Public transportation within Contra Costa County and across East Bay Counties is critically necessary but sadly lacking for older adults, especially if they lose the ability to drive safely or struggle with mobility.
CCC Transportation Resource Guide
Contra Costa County The “Way to Go Contra Costa” Guide helps individuals identify and connect with the accessible transportation services available in Contra Costa County, including public transit, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit, city-based paratransit programs, and organizations that provide volunteer drivers and/or training on how to travel by using these services in Contra Costa County. http://www.waytogocc.com/index.php Cost: Free and fee-based. Available to All.
Travel Training
Contra Costa County Travel training provides consumers with information and hands-on training to learn how to travel safely and conveniently. Training sessions involve one on one or group instruction designed to teach seniors and people with disabilities how to travel independently on fixed-route public transit. Typically, individuals receive training on how to travel to their most frequent destination (for example, to work or to a medical office). http://www.waytogocc.com/travel_training.php Cost: Free. Available to Open to All. This is also accessible through the Transportation resource guide — there are multiple travel training programs throughout the county and they are listed on the travel training page.
Mobility Matters
Mobility Matters offers ambulatory, otherwise home bound senior residents of Contra Costa County free, one-on-one, door-through-door rides provided by volunteer drivers. These rides are primarily for the purpose of obtaining medical care, groceries, and other basic necessities for adults 60+.
https://www.mobilitymatterscc.com/senior-rides
DMV Senior Driving
DMV wants to help older adults 70+ to maintain and continue their driving independence, while being cognizant of when it’s time to let others take over. Visit their website for resources. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/special-interest-driver-guides/senior-drivers/
Important Update: As of October 1, 2024, DMV officials announced that California drivers 70 years old and older won’t be required to take written knowledge tests for license renewals.
County Connection, BART & ACT
Adults 65+ can apply for Clipper Cards that will give them 50% off the normal adult fare. Use this application form to get a Clipper Card. Follow the directions to transfer existing balance from your old card, and add fare at any station after that.
County Connection maps and schedules are also available online. https://countyconnection.com/routes/
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) offers adults 65+ a discount of 62.5% through their Clipper Card. https://www.bart.gov/tickets/discounts
Alameda County Transit System offers adults 65+ discounts for rides that are paid for in cash and Clipper Card. See the website for rates and application form. https://www.actransit.org/discounts
Noteworthy…Good to Know
The resources listed on CoCoElders411.net are provided by local non-profit and government organizations, sometimes there are resources that deserve to be mentioned even though they are not free or local.
GoGo Grandparent – This is a subscription service that is meant to make on-demand services accessible and reliable so older adults can thrive independently and confidently at home and in the community as they age. The service makes it easy to get rides, groceries, and meals safely, easily without a smartphone, and often at a discount. Subscription prices varies with usage. Available across the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Dial 1 (855) 464 – 6872 and Press 0 to be connected to GoGo 24/7
https://www.gogograndparent.com/
Volunteer and Get Involved
Volunteer
Volunteers are always welcome at nonprofit organizations. Use the following links to see how you can help:
- Mobility Matters – volunteer drivers are always needed. https://www.mobilitymatterscc.com/senior-rides
Represent Elders
Your voice is needed! You can really help the older adults in your community by serving on Contra Costa County’s Advisory Council on Aging. You can also serve on the ACOA Transportation Workgroup without being a member of ACOA.
Got a resource to share? Use this form to send us information for a resource (website, poster, etc. from a local non-profit or government agency).
Disclaimer: This website is meant to be a useful starting point and is not an endorsement for the services listed. The site is not affiliated with ACOA, EHSD, or any other organization.