Livermore, CA – With the school year starting soon, the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority’s (LAVTA) annual Try Transit to School promotion will be starting back up. Try Transit to School allows Tri-Valley middle and high school students to ride for free on all Wheels bus routes.

This unique program offers unlimited free rides for middle and high school students on all regularly scheduled Wheels and Rapid bus routes from August 7 through September 4, including weekends. The purpose of this program is to provide an introduction of LAVTA’s bus services to students so they can experience how easy it is to ride Wheels to and from school. In addition, the program allows parents a safe, convenient, and environmentally friendly alternative for school transportation. The free rides are not limited routes that serve schools; Students can also use this opportunity to ride transit to hang out with friends, go to work, shopping, and other fun activities.

To take advantage of this promotion, students simply board any Wheels or Rapid bus and ride. No ticket or pass is required. Route and schedule information is available on the LAVTA website at wheelsbus.com or by calling our Customer Service Center at (925) 455-7500.

About the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) was created in 1985 by the
cities of Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton and Alameda County to serve area transit
needs. In 2018 and 2019, LAVTA was named Transit Agency of the Year by the
California Transit Association and the California Association for Coordinated
Transportation, respectively.

In 2020, LAVTA was named the top transit agency of its
size in North America by the American Public Transportation Association.
LAVTA supports environmental sustainability by reducing vehicle trips and traffic
congestion on local streets and improving air quality in the Tri-Valley region. In
addition to passenger fares, the agency is supported financially by federal, state and
local agencies, including the Alameda County Transportation Commission’s Measure
BB.

Follow LAVTA on Facebook at facebook.com/wheelsbus and on Twitter @wheelsbus
or visit our website wheelsbus.com for more information on Wheels and Rapid bus
services, our Dial-A-Ride paratransit service as well as our Go Tri-Valley promotion
with Uber and Lyft.

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA), operator of the Wheels Bus system and Dial-A-Ride paratransit service in the Tri-Valley, is seeking applications for members to serve on the Tri-Valley Accessible Advisory Committee (TAAC).  Members on the TAAC represent the cities of Livermore, Dublin, and Pleasanton, unincorporated Alameda County and Tri-Valley social/human services agencies. Vacancies are for the following representatives:

• City of Dublin – 1 member, 1 alternate
• City of Livermore – 2 members, 1 alternate
• City of Pleasanton – 1 member, 1 alternate
• Alameda County – 1 member, 1 alternate
• Social Services – 3 members, 1 alternate

The committee members are expected to provide a forum and advise LAVTA staff on accessibility issues facing senior and disabled residents on LAVTA fixed route buses and Dial-A-Ride paratransit services.  The committee meets six times per year for approximately 90 minutes. Currently the committee meetings are being held via Zoom due to Covid-19. TAAC members will receive a free annual LAVTA fixed route bus pass.  In addition, ADA paratransit eligible members can ride Dial-A-Ride service to and from TAAC meetings free of charge.

Candidates must reside in the city they represent and must be able to solicit and disseminate information effectively to their constituents, be able to meet during regular business hours (typically 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.), and be able to analyze complex issues and reports to make recommendations regarding LAVTA services.  Candidates must currently use LAVTA fixed route buses or Dial-A-Ride paratransit services or represent those who do.  Candidates do not have to be disabled or over 65 years old.

Interested candidates should request an application by calling (925) 455-7555 or download an application by clicking here. Applications may be submitted by mail or email and must be received by LAVTA no later than April 18, 2022. LAVTA’s Board of Directors makes the final approval of TAAC representatives.

About the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) was created in 1985 by the cities of Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton and Alameda County to serve area transit needs. In 2018 and 2019, LAVTA was named Transit Agency of the Year by the California Transit Association and the California Association for Coordinated Transportation, respectively. In 2020, LAVTA was named the top transit agency of its size in North America by the American Public Transportation Association.

LAVTA supports environmental sustainability by reducing vehicle trips and traffic congestion on local streets and improving air quality in the Tri-Valley region. In addition to passenger fares, the agency is supported financially by federal, state and local agencies, including the Alameda County Transportation Commission’s Measure B and BB.

The federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandate requiring that approved face coverings be properly worn by all passengers riding on Wheels buses first became effective February 1, 2021. The mandate was most recently scheduled to expire on March 18, 2022. The mandate has now been extended again through April 18, 2022.

Wheels bus operators will continue to provide face coverings for passengers who forget to bring one.

Any changes to this mandate will be posted on this site.

About the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) was created in 1985 by the cities of Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton and Alameda County to serve area transit needs. In 2018 and 2019, LAVTA was named Transit Agency of the Year by the California Transit Association and the California Association for Coordinated Transportation, respectively. In 2020, LAVTA was named the top transit agency of its size in North America by the American Public Transportation Association.

LAVTA supports environmental sustainability by reducing vehicle trips and traffic congestion on local streets and improving air quality in the Tri-Valley region. In addition to passenger fares, the agency is supported financially by federal, state and local agencies, including the Alameda County Transportation Commission’s Measure B and BB.

Wheels Administrative Office Again Open to the Public Effective February 28, 2022

The Wheels Administrative Office is again open to the general public beginning Monday February 28, 2022. The office is located at 1362 Rutan Court, Suite 100. The downtown Livermore Transit Center is also open for pass sales and Clipper transactions.

RTC card applications, renewals, etc. can only be done at the Wheels Administrative Office.

About the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) was created in 1985 by the cities of Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton and Alameda County to serve area transit needs. In 2018 and 2019, LAVTA was named Transit Agency of the Year by the California Transit Association and the California Association for Coordinated Transportation, respectively. In 2020, LAVTA was named the top transit agency of its size in North America by the American Public Transportation Association.

LAVTA supports environmental sustainability by reducing vehicle trips and traffic congestion on local streets and improving air quality in the Tri-Valley region. In addition to passenger fares, the agency is supported financially by federal, state and local agencies, including the Alameda County Transportation Commission’s Measure B and BB.

For the 25th consecutive year, the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) has earned the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This award was received for LAVTA’s excellence in financial reporting in their FY2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) established this award in 1945 to encourage state and local government agencies to exceed the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles in preparing their annual financial reports. The award program assesses whether the financial statements of participating agencies provide the detail necessary for users of the information to adequately evaluate the financial health of the organization.

Pleasanton Mayor Karla Brown, who serves as Chair of the LAVTA Board of Directors, said “It is quite an honor for LAVTA to receive this award. To have won the award for 25 consecutive years is a testament to the LAVTA staff’s efforts to be effective stewards of the public trust and ensure that our precious tax dollars are accounted for in an exemplary manner.”

For a copy of LAVTA’s FY2020 financial report, visit the “Reports” section of our website, under the “About Us” tab. For more information on GFOA, visit www.gfoa.com.

About the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) was created in 1985 by the cities of Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton and Alameda County to serve area transit needs. In 2018 and 2019, LAVTA was named Transit Agency of the Year by the California Transit Association and the California Association for Coordinated Transportation, respectively. In 2020, LAVTA was named the top transit agency of its size in North America by the American Public Transportation Association.

LAVTA supports environmental sustainability by reducing vehicle trips and traffic congestion on local streets and improving air quality in the Tri-Valley region. In addition to passenger fares, the agency is supported financially by federal, state and local agencies, including the Alameda County Transportation Commission’s Measure B and BB.

At their June 7, 2021 meeting the LAVTA Board approved the Tri-Valley Hub Network Integration Study and authorized LAVTA’s Executive Director to forward the report to the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), which had funded the study.

The goal of the Study was to provide the strategic and technical requirements to move forward toward initiating future regional transportation services via a hubbed model at the Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station and for the near-term evolution of that station into the Tri-Valley Hub as envisioned in the 2018 California State Rail Plan.

Among the Study’s conclusions:
• Move forward with implementing I-680 Express Bus service between Martinez and the Tri-Valley Hub, i.e. Dublin/Pleasanton BART
• Establish a governance structure
• Secure an operator and a funding source
• Work with operators at Dublin/Pleasanton BART to build consensus on improvements enhancing the facility’s ability to serve as a successful Tri-Valley Hub

To see the full Tri-Valley Hub Network Integration Study, click here.

About the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) was created in 1985 by the cities of Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton and Alameda County to serve area transit needs. In 2018 and 2019, LAVTA was named Transit Agency of the Year by the California Transit Association and the California Association for Coordinated Transportation, respectively. In 2020, LAVTA was named the top transit agency of its size in North America by the American Public Transportation Association.

LAVTA supports environmental sustainability by reducing vehicle trips and traffic congestion on local streets and improving air quality in the Tri-Valley region. In addition to passenger fares, the agency is supported financially by federal, state and local agencies, including the Alameda County Transportation Commission’s Measure B and BB.

Low income riders on the Wheels bus system will become eligible for reduced fares beginning Monday January 25. Wheels is participating in a pilot program administered by the Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) called Clipper START. The pilot will continue through the end of the year at a minimum.

Applicants to the pilot program can provide a copy of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or Medi-Cal card, a county benefits eligibility letter, their Muni Lifeline card number or a copy of their last federal tax return to demonstrate their eligibility. Once approved, they will receive a personalized Clipper card that must be loaded with cash value before use.

The Clipper START discounts are automatically applied whenever the card is used. On Wheels buses, the discount is 20 percent off of the regular $2.00 one-way fare. Clipper START is not a transit pass — it is a program that offers discounts for single rides on 22 participating Bay Area transit systems.

Riders interested in Clipper START can learn more about the program and apply online at clipperstartcard.com. The website guides customers through the application process, details what documents customers need to upload, and will save applicants’ progress to allow them to return later to complete the application if necessary.

Cards can only be obtained through the Clipper website and are not available at the Livermore Transit Center, the Wheels Administrative Office or at any of the other Tri-Valley retail locations where Clipper Cards are available.

Income guidelines for the program are listed below.

Clipper Start Income Guidelines

Household size	Household income up to
1	$25,520
2	$34,480
3	$43,440
4	$52,400
5	$61,360
6	$70,320
7	$79,280
8	$88,240

Add $8,960 for each additional household member over eight.

About the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) was created in 1985 by the cities of Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton and Alameda County to serve area transit needs. In 2018 and 2019, LAVTA was named Transit Agency of the Year by the California Transit Association and the California Association for Coordinated Transportation, respectively. In 2020, LAVTA was named the top transit agency of its size in North America by the American Public Transportation Association.

LAVTA supports environmental sustainability by reducing vehicle trips and traffic congestion on local streets and improving air quality in the Tri-Valley region. In addition to passenger fares, the agency is supported financially by federal, state and local agencies, including the Alameda County Transportation Commission’s Measure B and BB.

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has announced the selection of the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) as the recipient of the 2020 Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award. The annual award acknowledges excellence among public transportation providers in North America. In LAVTA’s 35-year history, this the first time it has received this honor.

 

In announcing the award, APTA Chair Nuria Fernandez said “This is a prestigious and well-deserved honor for your organization. It also spotlights your outstanding leadership, working with your Board, your team members and your community. Your success is a model that our industry can emulate.”

 

LAVTA’s award is for rail or bus transit systems providing 4 million or fewer passenger trips annually. Agencies are evaluated by APTA’s Awards Committee based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative criteria. The qualitative criteria include safety, operations and maintenance, customer service, financial management, diversity and inclusion, marketing, and community relations. Quantitative measures include ridership, cost effectiveness, and road call data.

 

Livermore Vice Mayor Bob Woerner, currently LAVTA’s Board Chair, recognized the LAVTA staff and thanked the other members of the LAVTA Board of Directors. Woerner noted “In the past three years, this agency comprised of a 14-person staff and a seven-member Board of Directors has been named Transit Agency of the Year in California by two different organizations and has now been selected as the top transit agency of our size in North America. These honors are truly a testament to the quality of our small staff and the effective collaboration between that staff and our Board of Directors. In the midst of the current pandemic, during which our employees are busy providing an essential service to the residents of our region, it is nice to be able to take a moment and reflect on all we have accomplished recently as an organization.”

 

Among the accomplishments which led to LAVTA receiving the award:

• An increase in ridership of 12.1% over the two-year period from 2017 to 2019

• The successful passage of a Student Mobility Initiative at Las Positas College (LPC) to fund unlimited access transit passes for all LPC students

• Launching a Shared Autonomous Vehicle (SAV) project in proximity to the East Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station to help provide first and last mile connections with BART

• Serving as executive and administrative support for the Tri-Valley – San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority (Valley Link), which held its first Board meeting in January 2018

• Partnering with the city of Livermore to relocate and rehabilitate the Southern Pacific Railroad’s historic train depot for use as LAVTA’s Livermore Transit Center sales and operations building

• Initiating Go Dublin, an on-demand real-time mobility alternative for Dublin residents utilizing a unique partnership with Uber and Lyft

 

LAVTA and the rest of this year’s award winners will be honored at an APTA Virtual Meeting in October and again in March at APTA’s annual TRANSform Conference.