Walnut Creek families who carpool to school can enter a drawing for one of ten $250 Target gift cards through a free county transportation program open to students at Las Lomas, Northgate, and local elementary schools.
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority's SchoolPool program, announced Sunday, July 26, asks families to register a carpool that includes at least one other household and travels to or from school at least once a week. Both drivers and passengers qualify. Registration is open at 511.ccta.ca.gov/schools/schoolpool through Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Ten winners will be selected by random drawing on Friday, October 16, and notified by email. Each receives a $250 electronic Target gift card. Winners' first names and home cities will be posted on the SchoolPool webpage after the drawing.
Who qualifies
A parent, guardian, or student 18 or older must complete the application. The student must live or attend school in Contra Costa County. One application is allowed per family. Applicants must agree to complete a follow-up survey, and 511 CCTA reserves the right to verify enrollment. Falsifying information disqualifies applicants from the drawing and all 511 CCTA programs.
Separate from the free bus pass program
SchoolPool is distinct from Pass2Class, a companion 511 CCTA program that provides up to two months of free bus rides for up to two students per family while supplies last. Pass2Class targets families who use public transit; SchoolPool targets those who drive.
Both programs are funded by the Bay Area Air District's Transportation Fund for Clean Air.
What families should know
The program covers rides to and from school as well as after-school activities, according to the 511 CCTA SchoolPool page. That means a carpool to soccer practice or a music lesson counts, not just the morning commute.
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority described the program as a way to "save gas and reduce school traffic" in its July 26 announcement.
The county-wide program is open to any student who lives or attends school in Contra Costa County. Families can register at 511.ccta.ca.gov/schools/schoolpool. The drawing closes Thursday, October 15, 2026, and results will be posted on the same page the following day.
