40 Years Young — Hop On for Free!
We’re celebrating 40 years of moving the Tri-Valley—and we want you to celebrate with us!
For a limited time, when the special 40th Anniversary Bus Wrap arrives at your stop, you ride FREE! No promo code, no signup, no hassle—just hop on and enjoy the ride!
Our anniversary bus will rotate across different routes each week on Mondays, giving riders throughout the community a chance to join the celebration.
40 Years of Progress, Powered by Community
From early routes to today's network, Wheels has grown alongside the Tri-Valley, adapting to changing needs while staying rooted in service.
Moments That Shaped the Journey
LAVTA Is Formed
The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) is officially created through a Joint Powers Agreement, laying the foundation for coordinated transit service in the Tri-Valley.
LAVTA Is Formed
The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) is officially created through a Joint Powers Agreement, laying the foundation for coordinated transit service in the Tri-Valley.
Wheels Hits the Road
Wheels begins service with just 9 buses and 4 routes, marking the start of a growing transit system dedicated to connecting the Tri-Valley community. In 1987, Livermore joins the party, adding its Rideo service under the Wheels umbrella. LAVTA maintains a fully restored 1960 GM Rideo bus.
Wheels Hits the Road
Wheels begins service with just 9 buses and 4 routes, marking the start of a growing transit system dedicated to connecting the Tri-Valley community. In 1987, Livermore joins the party, adding its Rideo service under the Wheels umbrella. LAVTA maintains a fully restored 1960 GM Rideo bus.
A Home for Wheels
New administrative offices and operations facility open at Rutan Court, providing a central hub to support expanding transit services and operations which is still the home of LAVTA operations and Administration today.
A Home for Wheels
New administrative offices and operations facility open at Rutan Court, providing a central hub to support expanding transit services and operations which is still the home of LAVTA operations and Administration today.
Major Regional Connections
BART service opens in Pleasanton, and LAVTA begins its partnership with ACE, strengthening regional connections for Tri-Valley riders.
Major Regional Connections
BART service opens in Pleasanton, and LAVTA begins its partnership with ACE, strengthening regional connections for Tri-Valley riders.
Fleet Expansion with GILLIG
LAVTA partners with GILLIG to add 34 new buses to the Wheels fleet, marking a major investment in reliability, capacity, and modern transit service for the Tri-Valley.
Fleet Expansion with GILLIG
LAVTA partners with GILLIG to add 34 new buses to the Wheels fleet, marking a major investment in reliability, capacity, and modern transit service for the Tri-Valley.
Rapid Service Launches
Wheels launches Rapid bus service with the introduction of route 10, offering faster trips and improved reliability to better meet the needs of Tri-Valley riders.
Rapid Service Launches
Wheels launches Rapid bus service with the introduction of route 10, offering faster trips and improved reliability to better meet the needs of Tri-Valley riders.
Clipper Comes to Wheels
Wheels implements Clipper, an innovative electronic fare system. This system grows to encompass all 27 agencies in the Metropolitan Transit Commission. Tap cards, and eventually mobile device wallets, make fare payment more convenient with a regional, contactless transit card system.
Clipper Comes to Wheels
Wheels implements Clipper, an innovative electronic fare system. This system grows to encompass all 27 agencies in the Metropolitan Transit Commission. Tap cards, and eventually mobile device wallets, make fare payment more convenient with a regional, contactless transit card system.
Transformation at the Livermore Transit Center
The historic Union Pacific Livermore depot is relocated and preserved as LAVTA’s customer service center. The agency is honored as the California Transit Association System of the Year, recognizing excellence in public transit service.
Transformation at the Livermore Transit Center
The historic Union Pacific Livermore depot is relocated and preserved as LAVTA’s customer service center. The agency is honored as the California Transit Association System of the Year, recognizing excellence in public transit service.
Serving Through Change
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wheels launches Go Tri-Valley and adapts services to continue supporting essential travel for the community.
Serving Through Change
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wheels launches Go Tri-Valley and adapts services to continue supporting essential travel for the community.
40 Years of Moving the Tri-Valley
LAVTA and Wheels celebrate 40 years of service, reflecting four decades of growth, innovation, and commitment to the Tri-Valley community.
40 Years of Moving the Tri-Valley
LAVTA and Wheels celebrate 40 years of service, reflecting four decades of growth, innovation, and commitment to the Tri-Valley community.
Decades of On-Time Design
Bus Books - 1
Printed rider guides that include route maps, schedules, and fare information for easy onboard and community distribution.
Bus Stop Flags - 2
Branded signage displayed at bus stops to identify Wheels service, routes, and key rider information.
Routes and Schedules - 3
Timetables that show arrival and departure times for each route, available online, onboard, and at transit centers.
Logos Through the Years - 4
Official Wheels and LAVTA brand marks used across print, digital, and promotional materials to ensure consistent agency identity.
Photos & Memories
A Look Back
Building a Better Future
LAVTA recently received $63.95 million in federal Low-No funding to support future transit facilities and operations. This critical funding will construct a new agency campus on Atlantis Court in Livermore, California, including modern operations, administration and maintenance facilities, and support the replacement of 8 aging buses with modern, low-emission vehicles to be built in Livermore. The infrastructure upgrades will improve service reliability, reduce emissions, and allow for expansion of transit service throughout Tri-Valley communities.
