For Immediate Release

[San Pablo, CA] – The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) today announced the launch of Transit Ready, a free countywide program designed to help older adults and people with disabilities gain the confidence and skills to ride transit independently.

The public is invited to celebrate the program’s launch at a community event on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at San Pablo City Hall, 1000 Gateway Avenue, San Pablo, California. The event is free and open to all.

Transit Ready offers free, in-person classes at senior centers, libraries and community sites across Contra Costa County. Participants learn how to plan a trip, read a schedule, use a Clipper Card and navigate the transit system with greater independence. Classes begin in October 2026.

Transit Ready was developed in partnership with Contra Costa County’s transit operators, transportation service providers and community organizations, whose experience serving riders helped shape the program’s curriculum and hands-on approach. CCTA will continue working with these partners as Transit Ready classes are offered at locations throughout the county.

“Having transportation options is only part of the equation — people also need to feel confident using them. Transit Ready gives older adults and people with disabilities the practical skills and hands-on experience to navigate transit with greater independence. We’re grateful to our transit operators, service providers and community partners for helping us build a program that can connect more Contra Costa residents with the transportation options available to them.”
– Tim Haile, Executive Director, Contra Costa Transportation Authority

“Our transportation investments are most valuable when people feel confident using the services available to them. Transit Ready brings free, hands-on instruction directly into communities, helping older adults and people with disabilities build the skills they need to travel more independently, stay connected and take advantage of transportation options throughout Contra Costa County.”
– Sue Noack, Vice Chair, Contra Costa Transportation Authority Board

The launch event will feature a formal program with remarks from CCTA leadership, elected officials and community partners, followed by open activity stations where attendees can explore the program.

Event highlights include:

• A live bus demonstration aboard an AC Transit bus, featuring boarding practice, ramp deployment and accessibility features.
• Clipper Card assistance with Clipper staff on site.
• Trip-planning support from 511CCTA.
• Information tables hosted by WestCAT, AC Transit, the City of San Pablo, Clipper and 511CCTA.
• Free fall class sign-ups. Transit Ready classes begin in October.

Community input also played an important role in shaping Transit Ready’s practical, hands-on approach. By helping participants understand each step of a transit trip and connecting them directly with knowledgeable transit and service partners, the program is designed to make public transportation more approachable and support greater independence.

EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: San Pablo City Hall, 1000 Gateway Avenue, San Pablo, CA
Admission: Free and open to the public