In response to the pandemic, OCTA is closely monitoring its transportation services, capital projects, and finances and continues to make changes as needed.
Operational changes to the OC Bus system encourage proper social distancing and include limiting the number of riders on buses when possible, as outlined in the Federal Transit Administration guidelines. OCTA also continues to operate its regular OC Bus routes on Sunday service levels, boards passengers through the rear bus doors and continues enhanced nightly bus cleaning. Passengers are asked to purchase passes before boarding the bus.
OCTA is also closely monitoring the financial implications of the pandemic, providing input to state and federal officials as stimulus packages are rolled out at the federal level, and being considered at the state level. Development and refinement of OCTA’s 2020-21 budget also continues, reflecting updated revenue and expense assumptions.
Expedited construction on several of OCTA’s major projects is taking place because of low traffic volumes on freeways and streets. On the I-405 Improvement Project, daytime and extended nighttime lane closures will provide an estimated 4,800+ additional work hours between mid-March and mid-May. On the OC Streetcar, crews are installing storm drains and water lines throughout Downtown Santa Ana while many of the businesses are closed and traffic is light. On the Laguna Niguel to San Juan Capistrano Passing Siding Project, major work at a private rail crossing near a church was completed more quickly because on-site services are not being conducted, allowing for extended weekend track closures.