Contra Costa Taxpayers Association Calls for Merging Bus Agencies to Cut Costs

Proposal comes as transit agencies seek new sales tax increase to fund operations

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association is urging the consolidation of the county's two main bus agencies, Tri Delta Transit and County Connection, as an alternative to a proposed sales tax increase to fund transit operations. The group argues that merging the agencies and competitively contracting bus services could save millions in administrative, operating, and capital costs, rather than relying on higher taxes to prop up the current inefficient system.

Why it matters

Contra Costa County residents currently have to navigate a fragmented bus system with separate fare structures and schedules, even on overlapping routes. Consolidating the agencies could improve efficiency and service for riders, while also reducing the financial burden on taxpayers who heavily subsidize the current operations.

The details

Contra Costa County is currently served by two distinct bus agencies - Tri Delta Transit in the eastern communities and County Connection in central areas. Together, they spent $79.8 million in 2024 to provide 4.1 million bus rides at an average cost of $19.39 per trip, with passenger fares covering just $1.33 per ride. The taxpayer subsidy is particularly high, with farebox recovery rates of just 7.8% for County Connection and 5.5% for Tri Delta Transit. The redundancy also affects riders, who face separate fare structures and schedules on overlapping routes. The Taxpayers Association argues that merging the agencies under a single management structure and competitively contracting operations could save millions in administrative, operating, and capital costs.

  • In 2024, the two bus agencies spent a combined $79.8 million to deliver 4.1 million bus rides.
  • Bay Area transit agencies are seeking a new half-cent sales tax increase in November 2026 to fund operations.

The players

Tri Delta Transit

A bus agency that serves eastern Contra Costa County communities like Antioch and Brentwood.

County Connection

A bus agency that serves central Contra Costa hubs including Walnut Creek and Concord.

Contra Costa Taxpayers Association

An organization that advocates for taxpayer interests in Contra Costa County.

Marc Joffe

The president of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association and the author of the analysis calling for bus agency consolidation.

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What they’re saying

“Before voters agree to pour more public money into this hodgepodge of agencies, they should ask whether there are opportunities for reform.”

— Marc Joffe, President, Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (contracostaherald.com)

What’s next

Voters in Contra Costa County will decide on the proposed half-cent sales tax increase for transit funding in November 2026.

The takeaway

Consolidating Contra Costa's fragmented bus system under a single agency and competitively contracting operations could save millions in costs and improve service for riders, rather than relying on higher taxes to prop up the current inefficient system.