A Look Back
1892: The original depot was built by Southern Pacific
1976: Service to LPC (then Chabot College, Valley Campus) began with the launch of Rideo, shortly after the campus opened in 1975.
May 1985:
The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority was formed by the cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and Alameda as a Joint Powers Authority to provide public transit services.
July 1987:
The City of Livermore’s RIDEO system officially merged with LAVTA.
Operator Kahlon, pictured with the bus, has proudly served LAVTA for over 30 years—and counting!
April 1989:
LAVTA launches Route 10 connecting Livermore, Pleasanton, and Dublin.
A WHEELS rapid bus serving passengers at a BART station.
December 1990:
GILLIG Corporation delivers thirty-four new buses to LAVTA.
September 1991:
Construction underway on LAVTA’s new Maintenance, Operations, and Administration facility.
September 1991:
Construction underway on LAVTA’s new Maintenance, Operations, and Administration facility.
September 1991:
LAVTA marks the beginning of construction with a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Maintenance, Operations, and Administration facility.
September 1991:
Construction underway on LAVTA’s new Maintenance, Operations, and Administration facility.
January 1996:
LAVTA achieves full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), providing required paratransit services and expanding accessible transportation for all riders.
April 1996:
Delivery of twelve New Flyer low-floor buses expands the WHEELS fleet and improves accessibility for riders.
June 1996:
A milestone moment as LAVTA celebrates serving 1 million passengers in a single year.
March 1997:
Launch of Prime Time Express, LAVTA’s subscription commuter service to Silicon Valley.
April 1997:
Delivery of new DART and Dial-a-Ride vehicles expands LAVTA’s accessible fleet.
May 1997:
LAVTA introduces DART as the Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station opens, along with newly redesigned route maps and timetables.
January 1998:
Construction completed on the new Livermore Transit Center, creating a central hub for Livermore bus routes and the Altamont Commuter Express.
January 1998:
Opening of the new Livermore Transit Center, serving as the main transfer hub for Livermore bus routes and the Altamont Commuter Express.
January 1998:
Community leaders and guests gather to celebrate the opening of the Livermore Transit Center.
January 1998:
A moment from the Livermore Transit Center opening, bringing community and transit together.
January 1999:
LAVTA launches its website, bringing transit information online at www.lavta.org
June 1999:
LAVTA celebrates a major milestone, serving 1.5 million passengers in one year.
May 2001:
WHEELS celebrates its 2 millionth passenger in a single year.
Introduction of WHEELS’ new mascot, bringing a fresh, friendly face to the brand.
WHEELS bus illustration
October 1998:
LAVTA begins shuttle service connecting riders to the Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) at the Vasco Road and Pleasanton stations.
2005:
A new look for riders with the Tri-Valley Transit Senior Unlimited Monthly Pass.
On-Street Information
February 2011: Ribbon-cutting celebration marking the launch of the original “Rapid” service.
2011: Clocktower structure installed as part of the original Rapid project.
2011: Restoration of the Rideo bus began as part of a preservation effort.
2014: Refurbished Rideo bus returns for community events like the Rodeo.
July 2017: Relocation and restoration completed at the Livermore Transit Center; serving ACE and LAVTA.
2014: The LAVTA Freedom Bus began service.
February 2022: LAVTA introduced the Memorial Madden Cruiser to honor John Madden, now permanently serving the Tri-Valley area.
40th Anniversary Bus
