Wheels Celebrates 40 Years with Free Rides - Press Release

Commemorative bus highlights historic milestones

LIVERMORE, Calif. – The Livermore Amador Valley launched its 40^th anniversary earlier this month with a free ride promotion on its commemorative bus. If the 40th anniversary bus #1609 is on your bus route, your ride is free!

#WheelsFreeAt40
 

Starting December 1, 2025 until further notice, all rides on the Wheels commemorative 40^th Anniversary Bus will be free. In order to thank our riders throughout the Tri-Valley, the bus will be assigned to local and Rapid routes rotating throughout the Wheels system on a weekly basis. To find out where #WheelsFreeAt40 will be at the beginning of each week, follow @wheelsbus on the agencies social media platforms, or visit https://www.wheelsbus.com/40thanniversary.

Since its founding in 1985, Wheels services have grown from a small fleet of nine vehicles to an impressive fixed route fleet of 66 locally built Gillig buses. The population in the Tri-Valley has more than doubled since Wheels began providing public transportation service 40 years ago, and ridership for 2024 topped 1.3 million passengers.

“We want to share our excitement and gratitude with our valued riders,” said LAVTA Executive Director Christy Wegener. “Public transit is foundational to the success of the Tri-Valley, and Wheels service has grown hand in hand with the communities we serve for the past 40 years”.

Throughout 2026, LAVTA will commemorate its history with outreach and promotions. The Wheels family will host and participate in a series of community events starting in January. This past October, LAVTA launched the 40^th anniversary campaign at its bi-annual Roadeo, unveiling the custom bus while showcasing driver safety and expertise. A special webpage highlighting Wheels history with contributing people, places and vehicles is also being produced.

As the region continues to grow, LAVTA looks to the future with innovative services and capital projects, including a recent 64-million-dollar federal award to build administrative, operations, and maintenance facilities to support riders for decades to come.

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 Atlantis Facility Renderings

Photography available upon request.

Media Contact:                                                                                                                                        

David Mark

Director of Customer Experience

(925) 455-7553

dmark@lavta.org