LAVTA on freeway with other traffic

Wheels Implements Schedule Changes in August to Prepare for the School Year

LIVERMORE, Calif. August 7, 2023 – Beginning August 10th, Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) will implement changes on several Wheels bus routes to prepare for the start of the school year. These changes will affect several school-focused routes in Dublin and Pleasanton and one local route in Livermore.

In Dublin, the schedules for Routes 501, 502, 503, and 504, and in Pleasanton, Routes 602 and 604 are being adjusted to better connect with middle and high schools. Route 502 is being rerouted off Wildwood Road for improved connectivity to Dublin High School. In Livermore, two Route 15 afternoon trips will have schedule adjustments to better connect to Christensen Middle School.

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

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.

LAVTA on freeway with other traffic

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) Board of Directors has announced the selection of Christy Wegener to serve as the agency’s new Executive Director. Wegener previously worked at LAVTA from 2014 through 2018 as the Director of Planning and Operations. For the last four years, she has been the Director of Planning for the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), responsible for strategic and operations planning for the district. In response to the Board’s selection, Wegener said, “The Wheels bus system is near and dear to my heart and I am thrilled for the opportunity to return. I am excited to work with my former LAVTA colleagues and to improve mobility options throughout the Tri-Valley.”

Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert, who serves as Chair of the LAVTA Board, said “We are very pleased that Christy was interested in returning to LAVTA. During her previous tenure here, she helped lay the groundwork for many of the innovative projects that have been implemented over the past few years, including the introduction of Shared Autonomous Vehicle technology, the Go Tri-Valley partnership with Uber and Lyft, and a fixed route system redesign that led to increased ridership. These efforts played a large role in LAVTA being named the top transit agency in North America in 2020.”

Wegener has spent nearly 20 years in the transit industry, having previously worked for the Sacramento Regional Transit District and the Fairfax County (VA) Department of Transportation. During her career, she has been recognized as one of Mass Transit Magazine’s Top 40 under 40 and is a graduate of the American Public Transportation Association’s Leadership APTA program. She holds a Master’s in Public Policy from California State University Sacramento, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology from the University of California, Davis.

LAVTA on freeway with other traffic

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.

LAVTA on freeway with other traffic

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.

On Monday February 21, 2021, Wheels will run a Saturday+ service schedule. This means all current Saturday schedules will be in effect, and Routes 53 and 54 will operate their current weekday schedules.

The Customer Service Center will be open from 5:00 am-7:00 pm and the Wheels Administrative offices will be closed.

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.

We are paying tribute to the late John Madden in a big way by wrapping an entire 40-foot Wheels bus and designating it as the “Memorial Madden Cruiser”. The bus made its debut public appearance at the “One More Monday Night in Oakland: A Celebration of John Madden” event on Monday February 14 at the RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland. It was parked next to the original Madden Cruiser in front of the entrance to the event.

Beginning yesterday, the “Memorial Madden Cruiser” was placed in regular service on Wheels and Rapid routes. The bus will be rotated between routes so residents throughout the Wheels service area of Pleasanton, Livermore and Dublin will have an opportunity to see it.

No public funds were expended on this project. The images used were provided at no cost by the Las Vegas Raiders organization and our advertising sales contractor Lamar Transit Advertising provided the design, production, and installation of the wrap.

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.

LAVTA on freeway with other traffic

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.

LAVTA on freeway with other traffic

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.

LAVTA on freeway with other traffic

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.