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 are exploring innovative mobility solutions to reduce car dependency and promote sustainable transportation across Contra Costa County. Currently, the team is evaluating potential projects, estimating costs, and integrating these findings into the final plan, which will be presented to the board for approval in summer 2025.
Project Timeline
The ITP began in April 2023 and is scheduled to conclude in summer 2025.
Workshops & Related Presentations
- October 29, 2024 – Board Workshop – Staff Report & Presentation
In October 2024, staff gathered input on elements of the ITP Action Plans, including transit priority projects, access improvements, and customer experience initiatives. Additionally, staff facilitated a discussion on potential institutional and policy changes related to mobility technologies and the plan’s implementation. - October 20, 2023 – Board Workshop – Staff Report & Presentation
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. - 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.
Document Library
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