Office of Accessibility and Equity
The Office of Accessibility and Equity (OAE) at the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) works to improve accessible transportation for older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans across Contra Costa County.
Through coordination, partnerships, and strategic programs, the OAE helps create a transportation system that is easier to navigate, more inclusive, and responsive to community needs.
About the Office of Accessibility and Equity
The Office of Accessibility and Equity (OAE) was established to strengthen and coordinate accessible transportation efforts across Contra Costa County.
Accessible transportation services are provided by over 24 different organizations in the County, including transit agencies, cities, nonprofit organizations, and social service providers. The OAE helps bring these partners together to improve coordination, reduce gaps, and make transportation easier for riders to access and navigate.
The office serves as a central hub for accessible transportation coordination, working with public, private, and community partners to improve services and expand mobility options.
The OAE strengthens the accessible transportation network in Contra Costa County by providing:
- Focused System Coordination: Improving collaboration and coordination between transportation providers and community partners.
- Advocacy and Policy Leadership: Representing the needs of riders and partners countywide while helping advance policies that improve accessible transportation.
- Fund Development: Pursing, advocating for, shaping and leveraging public and private funding opportunities that support accessible transportation.
- Cost Efficiency Through Coordination: By connecting services and partners, the OAE helps reduce duplication, improve efficiency, program administration, and enhance service delivery.
- Trusted Leadership: Serving as a convener that can build trusted relationships and partnerships across agencies and organizations.
Vision for Accessible Transportation
We envision a future where older adults and people with disabilities experience seamless, accessible, and dignified transportation, allowing them to live independently and fully participate in their communities.
The Office of Accessibility and Equity works to integrate accessible transportation into everyday transportation planning by:
- Collaborating with transit agencies and community partners
- Developing coordinated mobility, funding, and policy solutions
- Creating a central information hub for accessible transportation services
- Overseeing and or supporting countywide accessible transportation programs and services
OAE Responsibilities
The Office of Accessibility and Equity leads countywide efforts to improve accessible transportation through five key functions.
Serve as a Central Information Source
The OAE works to provide clear and consolidated information about accessible transportation services. This includes initiatives such as travel training and the development of a One-Call/One-Click information and referral system.Facilitate System Coordination and Leadership
The OAE connects transportation providers, nonprofit organizations, social service agencies, and local governments to improve coordination and strengthen partnerships.Assess Needs and Recommend System Improvements
The office evaluates transportation gaps, monitors service challenges, and identifies opportunities to improve accessible transportation across the county.Develop Programs to Improve the System
Working with transit agencies and community partners, the OAE helps develop programs that improve service quality and expand transportation options.Mobilize Resources
The OAE seeks funding opportunities and coordinates resources to support accessible transportation initiatives.Programs and Projects
The OAE supports and leads a range of programs and pilot projects that improve transportation access for residents across Contra Costa County.
Featured Programs
Low Income Fare Equity Program (LIFE)
The LIFE Ticket Program helps make paratransit service more affordable for low-income riders by providing free tickets to eligible riders.
Who it is for: Low-income paratransit riders in Contra Costa County
What it provides: 10 one-way trip tickets each month for local or regional trips.
Cost: Free (valued at approximately $30–$50 per month depending on the provider)
How to Apply: Contact your local paratransit provider:
- County Connection LINK 925-938-RIDE (938-7433)
- Tri Delta Transit 925-706-4399
- WestCAT 510-724-3331 ext 113
Status: The LIFE program is active.
One Seat Ride Program
Contra Costa County bus operators teamed up to provide the One Seat Regional Ride (One Seat) option for paratransit users who live in the county. One Seat is a direct trip to the paratransit passenger’s destination with no transfer required. If their trip is in the service area of the following providers, a County Connection operator can schedule a One Seat direct trip to their destination with no transfers required.
Who it is for: All certified ADA paratransit passengers traveling within the 4 participating agency service areas
- County Connection LINK
- Tri Delta Transit
- WestCat
- Wheels
What it provides: Point-to-point shared-ride paratransit service without having to transfer buses at service area borders
Cost: $3.00 – $5.50 per one-way trip depending on the home agency at pickup location
How to Book: Call 925-680-2134. Repeat trips can be booked repeat trips can be booked using the My Transit Manager app.
Status: The One Seat Ride program is active.
One Call, One Click
The One Call, One Click is a proposed program to establish a single call number that provides real time information to riders on their transportation option, acting as a free information and referral service.
Who it is for: Anyone seeking resources relating to accessible transportation options in the County.
What it provides: Real time information on accessible transportation options and related resources.
Cost: Free for community members (once released)
Status: This program is under the design and planning phase. It is not yet available to the public.
TNC Access for All
The TNC Access for All program was established by SB 1376 (2018) to improve wheelchair access to on-demand transportation services such as Uber and Lyft. The program increases mobility for wheelchair users by reducing the costs associated with maintaining and owning a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV).
The program is funded by a $0.10 per-ride fee collected by transportation network companies (TNCs) and administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). CCTA is a local fund administrator for this program and allocates local funding every few years.
Who it is for: Individuals who need on-demand wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) rides.
What it provides: Subsidized on demand wheelchair accessible vehicle rides.
Programs Funded to Date: In 2023, CCTA awarded funds to Tri My Ride, an existing on-demand WAV shuttle that provides corner-to-corner service in Antioch/Oakley and Pittsburg/Bay Point. The funds supported the addition of three new WAV shuttles, expanding service in eastern Contra Costa County. Following a Comprehensive Operational Analysis in March 2025, expanded service began in April 2025, with the new transit system launching in August 2025. The existing Antioch–Oakley service zone expanded by 50%, and a new Brentwood zone was added to improve first- and last-mile connections to transit, schools, medical centers, and shopping. Tri Delta Transit can now refer paratransit riders to Tri My Ride for same-day trips when it cannot accommodate same-day requests through its regular service. With LAFA funds, WAV trips increased 44.6% year-over-year, and 64.7% of trip time was shared with other riders. Tri My Ride has served 94,931 passengers since April 2025. 18,728 trips provided through funded vehicles.
Cost: Varies by project.
Status: A new call for projects to fund additional wheelchair-accessible services is expected to be released in Spring 2027.
OPTIMAT – The Google Maps of Accessible Transit
OPTIMAT is a USDOT SMART grant funded project that seeks to develop a prototype that would establish a data-driven system that provides accessible transit information services for individuals with mobility needs. This brings together service details to create an information and referral tool for riders, caregivers, and service providers.
Who it is for: Those seeking to learn about accessible transportation options.
What it provides: Real-time information on accessible transportation options.
Cost: Free for community members (once released)
Status: This program is under the prototype design phase. It is not yet available to the public.
Travel Training
Travel training is a structured program that teaches individuals the skills and confidence to travel independently and safely using public transport. Travel training is designed to help people develop the ability to navigate buses, trains, walking routes, and other forms of public transport independently. It is particularly aimed at individuals with learning disabilities, autism, or other conditions that may make independent travel challenging. The goal is to promote confidence, independence, and personal freedom, enabling participants to access education, work, social activities, and community life safely.
Who it is for: People with disabilities and older adults seeking to learn how to navigate the transportation system such as how to ride the bus and what access accommodations are available.
What it provides: Tutorials and group trips on how to use various transportation systems.
Cost: Free
Status: This program is under the design and planning phase. It is not yet open to the public.
Accessible Transportation Providers
A wide range of accessible transportation services are available in Contra Costa County depending on where you live, your age and the disability you may have. CCTA funds some services through its Measure J Program 15 and 20 sales tax measures and through the County’s Measure X allocation, enabling providers to offer services to the community beyond what is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
For a full list of services in the county, visit Way to Go Contra Costa.
Governance and Advisory Structure
Coordinating Entity
In July 2025, the Authority Board designated the Office of Accessibility and Equity (OAE) as the Coordinating Entity (CE) for accessible transportation programs in Contra Costa County.
As the Coordinating Entity, the OAE is responsible for leading countywide coordination efforts, supporting program development, and serving as a central point for accessible transportation initiatives.
Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC)
Accessible Transportation Strategic Plan
The ATSP is a countywide plan that outlines strategies for improving transportation access for older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans.
The plan includes 22 strategies focused on improving coordination, expanding mobility options, and making accessible transportation services easier to find and use.