink users attempting to ride BART are asked to always have an alternate payment method available as the system is in the early stages of launch and the kinks are still being worked out.
From the BART Website:

“Anyone else with a TransLink card is welcome to use it on BART during this limited rollout period, as long as they have a TransLink card loaded with sufficient e-cash (electronic cash), an adult Muni Fast Pass, or a BART High Value Discount ticket (which can only be added online at www.clippercard.com). You can sign up for a TransLink card at any time through the TransLink website.
Because passengers are always responsible for fare payment, please be sure to bring along other means of payment such as an EZ Rider card, a BART blue ticket or cash as a backup during the limited rollout of TransLink on BART.“

For more information on the TransLink/BART launch check out the BART news page, the SFGATE article on the BART TransLink launch and the TransLink website.

511 Contra Costa to Work With City of Martinez on New Climate Action Plan

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The Martinez city council has recently adopted a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy. 511 Contra Costa will be working with the City of Martinez in order to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Martinez hopes steer more of its residents toward greener transportation forms such as biking, walking and transit. This is something we here at 511 Contra Costa excel at. We look forward to working with the City of Martinez to achieve its goals.
Read more about the City of Martinez Climate Action Plan in the Contra Costa Times.
Get additional info on the City of Martinez on their Website.

Fourth Annual Dump the Pump Day: June 18th, 2009

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As America’s economic challenges continue, 511 Contra Costa will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the fourth annual National Dump the Pump Day on June 18. Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2009 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, protect the environment, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and improve our quality of life.
Individuals can achieve an average annual savings of over $8,000 by taking public transportation instead of driving and by living with one less car. And for every $1 invested in public transportation infrastructure, $6 is generated in economic returns to communities.
Public transportation saves 900,000 automobile fill-ups each day – 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline per year. And switching to public transportation can reduce individual carbon emissions by 20 pounds per day or 4,800 pounds per year.
If you currently drive alone to work, try taking the bus, train or BART instead.
Provided you meet our eligibility requirements, 511ContraCosta.org will provide you with a $64 BART pass plus bus, good for about one week’s worth of free commuting.
Click here to fill out our transit incentive form and get your free pass.