Accessible Transportation Strategic Plan
The Accessible Transportation Strategic Plan (ATSP) is a countywide effort to improve transportation for older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans in Contra Costa County.
The plan provides a roadmap for creating a transportation system that is easier to use, better coordinated, and more responsive to community needs. Its goal is to make it simpler for residents to find and use transportation services that help them access healthcare, employment, services, and everyday activities.
The ATSP outlines 22 strategies focused on improving coordination among transportation providers, expanding mobility options, and improving the overall rider experience.
The plan is overseen and implemented and coordinated through the Office of Accessibility and Equity (OAE) at the Contra Costa Transportation Authority.
Why the ATSP Was Created
The need for the Accessible Transportation Strategic Plan was first identified in the 2017 Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP). The plan found that many residents who rely on accessible transportation face challenges navigating a system with many different providers and services.
Some of the key challenges identified include:- Multiple types of accessible transportation services across the county
- Many transportation providers, including transit agencies, cities, and nonprofit organizations
- Service areas and eligibility requirements that can overlap or vary
- Difficulty finding clear and centralized information about transportation options
The 2020 Transportation Expenditure Plan (TEP) reinforced the need for the ATSP and called for the development of a customer-focused, user-friendly, and coordinated transportation system.
Goals of the ATSP
The ATSP focuses on improving mobility and access through several key goals:
- Improve Coordination: Strengthen collaboration between transit agencies, community organizations, and social service providers.
- Make Services Easier to Find: Improve access to information so riders and caregivers can more easily navigate available transportation services.
- Expand Transportation Options: Support programs and partnerships that increase mobility options for older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans.
- Promote Equity in Transportation: Ensure transportation services are accessible and equitable across communities throughout the county.
- Create a Seamless Rider Experience: Improve connections between services so riders can travel more easily across the transportation network.
ATSP Implementation Timeline
The development and implementation of the ATSP has taken place over several years and continues to guide accessible transportation initiatives in Contra Costa County.
2017: The Countywide Transportation Plan identifies the need for a countywide accessible transportation strategy.
2019: Development of the Accessible Transportation Strategic Plan begins.
2021: The ATSP is completed, establishing a framework for improving accessible transportation countywide. Task force meetings begin to support implementation.
2022: Discussions begin around a countywide travel training program. County Connection and Independent Living Resources launch a travel training partnership.
2023: The Office of Accessibility and Equity is established at the Contra Costa Transportation Authority. The Low-Income Fare Equity (LIFE) Program launches to make paratransit more affordable. Funding is also awarded through the CPUC TNC Access for All program to support subsidized wheelchair-accessible on-demand transportation.
2024: The San Pablo Medical Transportation Pilot launches to help residents access healthcare appointments. The first ATSP workshop is held, and research begins on a One-Call / One-Click mobility platform that would allow residents to more easily find transportation services.
2025: Some projects, including the travel training program and the San Pablo Medical Transportation Pilot, are paused.
2026: The second ATSP workshop is convened. The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) is launched, and the Paratransit Coordinating Council (PCC) is dissolved.
Advisory Structure
In 2024, the ATSP Taskforce was established to help guide the early implementation of the Accessible Transportation Strategic Plan. The taskforce brought together representatives from transportation providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to provide input on priorities, programs, and coordination efforts related to accessible transportation. Later in 2024, the ATSP Taskforce was sunset as part of a transition to a new advisory structure.
In 2026, the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) was established to provide broader guidance on accessibility and equity issues in transportation. Within the AAC, a dedicated subcommittee focuses on the implementation and progress of the ATSP, ensuring that strategic initiatives continue to receive focused attention and community input.
Community Engagement
Community engagement has been a key component of developing and implementing the Accessible Transportation Strategic Plan.
The planning process included outreach and collaboration with:
- Community members
- Advocacy organizations
- Transit agencies
- Local governments
- Nonprofit organizations
- Social service providers
Public workshops, stakeholder meetings, and community engagement activities helped ensure that the ATSP reflects the needs and experiences of people who rely on accessible transportation.
ATSP Documents and Resources
The success of the ATSP depends on transparency and continued community involvement. The following resources provide additional information about the plan and its development.