One of the most significant bus service changes in OCTA history is right around the corner. Beginning October 9, there will be more frequent service, better connections, additional stops, lower fares, mobile ticketing, and community shuttles. In some areas where ridership is low, routes have been reduced or discontinued and service reallocated to enhance the efficiency of the overall system. These changes are part of OC Bus 360°, an initiative to improve bus service from all angles.
Highlights include new 15-minute service on Routes 26 and 37 and improved service on Routes 47, 71, 72, 79, 206, 211, and 463 to help residents travel Orange County more efficiently for work and play. During a six-month trial period, the cost of a Day Pass will drop by a dollar, allowing riders to ride all day anywhere for only $4. The cost of reducing the Day Pass is funded by the California State Transportation Agency’s Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP), a part of the Cap-and-Trade Program.
The OC Bus Mobile Ticketing app will debut October 9. Riders can buy and store fixed-route and college fares without the hassle of paper tickets or exact change.
The OC Bus Mobile Ticketing app and ticketing equipment were partially funded by State of California Transportation Agency, the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC), and Measure M, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements.
OCTA Travel Ambassadors have shared this information with riders on buses and at bus stops and will continue to do so through October 12. Comprehensive booklets outlining this extensive service change have been placed on all fixed-route buses, and a complete overview of the October 2016 is available here. In addition, friendly, knowledgeable customer service representatives are available to answer questions at (714) 636-RIDE.
