Transit Ready
Transit Ready is a free program for people who live in Contra Costa County. Friendly coaches help you learn to ride the bus and BART on your own. No pressure, no cost, no experience needed.
How It Works
- Sign up: Fill out our sign-up form to see upcoming sessions recommended for you or pick a session by date/time.
- Learn and practice: At the sessions, you’ll build skills at your own pace with a friendly coach.
- Ride with confidence: Set travel goals, and learn about resources and support for you to achieve them.
Ways to Sign Up
Choose a session by type or find an upcoming session that fits your schedule and location. Through December 2026, CCTA is holding “Introduction to Transit Ready” orientation sessions. Additional types of skills workshops will become available in early 2027.
Find the right session for you.
Not sure where to start? Fill out our short questionnaire to get our recommendation. Note that your recommended session may not be immediately available. More session types will be added in early 2027.
Find sessions by date or location.
View upcoming sessions and register for the workshop that works best for you.
Session Types and Topics
Learn and practice different skills by attending sessions on a variety of topics.
From September-December 2026, CCTA is only holding “Introduction to Transit Ready” orientation sessions. Starting in early 2027, you’ll be able to choose the session that’s right for you, or fill out our form now to receive a recommendation.
Introduction to Transit Ready (Program Orientation)
A friendly class to learn what Transit Ready is and how it can help you ride the bus and BART with more confidence.
Skills Workshops
Hands-on practice with travel skills, including paying with a Clipper card, planning a trip, and knowing what to do if something comes up. Offered online and in person.
1. Your Transportation Options
Explore different options for getting around Contra Costa County including buses, trains, ferries, paratransit, rideshare, and more.
2. Planning Your Trip
Practice basic steps for planning a trip on public transportation such as finding the right route, where to get on and off, and understanding directions.
3. Reading Transit Schedules
Plan your trip using printed transit maps and schedules. Practice finding the right route, day, direction, stop, and time.
4. Putting Your Trip Together
Use digital apps and tools to plan your transit trip from start to finish, including trips with transfers and multiple stops. Learn to use your phone to find the way!
5. How to Pay Your Fare
Learn to pay your fare, with a focus on using Clipper. Hear about the different types of Clipper cards, where to get one, how to add value, and practice using Clipper.
6. How to Ride the Bus
Learn the basics of riding a public bus including digital tools: identify your bus, get on safely, pay your fare, request your stop, and get off at the right location.
7. How to Ride BART
Learn how to ride BART including digital tools: get around a BART station, pay your fare, find the right train and platform, and know when to get off.
8. Transit Safety and Support
Stay safe and comfortable while riding public transit. You’ll learn about accessibility features that can make transit easier and what to do if you have a problem.
Get Involved as an Organization
Organizations can participate in several ways. Learn about hosting a session or becoming a trainer.
Resources
Access guidelines and helpful documents developed specifically for local riders.
New to Clipper walks you through the card that pays your fare on every Bay Area system—how to get one, how to add money, and how to tap. Start here before your first ride.
Watch our step-by-step video that walks you through taking a full BART trip, with details on everything from paying for your trip to finding the right platform.
The BART Accessibility Guide covers stations, elevators, fares, and accessible services in one place, with sections for riders with different disabilities. Keep it on hand or print the pages you need.
Learn to plan a transit trip on your phone. Enter where you’re going, compare your options, and see exactly when the next bus or train leaves, and when you’ll arrive at your destination.
Testimonials
Hear from riders who built their confidence with Transit Ready.
“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare.”
Name Surname
City
“The training program gave me the confidence to navigate independent travel safely. It’s truly life-changing!”
Sarah Jenkins
Walnut Creek
“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare.”
Name Surname
City
FAQs
Have questions? Find quick answers about sessions, orientation locations, and coordinator support below.
There are two ways to register for a session. If you aren’t sure where to start, fill out our short form and we’ll recommend a session based on your experience and preferences. Or browse sessions by date and time and pick one that works for you.
No, you do not need to have any previous experience. We start wherever you’re comfortable. Sessions are small, hands-on, and move at your own pace.
Nothing. Transit Ready is completely free including all sessions, materials, and support.
Sessions are led by trained Transit Ready coaches — patient, friendly people who know local transit well and are experienced riders themselves.
Yes! You are more than welcome to bring a family member, friend, or caregiver. Note that only service animals are allowed.
Sessions take place at partner sites across Contra Costa County, including senior centers, libraries, and community organizations, plus online workshops you can join from home. View upcoming sessions for more details.
Program Partners
This program is possible through the participation of CCTA’s partners.
Contact Us
Request more information, or connect with CCTA’s accessibility team. We are open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM except holidays.
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