More than 2 Million Free Bus Rides Taken in 2024-2025 School Year

ALAMEDA COUNTY, Calif. – The Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) along with partner agencies the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit), Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (Wheels) and Union City Transit is excited to announce the 11th year of the Student Transit Pass Program (STPP), offering eligible 6th–12th grade students across Alameda County unlimited free bus rides and discounted Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) fares. Eligible students are invited to apply for the pass now. Once granted, students enjoy their transit benefits until graduating from high school.

“Every student deserves reliable transportation to get to school, jobs, and the opportunities that help them succeed,” said David Haubert, Alameda County Supervisor, District 1, and Chair, Alameda CTC and LAVTA Wheels. “This partnership between Alameda CTC and local transit agencies is a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together, and it’s made possible in large part by Measure BB, the voter-approved transportation sales tax that continues to expand access and opportunity for everyone in Alameda County.”

Nearly 32,000 students at 160-plus schools across the county relied on the program during the 2024-25 school year, taking over 2.1 million STPP free bus rides.

Educators describe the Transit Pass as an investment in opportunity – making it easier for thousands of students to reach more than the classroom, but internships and career-building experiences as well, while helping families save on transit costs. “We had several families tell us that they had not sent the student to school because of a lack of bus fare. So having transit passes really impacts attendance and family resources,” said Justin Hinojoza, an STPP site administrator at Frick Middle School.

In fact, students can use the STPP pass to ride to school, after school programs, sports activities, internships, jobs, and more. The pass provides independence and reliable transportation for thousands of Alameda County students and much-needed financial relief for many families and caregivers. Participating students receive a personalized Clipper card that can be used on all Bay Area transit agencies and can ride the three Alameda County bus transit agencies—AC Transit, Wheels, and Union City Transit—for free. They also receive 50% off BART rides and discounts on other regional transit.

AC Transit General Manager / CEO Salvador Llamas shared, “Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, AC Transit connects people to work, school, healthcare, and loved ones throughout Alameda County and across the Bay Area. Through our partnership with Alameda CTC, we help deliver millions of trips to and from school each year. It’s just one more way that we’re working with our communities to keep transit affordable, expand ridership, and, importantly, invest in a safer future for East Bay youth.”

“Union City Transit is excited to partner with the Alameda County Transportation Commission to bring the Student Transit Pass Program to more middle and high school students during the 2026-2027 school year,” noted Steve Adams, Union City Transit Manager. “STPP is a valuable transportation and educational opportunity for students and the community, providing young people with an experience using public transit that helps them become lifelong supporters and riders. With the school district now qualified for Free Universal eligibility, more students can receive the benefit of being able to access Union City Transit, AC Transit and other transit providers to get to school and participate in extra-curricular activities. Expanded access also alleviates the need for parents to drive for every trip.”

To Apply:

• Visit https://www.alamedactc.org/programs-projects/studentpass/apply and select your student’s school to begin an application.
• Applications open as each school confirms readiness to process applications. If a school application is not yet available, students are encouraged to check the site or contact the school for more information.
• It takes approximately four to six weeks for new passes to be delivered to schools. Site administrators at each school have a supply of temporary passes to support students while the permanent passes are produced.
• If students apply with existing Youth Clipper cards, then passes are loaded onto their existing card within two to four weeks.
• Passes are distributed through school site administrators after applications are approved and passes are produced.

Program Benefits:

• Free trips on AC Transit, Union City Transit, or Wheels buses and 50% off BART fares.
• Once approved, students keep their transit benefits through high school graduation as long as they remain eligible.
• Students can use their passes to ride to school, work, extracurricular activities, and beyond!

Eligibility:

• Over 160 Alameda County middle and high schools participate in the program. Eligibility is based on school district:
  • Universal Districts: All students in grades 6–12 can get a pass. Districts include Alameda County Office of Education, Emery, Hayward, Livermore, New Haven, Oakland, San Leandro, and San Lorenzo Unified.
  • Means-Based Districts: Students in grades 6-12 whose families meet the California Department of Education’s income guidelines for free or reduced-priced meals (cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/rs/scales2526.asp)are eligible for a pass. Districts include Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Dublin, Fremont, Pleasanton, Newark, and Piedmont Unified.

Replacement Passes: If a student misplaces their pass, the replacement process varies by transit provider. Students seeking a replacement pass should follow the instructions at alamedactc.org/programs-projects/studentpass/replace. AC Transit and Union City riders should not use the initial application for replacement requests. Wheels riders can use the initial application to make a replacement request. 

Promotion & Resources: School staff, local agencies, community groups, and media are encouraged to help promote the program. To support enrollment, STPP and transit partner staff attend in-person school registration events, back-to-school open houses, and other school-focused district and community events. Flyers, posters, social media graphics, and web banners are available in multiple languages at https://alamedactc.org/programs-projects/studentpass/admin#promotional-materials.

For more information, students and families should visit https://www.alamedactc.org/programs-projects/studentpass.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com, follow @wheelsbus on social media, or contact customer service at 925-455-7500.

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.

Photography available upon request.

Schedule updates and school route changes

LIVERMORE, Calif. – LAVTA will implement a system-wide service change for all Wheels routes beginning August 8, 2026 as part of an effort to improve on-time performance and transfers. This service change coincides with the beginning of the school year and includes revised school tripper schedules in Dublin and Pleasanton.

The new schedules ensure that Wheels routes stay connected to the new BART blue line train schedule and will improve systemwide reliability. The adjustments speed up key connections, including reducing transfer wait times at the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station. Updated timetables and a summary of changes are available at wheelsbus.com/routes-and-schedules. Recent website upgrades include enhanced trip planning and route map features utilizing the same technology used on popular map app platforms.

For the start of the 2026/27 school year, routes and schedules for school trippers in Dublin and Pleasanton have been updated. Changes have been made to accommodate updated school boundaries in Pleasanton, notable in the Del Prado neighborhood, and to expand service as more families attend Dublin’s Emerald High School. All school tripper schedules are available on the agency website.

Change Summary:

• New Route 202 (DUSD) service to Francis Ranch
• Rapid Route 10R service to Pleasanton Civic Center
• Route 580X service to North Canyons, Livermore
• 600 series routes (PUSD) updated patterns serving Del Prado
• Elimination of Route 609 (PUSD), consolidated with Route 607

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com, follow @wheelsbus on social media, or contact customer service at 925-455-7500.

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.

Photography available upon request.

Free ice cream tacos, displays, and activities mark 40-years of service

LIVERMORE, Calif. – Wheels extends its 40^th anniversary festivities by hosting a rider appreciation birthday party at the Livermore Transit Center on Monday, July 27, 2026 from 3pm – 7pm. This event is open to all Tri-Valley community residents and offers free Rocko’s ice cream tacos for the first 200 attendees. Activities include tours of the 1960 Wheels Rideo bus and the Livermore Heritage Guild Mobile Museum, and the chance to explore the historic 1892 Southern Pacific Depot building that now serves as the Livermore Transit Center. This family friendly gathering will feature kid’s activities including free gem art and paper bus building and offer commemorative giveaways.

In addition, transit partners from ACE Rail, Valley Link, and the Livermore Area Recreation and Parks District will be on hand with giveaways and service information.

“We want to share our appreciation for over 40-years of support from our riders and the greater community,” said LAVTA Director of Customer Experience David Mark. “We invite everyone to join us to beat the heat with free ice cream tacos and to check out some really great pieces of Tri-Valley history”.

Wheels continues #WheelsFreeAt40, including free rides on the Wheels 40^th Anniversary Bus and it’s Spot the Bus, Snap the Photo Contest. To find out where #WheelsFreeAt40 will be at the beginning of each week and for more info on events and a complete Wheels history visit: https://www.wheelsbus.com/40th-anniversary.

Event Information:
Date and Time: Monday, July 27, 2026 from 3pm – 7pm
Location: Livermore Transit Center, 2500 Railroad Avenue, Livermore CA
More Information: https://www.wheelsbus.com/40th-birthday/

Wheels encourages attendees to arrive on public transit, with the Livermore Transit Center easily accessible for pedestrians from downtown using the path behind the Bankhead Theatre. Free parking is available next door at the Livermore Valley Center Parking Garage.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com, follow @wheelsbus on social media, or contact customer service at 925-455-7500.

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.

Photography available upon request.

Sets Saturday high mark for single day passengers

LIVERMORE, Calif. – On July 4, 2026 Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) set an all-time Saturday ridership record. Wheels carried over 7,100 passengers across all routes, including the extremely successful Route 74 service assisting with the City of Livermore’s Fourth of July event at the Livermore Airport. This record-breaking Saturday shattered previous milestones, exceeding passenger counts looking back over 40-years of Tri-Valley service.

To support the event, Wheels provided Route 74 operating as a shuttle between Las Positas College and the Livermore Airport. Wheels rolled out comprehensive wayfinding and customer information for an easy, family-friendly experience supporting the Livermore Independence Day event. This included clear bus stop signage, prominent website information, social media messaging, and news media coverage. Wheels staff were on hand assisted in welcoming and boarding riders throughout the event.

LAVTA Executive Director Christy Wegener commented, “The event gave us a chance to showcase the service and value we provide to the community. We appreciate everyone who rode with Wheels and hope that people will try us out again.”

This unprecedented day reflects a surge in local public transit use and a great opportunity for residents to trial clean, reliable and affordable, transit services. Wheels local daily use has been recovering from post-pandemic counts, with steady ridership over the past year, including students returning to school and commuters opting out of driving.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com, follow @wheelsbus on social media, or contact customer service at 925-455-7500.

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.

Photography available upon request.

Continuous Service between Las Positas College and the Airport Event Area

LIVERMORE, Calif. – Wheels will be providing a special shuttle service on July 4 to the Livermore Independence Day Event from Las Positas College (LPC). The shuttle, operating as Wheels Route 74, starts service at 9:00 a.m. with continuous service throughout and immediately following the event.

Riders should board at the LPC bus stop in the college’s traffic circle. Limited parking is available in parking lots C, D, and E. No parking is allowed at the Livermore Municipal Airport parking lot. Attendees are encouraged to park for free at the Livermore Valley Center Parking Garage and take Route 30R to LPC and transfer to Route 74.

The annual Fourth of July Celebration is a family-friendly event featuring a variety of military aircraft, emergency vehicles, jets, and helicopters. Attendees will also enjoy live music, local food vendors, and a kids’ zone.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com, follow @wheelsbus on social media, or contact customer service at 925-455-7500.

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.

Photography available upon request.

LIVERMORE, Calif. – The Board of Directors of the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority, operator of the Wheels bus system, unanimously elected Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert to serve as LAVTA Board Chair for fiscal year 2027. In November 2020 Haubert was elected to become the 14th Alameda County Supervisor, First District, a position permanently appointed a seat on the LAVTA board.

David Haubert was first appointed to the LAVTA Board of Directors in 2015, served as Vice Chair in 2026, and is a member of the Projects and Services Committee. He previously served as Chair in 2023. Haubert succeeds outgoing LAVTA Chair Julie Testa, Pleasanton City Council Member.

In addition to his time with LAVTA and Alameda County, Haubert has a lengthy history of civic participation. In 2002, he was elected to the Dublin Unified School District Board of Trustees where he served until elected to the Dublin City Council in 2012. In 2014, Haubert was elected Mayor of Dublin, serving the city for 6 years until his election to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors in 2020. In additional to LAVTA, he also serves on the Tri-Valley San-Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority Board, and the Alameda County Transportation Commission.

“Having championed public transit throughout my career, I am proud to help steer LAVTA’s mission to connect and elevate our Tri-Valley communities”, stated Haubert. “Wheels is more than just a route and schedule; it is a lifeline of affordable, reliable independence for our community, including seniors, students and non-drivers.”

The LAVTA Board also unanimously elected Dublin City Council Member Michael McCorriston to the position of Vice Chair for the upcoming year.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com, follow @wheelsbus on social media, or contact customer service at 925-455-7500.

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.

Photography available upon request.

LIVERMORE, Calif. – Wheels is providing FREE bus service for youth all summer long with its annual Summer Youth Ride Free promotion. This promotion makes it easy for kids and teens to explore all the opportunities available throughout the Tri-Valley. No verification or pass necessary, just say Youth Ride Free! Parents can use this special offer to deliver the kids safely and reliably to jobs, sports, and recreation programs.

The promotion offers an excellent opportunity for students to trial public transit in preparation for the fall school year. The Summer Youth Ride Free promotion fare free period is May 29 – August 31, 2026.

LAVTA Executive Director Christy Wegener offered “Summer youth ride free was very successful last year; parents appreciate the motivation for kids to get off screens and out of the house without mom or dad having to play taxi driver all summer”.

For more information on Wheels and its services, visit www.wheelsbus.com, follow @wheelsbus on social media, or contact customer service at 925-455-7500.

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.

Photography available upon request.

Free rides on routes 30R, 10R and 15 for the Downtown Street Fest.

LIVERMORE, Calif. – Wheels is providing FREE bus service on routes 10R, 30R and 15 the weekend of May 16 and 17, 2026. This special offer will make it easy for

Tri-Valley residents and those connecting from BART to take transit to the Livermore Downtown Street Fest. This popular event is a celebration of wine, craft brew, arts, crafts, shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Routes 10R and 30R are Wheels signature “Rapid” routes, connecting the Livermore Transit Center and Downtown Livermore to the Dublin Pleasanton BART station. These routes operate every 20-40 minutes on Saturday, and every 40-60 minutes on Sunday. Route 15 services Livermore’s Springtown area.

Festival goers are encouraged to avoid driving and try transit. Schedules are available at https://www.wheelsbus.com/routes-and-schedules/ and on all Wheels buses.

“Offering fare free service helps grow transit ridership, minimize traffic and parking hassles for participants, and allows those who don’t call the Tri-Vally home a chance to ride Wheels. As an annual Livermore Downtown Street Festival sponsor, Wheels is excited to meet the community onboard and at our booth.” said David Mark, LAVTA Director of Customer Experience.

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.

Photography available upon request.

Photo contest and FREE rides highlight the 40^th Anniversary bus

LIVERMORE, Calif. – The celebration continues as Wheels 40^th anniversary offerings expand to include the Spot the Bus, Snap a Photo contest where residents can share their pics of the 40^th anniversary bus and win gift cards and Wheels gear. This is in addition to all rides on the anniversary bus being absolutely FREE!

Everyone can enter to win the Spot the Bus, Snap a Photo contest, contributing to Wheels stories of service. The community is invited to help document the 40^th Anniversary bus as it travels through Livermore, Pleasanton, and Dublin. Followers can enter by posting their photo of the 40th Anniversary bus on Facebook or Instagram. Winners are drawn monthly, a random selection from all eligible entries. Full contest entry rules and instructions are available in the Wheels anniversary archive at wheelsbus.com/40th-anniversary.

Entry Information:

1. Take a photo of the 40th Anniversary Bus rolling through the Tri-Valley
2. Post your photo on Facebook and/or Instagram with #WheelsFreeAt40
3. Follow and tag @wheelsbus on Facebook and/or Instagram

In addition to the contest, Wheels launched its 40th anniversary earlier this year by offering free rides on its commemorative bus. This vehicle rolls out on a new route each week, with the route hint available on Wheels website and social media channels.

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.

Photography available upon request.

New Access to Downtown Pleasanton Civic Center and Fairgrounds

LIVERMORE, Calif. – Wheels will implement minor alignment and schedule adjustments to Route 10R service in downtown Pleasanton effective May 1, 2026. The updates will alleviate congestion concerns on Neal St. and provide additional access to key destinations including the Civic Center, Library and Alameda County Fairgrounds.

The change means Route 10R buses will continue south bi-directionally to Bernal Ave. on both First St. and Pleasanton Ave. before reconnecting northbound with established service. Bus stops are available at First. St. and Neal St.

Recently, to address schedule reliability and on-time performance, additional service was added to Route 10R on Sundays. Wheels will publish new 10R schedules for the May 1 change, and again in August to accommodate the next “Big Sync” with BART.

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.

Photography available upon request.