Previously available only in the summer, the Laguna Beach Trolley began year-round operation on March 6 thanks to a program funded by Measure M (M), Orange County’s sales tax for transportation improvements.
Laguna Beach has offered free summer trolley service since 2002. When ridership grew to 704,000, the city applied to OCTA for a Project V grant to expand service and meet public demand.
Dana Point also received a Measure M Project V grant and will begin to offer free trolley rides in June.
To receive M funding to operate year-round, seasonal, or special event services such as the trolleys, projects must complement Orange County’s regional bus and rail systems and must meet specific ridership criteria to compete for and maintain funding through Project V.
The trolleys provide many benefits to the beautiful seaside towns and the surrounding area, such as reducing traffic congestion, enhancing quality of life by providing alternative transportation options and improving air quality.
Photo credit: mymodernmet.com