Happy Birthday Wheels! Hacienda's Premier Transportation Partner Turns 20

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

It was 20 years ago on July 20 that Wheels, the bus and paratransit service operated by the Livermore Amador Valley Transportation Authority (LAVTA), came into being. Wheels is celebrating that anniversary all month long with a number of events as well as the sale of a special 20th anniversary poster.

[Wheels] Of course, Wheels is no stranger to Hacienda. LAVTA operates a number of routes throughout the park in addition to area-wide lines that connect passengers to the Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) train as well as to the East Dublin/Pleasanton BART station in the northernmost part of Hacienda.

What makes Wheels even more convenient is the fact that all Hacienda tenants and residents are eligible to receive free passes good for use year-round anywhere, any time on the Wheels system. This service includes all local buses, links between BART and ACE, access to the I-680 Express bus from Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill, and new park services that will begin this fall. Additional details and an application is available on Hacienda's web site at www.hacienda.org - choose "Services" from the main menu, then "Commute Solutions" and "Free Wheels Pass" from the drop-down menus.

Wheels was formed in 1986 when it merged with Livermore's "Rideo" system, unifying the cities of Pleasanton, Livermore, and Dublin with routes running throughout the region designed to serve the neighborhoods, employers, schools, shopping, and entertainment centers of the Tri-Valley. Twenty years later, the Wheels fleet consists of 75 low-emission diesel buses and 18 paratransit vehicles, to be joined this fall by two state-of-the-art hybrid electric buses.

LAVTA is celebrating Wheels' 20th birthday during the month of July by sponsoring drawings for free passes and holding a Free Fare Day on July 20. Wheels has also commissioned a beautiful, limited edition poster by illustrator Russell Benfanti commemorating the anniversary which they are making available for just $5 at the Livermore Transit Center, Wheels Administrative Offices, and online at www.wheelsbus.com. Their award-winning web site also offers a brief history of Wheels, complete with photos and additional details.

For additional information on routes and schedules, contact Wheels at (925) 455-7500 or access www.wheelsbus.com. For additional information on free Wheels passes for Hacienda tenants and residents, access the Hacienda web site at www.hacienda.org or telephone (925) 734-6500.

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