Commemorative bus highlights historic milestones

LIVERMORE, Calif. – The Livermore Amador Valley launched its 40^th anniversary earlier this month with a free ride promotion on its commemorative bus. If the 40th anniversary bus #1609 is on your bus route, your ride is free!

#WheelsFreeAt40
Starting December 1, 2025 until further notice, all rides on the Wheels commemorative 40^th Anniversary Bus will be free. In order to thank our riders throughout the Tri-Valley, the bus will be assigned to local and Rapid routes rotating throughout the Wheels system on a weekly basis. To find out where #WheelsFreeAt40 will be at the beginning of each week, follow @wheelsbus on the agencies social media platforms, or visit https://www.wheelsbus.com/40thanniversary.

Since its founding in 1985, Wheels services have grown from a small fleet of nine vehicles to an impressive fixed route fleet of 66 locally built Gillig buses. The population in the Tri-Valley has more than doubled since Wheels began providing public transportation service 40 years ago, and ridership for 2024 topped 1.3 million passengers.

“We want to share our excitement and gratitude with our valued riders,” said LAVTA Executive Director Christy Wegener. “Public transit is foundational to the success of the Tri-Valley, and Wheels service has grown hand in hand with the communities we serve for the past 40 years”.

Throughout 2026, LAVTA will commemorate its history with outreach and promotions. The Wheels family will host and participate in a series of community events starting in January. This past October, LAVTA launched the 40^th anniversary campaign at its bi-annual Roadeo, unveiling the custom bus while showcasing driver safety and expertise. A special webpage highlighting Wheels history with contributing people, places and vehicles is also being produced.

As the region continues to grow, LAVTA looks to the future with innovative services and capital projects, including a recent 64-million-dollar federal award to build administrative, operations, and maintenance facilities to support riders for decades to come.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com or contact customer service at 925-455-7500. Keep up to date with rider alerts, schedule changes, and agency news by following us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) was created in 1985 by the cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and Alameda County. In addition to passenger fares, the agency is supported financially by federal, state and local agencies, including Alameda County Transportation Commission Measures B and BB. LAVTA supports sustainability by reducing vehicle trips, traffic congestion and improving air quality.

Funding for new operations and maintenance facilities, new buses

LIVERMORE, Calif. – The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) is proud to announce its award of a $63.95 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Low or No Emission (“Low-No”) Grant Program. 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.

FTA’s Low-No and Bus and Bus Facility programs aim to modernize local transit systems nationwide and were augmented by Congress in 2021 under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. FTA’s 2025 Program awarded more than $2 billion to 167 projects across 47 states and territories. LAVTA’s award is the largest Low-No award in the state of California, and the fourth largest award in the United States, recognizing strong alignment of LAVTA’s project with federal priorities to modernize the nation’s infrastructure, reduce emissions, and improve access to transportation for local communities. The full list of Low-No award recipients for California can be found here.

“This grant award is tremendous for the agency. I’m proud to support LAVTA’s efforts to build out the Atlantis Campus with modern facilities and new hybrid buses so that we can connect the Tri-Valley for the next 40 years” said LAVTA Board Chair Julie Testa. “It’s a historic moment, a new chapter in public transit for Tri-Valley residents and all who work in and visit our amazing communities.”

The award constitutes approximately 75 percent of total cost of the full project. The design for the project was completed in 2020 through a grant from the Alameda County Transportation Commission; Other funding partners include the Alameda County Transportation Commission and the State of California. 

In addition to safety and efficiency benefits, the new facility will allow for fleet expansion as the current LAVTA maintenance yard built in 1991 has been operating at 50 percent beyond its design capacity for over 20 years. With over half of its buses reaching retirement over the next 5 years, construction of the new facility will support the latest innovations and new technology to best serve a modern fleet of safe, reliable, high-efficiency vehicles.

The purchase of 8 low-emission diesel-electric hybrid replacement buses supports Livermore’s local bus manufacturer, Gillig LLC, and ensures the fixed-route fleet’s continued state of good repair. The new hybrid buses will replace older buses that have reached the end of their useful life and are expected to significantly improve service reliability by reducing maintenance downtime and service calls.

“This critical investment completes the funding plan for Atlantis,” said Christy Wegener, LAVTA Executive Director.  “This project will create good-paying local jobs, ensure Wheels can expand services to meet the growing needs of the Tri-Valley community, and ensure access to safe and efficient transit. I am so grateful to my amazing staff who pulled this application together, to our Congressional delegation for their support of our application, as well as to the FTA for their recognition of our efforts to improve the nation’s transit infrastructure. Now it’s time to get moving!”

LAVTA Atlantis Facility Renderings

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com or contact customer service at 925-455-7500. Keep up to date with rider alerts, schedule changes, and agency news by following us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) was created in 1985 by the cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and Alameda County. In addition to passenger fares, the agency is supported financially by federal, state and local agencies, including Alameda County Transportation Commission Measures B and BB. LAVTA supports sustainability by reducing vehicle trips, traffic congestion and improving air quality.

LIVERMORE, Calif.– September is Transit Month! Wheels joins San Francisco Transit Riders and Seamless Bay Area in supporting various activities celebrating the region’s public transit. It is more important than ever before to show our elected leaders how important transit is for our region and that it needs continued funding to thrive. The month is full of exciting and interactive family friendly events. See all the events here and  follow along on social media @SFTRU and @SeamlessBayArea.

Wheels is supporting this year’s Transit Month because everyone in Bay Area cities and the region should have access to safe, affordable, accessible public transit. Riders have returned to bus and rail, and the entire region is better for it. Public transit not only lowers the barrier to opportunities but also combats climate change, connects people throughout the region, and more. To learn more about Transit Month and its events, visit the Transit Month website for the full calendar!

Part of celebrating Transit Month is conducting the Annual Rider First Awards, and SFTRU needs your nomination of people or projects that have made life better for transit riders in the past year. For example, nominees could be:

• An amazing bus driver, train operator, station attendant, or ambassador.
• People who have spoken up effectively for transit or helped other riders.
• Improvements on your trips such as new transit lanes, boarding areas, better signage, or clear communication.
• If you only know the project (transit lanes, improved bus stop, etc), give us the details, and we can help track down the people responsible for positive change.

A panel of regional advocates from San Francisco Transit Riders and Seamless Bay Area will determine the winners and present awards at our Rider First Awards Party! Nominate your peer or project by Sunday, September 28th @ 11:59pm.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com or contact customer service at 925-455-7500. Keep up to date with rider alerts, schedule changes, and agency news by following us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) was created in 1985 by the cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and Alameda County. In addition to passenger fares, the agency is supported financially by federal, state and local agencies, including Alameda County Transportation Commission Measures B and BB. LAVTA supports sustainability by reducing vehicle trips, traffic congestion and improving air quality.

LIVERMORE, Calif.– Wheels is now accepting applications for the Student Transit Pass Program (STPP) which provides eligible 6th-12th graders throughout the Tri-Valley with unlimited free bus rides and 50% off BART fares. Eligible students should apply by visiting the “Apply for a Pass” page of the STPP website and selecting their school’s application. Student eligibility varies by school district.

Students and families are encouraged to apply now for the new school year. “The Student Transit Pass Program is a powerful example of how Alameda County Transportation Commission (CTC) delivers on its promise to voters to expand access and improve mobility for all,” remarked Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) Board of Directors Vice Chair and Alameda County District 1 Supervisor David Haubert. “By removing transportation barriers for students, we’re not only helping them succeed in school—we’re also investing in a more vibrant and connected future for Alameda County. I’m proud of Alameda CTC’s leadership in building programs that truly make a difference in people’s daily lives.”

Funded by local transportation sales tax Measure BB, the program began as a pilot in 2016 at just eleven schools. As of 2024, every eligible school in Alameda County is now participating, ensuring students have access to free bus transportation up through high school graduation. This year, Alameda CTC anticipates that over 63,000 students at 165 middle and high schools will be eligible. The program supports students traveling to school, jobs, and activities by providing reliable and affordable transportation options.

All 6th-12th graders attending the Livermore Valley Joint Unified District can universally apply. Eligibility for the Dublin Unified School District and Pleasanton Unified School District is means based; students whose families meet the California Department of Education’s free or reduced-priced meal income eligibility guidelines may apply. The application takes just a few minutes to complete and provides up to 5 years program enrollment based on eligibility.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com or contact customer service at 925-455-7500. Keep up to date with rider alerts, schedule changes, and agency news by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) was created in 1985 by the cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and Alameda County. In addition to passenger fares, the agency is supported financially by federal, state and local agencies, including Alameda County Transportation Commission Measures B and BB. LAVTA supports sustainability by reducing vehicle trips, traffic congestion and improving air quality.

LIVERMORE, Calif.– The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority’s (LAVTA’s) vintage Rideo bus once again takes center stage as the Pacific Bus Museum opens its doors to the public for its annual Summer Open House on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. This event offers a rare chance to explore all of its classic and modern buses. The festivities take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the museum, 37974 Shinn St. in Fremont, California. Admission to the display area is free.

Wheels Rideo is featured as a guest display. The Rideo is a 1965 GM Coach bus originally operated as part of the City of Livermore’s Rideo bus system. LAVTA, the Tri-Valley bus transportation provider, acquired the historic Rideo bus from the City of Livermore in the late 1980s.

The open house also offers a bus memorabilia flea market, a raffle, and a barbecue lunch. The flea market opens at 9:45 a.m. with a BBQ lunch served shortly after 11 a.m. The cost is $17 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under.

Click to visit the museum’s Rideo page for its history and technical specifications.

All proceeds benefit the Pacific Bus Museum, a tax-exempt organization dedicated to preserving the history of bus transportation in the western United States. For more information, visit pacbus.org.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com or contact customer service at 925-455-7500. Keep up to date with rider alerts, schedule changes, and agency news by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) was created in 1985 by the cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and Alameda County. In addition to passenger fares, the agency is supported financially by federal, state and local agencies, including Alameda County Transportation Commission Measures B and BB. LAVTA supports sustainability by reducing vehicle trips, traffic congestion and improving air quality.

LIVERMORE, Calif.– LAVTA will implement minor schedule adjustments to Wheels services beginning August 9 as part of an effort by all Bay Area transit agencies to make transfers smoother and improve on-time performance.

These changes, often referenced as “The Big Sync”, are coordinated with BART and other agencies to align transfer windows. The new schedules synchronize timing for better systemwide reliability and connectivity to Wheels local services and partner agencies by moving them forward by an average of 3 minutes. The adjustments aim to speed up key connections, including reducing wait times at Dublin/Pleasanton Station platforms. Updated timetables are available at wheelsbus.com/routes-and-schedules. New print schedules are available on all buses and at the Livermore Transit Center.

For the start of the 2025/26 school year, routes and schedules supporting supplemental school service throughout the Tri-Valley have been updated. Changes have been made to routes 501 and 504 serving Dublin High School with consolidation in East Dublin neighborhoods. All school service schedules are available on the agency website.

Wheels Route 3 is also being modified, with the former “A” and “B” deviations eliminated for a more convenient and consistent single route schedule.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com or contact customer service at 925-455-7500. Keep up to date with rider alerts, schedule changes, and agency news by following us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) was created in 1985 by the cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and Alameda County. In addition to passenger fares, the agency is supported financially by federal, state and local agencies, including Alameda County Transportation Commission Measures B and BB. LAVTA supports sustainability by reducing vehicle trips, traffic congestion and improving air quality.

LIVERMORE, Calif.– Wheels will be providing special shuttle service to the Alameda County Fairgrounds from the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station. The shuttle, operating as Route 52, will provide hourly service June 13 through July 6 on days the Fair is open.

The first Route 52 trip from the Pleasanton (south) side of the Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station will depart to the fairgrounds at 11:19 a.m. Riders should follow way-finding signs directing to the right as they leave the BART tunnel. The last Route 52 trip will depart the Alameda County Fairgrounds at 11:18 p.m. This route services all local bus stops enroute on Owens Drive and Hopyard Road. Pick up and drop off at the fairgrounds are at Yellow Gate on Pleasanton Avenue across from the ACE station. Find the full schedule at www.wheelsbus.com, including a modified schedule for July 4. Regular Wheels bus fares apply.

Tri-Valley residents can also leave their cars at home and catch the bus to go to the fair. Fairgoers can board any westbound Route 10R bus along Railroad Avenue and Stanley Boulevard or at the Livermore Transit Center where ample free parking is available at the Livermore Valley Center Parking Garage. Riders will need to exit the bus on Peters Avenue in downtown Pleasanton, walking approximately four blocks to the Fair’s Yellow Gate entrance on Pleasanton Avenue.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com or contact customer service at 925-455-7500. Keep up to date with rider alerts, schedule changes, and agency news by following us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) was created in 1985 by the cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and Alameda County. In addition to passenger fares, the agency is supported financially by federal, state and local agencies, including Alameda County Transportation Commission Measures B and BB. LAVTA supports sustainability by reducing vehicle trips, traffic congestion and improving air quality.