Integrated Transit Plan
Background
Contra Costa residents want to drive less, but many still rely on cars. This is due in part to the challenges of using public transit, such as insufficient connections between transit provider services, too much time between trips, and long travel times.
The five bus transit operators in the county have a long history of working together, which has improved the transit system and made it easier for riders to transfer between services. However, the system needs to be updated to meet the needs of today’s travelers. We need to make it more efficient and better coordinated, and we need to update services and infrastructure to create a modern and sustainable transit network.
Creating the Integrated Transit Plan
CCTA is working with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the five Contra Costa bus operators (AC Transit, County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT, and Wheels) to identify ways to optimize the transit network. The ITP will provide guidance for an improved transit network that better serves local and regional travelers.
The ITP will also include a list of improvements that will support enhanced services. The goal of these projects and improvements is to attract more riders and position the bus operators to meet future challenges.
The ITP will focus on the following areas:
Coordination: Identify ways to improve coordination between transit providers so that riders have convenient and seamless travel. Improved coordination will also result in more efficient use of public funds.
Innovation: Explore emerging technologies to enhance Contra Costa County’s transit system, like on-demand shuttles that get people to transit, Mobility as a Service, and traffic signals that prioritize the movement of buses.
Equity: Improve transit so that all communities and residents benefit, including low-income communities, communities of color, and people with disabilities.
Improved Transit
CCTA wants to make public transportation easier to use and more convenient. With improved transit, Contra Costa County will be a more livable, sustainable, and equitable place to live and travel. As recommendations in the ITP are put into place, the public will see many benefits:
- Better connections to regional services, like BART and Capitol Corridor.
- Improvements for increased speed and reliability.
- Enhancements to improve riders’ transit experience.
Project Status
The ITP project team is actively working to identify new ways to make transit services more reliable, efficient, and accessible, while improving first and last-mile connections. They’re exploring innovative mobility options to help reduce our reliance on cars and promote sustainable transportation across Contra Costa County. The responses to the survey launched in May are being used to review and confirm the team’s recommendations. We’re committed to keeping the public informed throughout this process and plan to share our findings this summer.
Project Timeline
The ITP began in April 2023 and is scheduled to conclude in spring 2025.
Meetings & Related Documents
- September 18, 2024 – Board Meeting – Board Memo & Attachment
Staff updated the CCTA Board on the status of the project including takeaways from the recent survey and updates to the action plans and policy recommendations. - July 15, 2024 – Transit Agency Workshop
The ITP project team gathered with transit agency staff to discuss survey results and how results are shaping the action plan. - April 17, 2024 – Board Meeting – Board Memo & Attachment
The CCTA Board will consider a budget amendment at their next meeting. - April 4, 2024 – Planning Committee – Presentation
Staff updated the CCTA Board Planning Committee on the status of the project including updates to the action plans and takeaways from the transit operator workshops. - March 1, 2024 – CCTA Staff Workshop – Presentation
The ITP project team gathered with CCTA staff to discuss proposed access improvement zones and transit priority corridors that will shape the recommendations of the final plan. - October 20, 2023 – Board Workshop – Board Memo & Attachments
In October 2023, staff sought input on the Integrated Transit Plan priorities, the role of
the Authority in transit, policy, and infrastructure, and funding for transit in the near- and
long-term. In addition, the Contra Costa County transit operators presented on the
current state of their services, key projects, and plans for the future. - October 2, 2023 – Bus Transit Coordinating Committee (BTCC) Meeting –
Board Memo & Attachment – Video
In October 2023, CCTA provided a progress update on the Contra Costa ITP. - September 20, 2023 – Framing Workshop – Presentation
In September 2023, CCTA hosted over 30 of the county’s top transportation
leaders at a framing workshop for the ITP at our Walnut Creek office. The
purpose of the workshop was to establish project priorities, present key
takeaways from our service and market assessment, and solicit input on our
approach to identifying transit improvements. - August 18, 2023 – Information and Listening Session – Presentation
In August 2023, CCTA hosted a virtual listening session for community
organizations and advocates to provide early input into the plan’s development.
Get Involved
CCTA is looking for input from community members to make sure the ITP meets the needs of all travelers. CCTA is particularly interested in hearing from people in underserved communities.
Please leave a comment to share your thoughts about transit in Contra Costa County.
For more info about this plan, contact:
Contra Costa Transportation Authority
925.256.4748
ysmith@ccta.net