Established in 1980 as a joint powers authority, CCCTA assumed control of public bus service within central Contra Costa first begun by Oakland-based AC Transit as it expanded into suburban Contra Costa County in the mid-1970s (especially after the opening of BART).

AC Transit began operating local bus service under contract in central Contra Costa County in the 1970s after the coming of BART.

[3] Walnut Creek began operating a downtown shuttle route connecting to BART in December 1974.

[7] A Walnut Creek writer, Elizabeth Tenney, won a contest in early 1982 to create a slogan for the CCRTA system.

[8][9] The CCCTA took over local bus service in its district from AC Transit on June 7, 1982, with a fleet of 24 new Gillig buses.