On Jan. 25, a total of 65 speakers shared comments and opinions at a public hearing regarding the proposed bus service plan designed to optimize the bus system by shifting service from low-performing routes to areas of higher demand. The public hearing was held as part of the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting.
The proposed bus system changes are part OC Bus 360° , an initiative that looks at improving the bus system from all angles. If the draft plan is implemented, 92 percent of bus riders in Orange County would see no change or improved service.
The public hearing was the fifth and final meeting held throughout the county to raise awareness and collect input. Other outreach efforts include distributing multi-language brochures with comment cards and flyers onboard OCTA buses, at major transit hubs, at 360°° community gathering areas (colleges, senior centers, libraries, city halls) and to 1,000 ACCESS customers, as well as robust social and traditional media campaigns and a project website that explains the proposed changes and captures comments.
The plan is expected to increase ridership by 1.6 million boardings during the next three years and will put limited resources where they’re most needed by:
- Creating a more efficient and cost-effective transit system
- Adding service where demand is highest
- Increasing frequencies and improving travel times by adding two new Bravo! routes and a second Xpress route
- Reallocating service from the least productive routes
The Board is expected to consider the final plan at its meeting on Feb. 22. If approved, the proposed bus system changes would be implemented this year.
