For Immediate Release

Walnut Creek, CA – November 20, 2025 After months of community engagement in public and through our interactive online open house, Contra Costa residents made their priorities clear: you want safer streets, stronger regional connections, and practical solutions to traffic congestion.

Thousands of residents across the county participated in the 2050 Countywide Transportation Plan survey.

More than 2,800 residents shared their ideas through a survey and gave feedback on social media and in-person conversations at more than 15 community events held from April through October, sharing how transportation can better support daily life: from walking kids to school to catching a bus to work or driving across the county. These events, part of CCTA’s outreach for both the Countywide Transportation Plan and related transportation programs, were supported by YouTube and social media ads to help reach people across every corner of Contra Costa County.

Here’s what you told us:

When asked to identify your number one transportation priority, People-First Transportation and Complete, Reliable Transit tied for the top spot followed closely by Reliable Freeway Travel.

Your responses reflect a balanced vision for Contra Costa’s future — one that values safety, convenience, and reliability across every mode of travel.

Safe Streets Are Non-Negotiable

An overwhelming 61% of respondents said safe and friendly streets are the most important part of how we design and create streets to put people first. You emphasized the need for well-designed sidewalks, crosswalks, and intersections that make it easier and safer to walk or bike.

Support for safe and smooth traffic flow also ranked high on your wish list. These everyday improvements make it possible for people of all ages and abilities to move confidently through their neighborhoods.

Transit That Connects the Region

When it comes to public transportation, 48% of respondents identified regional transit connections as their top priority, showing strong support for making it easier to travel between Contra Costa and neighboring counties.

Close behind were:

• Accessible and seamless transit options (47%)
• Frequent “show up and go” service (42%)
• Expanded neighborhood coverage (41%)

When asked to choose between more frequent service or wider coverage, opinions were nearly split — with a slight edge toward more frequent buses and trains along major corridors.

And while ideas like small-scale air service generated modest interest (4.8 out of 10), on-demand shuttles scored a solid 6.6, showing that residents see real potential in flexible, innovative transit options.

Smarter, Smoother Freeways

Freeway congestion remains top of mind for many residents. 63% want to focus on relieving crowded segments of the freeway network, with rapid recovery from traffic incidents ranking next at 45%.

Smart lane management and high-tech solutions — like adaptive ramp meters or real-time traffic monitoring — received moderate but growing support. These approaches will help make the most of existing infrastructure while improving travel reliability across the region.

Building Vibrant Community Spaces

Exactly 52% of respondents prioritized community-centered public spaces, followed by revitalizing local business corridors (47%) and trail-oriented development (46%).

Reimagining the county’s shoreline also earned strong interest, with 39% seeing opportunity to connect people and nature through improved access and thoughtful design. CCTA’s Board of Commissioners is exploring how the agency could consolidate this category into the other three priorities in the initial plan.

What This Means for the 2050 Plan

Your feedback is shaping how CCTA refines the Transformative Visions that will guide transportation investments through 2050 — the big-picture goals that determine where and how the county directs future resources.

“The input we received reflects the diversity of our amazing county, which is as large as Rhode Island, with both urban, suburban and rural characteristics,” said Tim Haile, Executive Director of CCTA. “Residents across Contra Costa want transportation options that work for their daily lives, today – whether that’s a safer walk to school, a reliable bus to work, or smoother freeway travel.”

CCTA will use this feedback to finalize the final 2050 Countywide Transportation Plan. Stay involved and see what’s ahead — visit ccta.ca.gov to learn more and sign up for updates.

About the 2050 Countywide Transportation Plan

The Countywide Transportation Plan is CCTA’s long-range roadmap for investing in a safer, more efficient, and more connected transportation system. Updated periodically, it reflects changing community needs, new technologies, and evolving transportation challenges — all to help shape a better way to move through Contra Costa County.