Author: David Mark

LAVTA on freeway with other traffic

LIVERMORE, Calif. – The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA), operator of the Wheels Bus system and Dial-A-Ride paratransit service in the Tri-Valley, is seeking applications for members to serve on the Tri-Valley Accessible Advisory Committee (TAAC).  Members on the TAAC represent the cities of Livermore, Dublin, and Pleasanton, unincorporated Alameda County and Tri-Valley social/human services agencies. Vacancies are for the following representatives:

  • City of Dublin – 1 member, 1 alternate
  • City of Livermore – 1 member, 1 alternate
  • City of Pleasanton – 1 member, 1 alternate
  • Alameda County – 1 alternate
  • Social Services – 2 members, 1 alternate

The committee provides a forum to advise LAVTA staff on accessibility issues facing senior and disabled residents on fixed route buses and Dial-A-Ride paratransit services.  The committee meets six times per year for approximately one hour. TAAC members will receive a free annual LAVTA fixed route bus pass.  In addition, ADA paratransit eligible members can ride Dial-A-Ride service to and from TAAC meetings free of charge.

Candidates must reside in the city they represent and must be able to solicit and disseminate information effectively to their community, be able to meet during regular business hours (typically 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and be able to provide input and make recommendations regarding LAVTA services.  Candidates must currently use LAVTA fixed route buses or paratransit services or represent those who do.  Candidates do not have a disability or be over 65 years old.

Interested candidates should request an application by calling (925) 455-7555 or download an application at https://wheelsbus.com/about-lavta in the Committees section. Applications should be submitted to LAVTA by April 21, 2025. LAVTA’s Board of Directors approves the representatives.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit 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.

LAVTA on freeway with other traffic

LIVERMORE, Calif. – Wheels is providing FREE bus service on the 30R (Rapid) this weekend, March 15 and 16, 2025 to the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Festival. Route 30R connects the Livermore Transit Center, BART, and the Dublin Civic Center grounds. Residents are encouraged to avoid traffic and parking hassles and use this service to enjoy all the St. Patrick’s Day festivities including the parade, fun run, and fair.

30R Schedule: https://wheelsbus.com/routes/route-30r/, use Saturday / Sunday tabs.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit 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.

LAVTA on freeway with other traffic

LIVERMORE, Calif. – The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) Board of Directors voted at their March 3, 2025 meeting to award MV Transportation (MV) a three-year contract to operate and maintain the Wheels fixed route bus system. The new contract reflects an increase in wages for the existing workforce and includes new standards for technology and innovation.

Under the contract, MV will be responsible for the operations, safety, dispatching, road supervision, and maintenance for LAVTA facilities and vehicles. The new agreement will be effective July 2025 through June 2028. The Board considered MV’s cost proposal against the others at current service levels and found MV’s to be the best value.

Kevin Klika, MV’s President and Chief Operating Officer said, “MV has been operating Wheels bus service since 2007. This contract award builds our partnership with LAVTA and is foundational to MV’s footprint in the Bay Area, underscoring MV’s proven ability to deliver safe, reliable and efficient fixed route services.”

Evan Branning, Chair of the LAVTA Board of Directors, stated; “It is clear to me that MV is committed to the workforce, and that commitment set MV apart from the other proposers. We are excited to extend this partnership with MV and continue to deliver quality, safe and professional bus service throughout the Tri-Valley.”

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit 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.

LAVTA on freeway with other traffic

LIVERMORE, Calif. – Wheels continues improving Tri-Valley public transit services by implementing route 30 weekday schedule modifications effective February 18, 2025 to improve on-time performance. The new schedule adjusts route 30 timing for better systemwide reliability and connectivity to Wheels local services and partner agencies.

The February 18 schedule adjustment impacts weekday arrival and departure times by less than 5 minutes. New timetables are available at www.wheelsbus.com/rt30r. Riders should download the latest route schedules to update their travel plans or use the Transit App to view future schedules. Weekend schedules have not been changed. New print schedules are available on all buses and at the Livermore Transit Center.

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.

LAVTA on freeway with other traffic

Front seats reserved in honor of civil rights icon.

LIVERMORE, Calif.– On February 4, 2025 Wheels will commemorate the birthday of Rosa Parks, a civil rights icon whose courageous act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and ignited the Civil Rights Movement. In recognition, all Wheels buses will reserve the front seat with commemorative signage, encouraging riders to reflect on the legacy of Rosa Parks and the ongoing fight for equality.

Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) Executive Director Christy Wegener stated, “Rosa Parks’ unwavering stand against injustice serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of equality and the power of individual action to create lasting change. We are honored to celebrate her legacy and reaffirm our commitment to providing safe, accessible, and equitable public transportation for all.”

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com or contact customer service at 925-455-7500. For real-time arrivals and to plan your next transit trip, download the Transit App. Keep up to date with company news, schedule changes and rider alerts by following us on Facebook, Instagram and X @wheelsbus.

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.

LAVTA on freeway with other traffic

Eicher represents Pleasanton and Wang represents Livermore advocating for   Tri-Valley community transit interests.

LIVERMORE, Calif.– The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA), operator of the Wheels bus system, has announced two new appointments for its 2025 Board of Directors. The new directors are Craig Eicher representing Pleasanton and Kristie Wang representing Livermore. LAVTA welcomes their public service leadership.

LAVTA is a joint powers agency governed by a seven-member Board of Directors.   Each of LAVTA’s city member jurisdictions of Pleasanton, Livermore, and Dublin appoints two elected officials from its governing body to serve on the Board of Directors. Alameda County appoints one elected official from its governing body to serve on the Board.

Board member Craig Eicher was elected to the Pleasanton City Council representing District 2 in November 2024. He brings 32 years of experience from the Pleasanton Police Department, where he retired as captain after serving as interim police chief. His dedication to community programs like D.A.R.E., National Night Out, and the City’s Homeless Outreach Program highlight his passion for making a positive impact. Craig also serves on the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department JPA Board.

Board member Kristie Wang was elected to the Livermore City Council representing District 4 in November 2024. Kristie previously served on the Livermore School Board, with roles as Board Clerk and State Delegate Assembly representative. Kristie also served on committees including Tri-Valley SELPA, Equity and Inclusion, and the Algebra Task Force. In her current role with the City Council, she serves on the Altamont Landfill Open Space Committee (ALOSC) and Tri-Valley Transportation Council (TVTC) among others. Beyond public service, Kristie has volunteered at Tri-Valley Haven for over 13 years, organizes the annual Juneteenth Festival at Bankhead Plaza, and serves on the board of Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA’s) Tri-Valley Chapter.it as a safe and convenient alternative to holiday traffic and reminds everyone not to drink and drive.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com or contact customer service at 925-455-7500. For real-time arrivals and to plan your next transit trip, download the Transit App. Keep up to date with company news, schedule changes and rider alerts by following us on Facebook, Instagram and X @wheelsbus.

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.

LAVTA on freeway with other traffic

Routes 10R and 30R run from W. Dublin/Pleasanton BART until last train arrives.

LIVERMORE, Calif.– Wheels is extending its service on Route 10R and Route 30R to connect with the special late-night BART service on New Year’s Eve. Both routes provide connections to trains at the Dublin/Pleasanton stations. The final Wheels departure will be at 2:44 a.m. Trip planning has been updated to reflect the additional service; download the Transit App to design a multi-modal journey.

Additional eastbound departures from BART:

10R Dublin / Pleasanton Station

  • 11:44 p.m.
  • 12:44 a.m.
  • 1:45 a.m.
  • 2:44 a.m.


30R W. Dublin / Pleasanton Station

  • 10:27 p.m.
  • 11:27 p.m.
  • 12:27 a.m.
  • 1:27 a.m.
  • 2:27 a.m.

For all additional service and stops please visit: wheelsbus.com/nye

For additional details regarding BART’s extended service, please visit: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2024/news20241219-0

Wheels encourages riders visiting neighboring cities to use public transit as a safe and convenient alternative to holiday traffic and reminds everyone not to drink and drive.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com or contact customer service at 925-455-7500. For real-time arrivals and to plan your next transit trip, download the Transit App. Keep up to date with company news, schedule changes and rider alerts by following us on Facebook, Instagram and X @wheelsbus.

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.

LAVTA on freeway with other traffic

Communities generosity provides holiday support and donations.

LIVERMORE, Calif.– Wheels buses greeted shoppers at the Livermore Walmart on Saturday, December 14 for another season of Stuff-A-Bus, the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority’s (LAVTA’s) annual holiday collection. Drawn by radio station KKIQ’s live broadcast, shoppers and supporters came aboard to drop off toy donations in support of local charity Family Giving Tree.

“It’s always heartwarming to see the community come together with the spirit of the season. On a blustery day, Wheel’s staff and Walmart shoppers were cheerful and generous with time and toys.” said LAVTA Director of Customer Experience David Mark. “Our annual toy drive is a point of pride for the agency, and we’re so thankful for the over 250 toys that filled the bus.”

This was LAVTA’s thirteenth year conducting the Stuff-A-Bus event. As the holidays approach, the agency reminds riders that parties are better with the peace of mind of safe and reliable transit on Wheels.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com or contact customer service at 925-455-7500. For real-time arrivals and to plan your next transit trip, download the Transit App. Keep up to date with company news, schedule changes and rider alerts by following us on Facebook, Instagram and X @wheelsbus.

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.

LAVTA on freeway with other traffic

Congressman DeSaulnier presents award for hydrogen fueling station expansion.

The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA), operator of Wheels bus service in the Tri-Valley, has gratefully accepted a 3-million-dollar federal funding award to expand a hydrogen fueling station supporting Wheels bus fleet expansion. The agency was proud to host Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and Karrington Hendrix representing the office of Congressman Eric Swalwell.

“Today we celebrate the bold leadership of our Members of Congress who secured funding in Washington for LAVTA’s hydrogen fueling station to benefit their communities and constituents back home. This truly is the start of a zero-emissions and clean energy transportation future in the Tri-Valley” said LAVTA Executive Director Christy Wegener.

The award comes from Community Project Funding as part of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (H.R. 4366), which included a total of $15.2 million in federal funds Congressman DeSaulnier secured for multiple projects across Alameda County.

Evan Branning, Board Chair for LAVTA and Livermore City Councilman stated “This federal award will enable LAVTA to deploy hydrogen fuel cell buses over the next two years, enabling conversion away from fossil fuels faster by increasing the number of buses we will be able to support with hydrogen fuel sooner. The funding also allows LAVTA to successfully meet the state of California’s climate goals while being a catalyst for good paying construction and clean-energy jobs in the Tri-Valley.”

Construction for the project is expected to break ground in 2025 and be completed in conjunction with delivery of the first hydrogen fuel cell buses in 2027. Hydrogen fuel produces no byproduct other than water and is expected to provide equivalent range as current comparable vehicles. LAVTA is becoming a leader in the clean hydrogen transition, especially in the Tri-Valley, and works with industry peers and experts to ensure resource availability and workforce support for this innovative technology.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com or contact customer service at 925-455-7500. For real-time arrivals and to plan your next transit trip, download the Transit App. Keep up to date with company news, schedule changes and rider alerts by following us on Facebook, Instagram and X @wheelsbus.

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.

LAVTA on freeway with other traffic

Youth Programs Bolster Transit Trial and Service Success

LIVERMORE, Calif.– The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA), operator of Wheels bus service in the Tri-Valley, continues to see ridership increases highlighting the success of its “Wheels in Motion” network realignment. In August 2024, the Wheels system saw approximately 126,000 boardings, a 7% year-over-year increase. Total systemwide ridership for the year was over 1.35 million passengers, an increase of 18% over the prior fiscal year. Wheels post-pandemic ridership recovery remains strong, with almost 80% of pre-covid ridership returning on weekdays and 100% on weekends.

“It’s a remarkable pace of recovery, especially in context of the Bay Area transit system as a whole. The year over year ridership gain of 18% makes Wheels a standout success.” said LAVTA Board of Directors Chair Evan Branning. “The partnerships with our school districts continue to grow as does student ridership in the Tri-Valley. I’m proud of the proactive approach the agency has taken to assessing rider needs.”

In addition to providing connections for commuters, Wheels supports students with convenient routes serving neighborhoods near school campuses throughout the Tri-Valley. At the beginning of summer, Wheels launched a Youth Ride Free promotion, followed by the annual Try Transit to School promotion which offered free rides on Wheels for the first four weeks of school.

Alex Dion, a student at Dublin High School and regular Wheels bus rider, commented, “Every day I ride Route 4 and Route 30R home from school. The forty minutes spent aboard are the highlight of my day: it’s the only time I get to truly relax and destress from school. I rely on and trust Wheels for reliable, peaceful and comfortable transportation.”

Several factors contributed to the increased year-over-year ridership growth:

  • In March, Wheels updated the schedules of Wheels Rapid routes, the 10R and 30R, to match the new BART 20-minute frequency. Routes 10R and 30R provide BART connectivity at the Dublin/Pleasanton Station. Additional Rapid service on weekends was also implemented.
  • Also in March, Wheels launched new local Route 4 serving Central Dublin and Route 18 serving South Livermore. Wheels also restored services that were suspended due to the pandemic including Route 11 serving Greenville and the 580X between Livermore and BART.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com or contact customer service at 925-455-7500. For real-time arrivals and to plan your next transit trip, download the Transit App. Keep up to date with company news, schedule changes and rider alerts by following us on Facebook, Instagram and X @wheelsbus.

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.

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