Service animals experience public transportation in unique ways. Their ability to remain calm and comfortable with the sounds, movement, and layout of a bus or train directly enhances the confidence and independence of the people they support.
For more than 30 years, OCTA has hosted a specialized training program that allows therapy and service animals, along with their handlers, to experience a full day of public transit—free of charge. During this event, participants board buses, ride together, and learn how to safely and comfortably navigate the transit system. The next event will be held on October 1.
OCTA’s program is among the few in the nation that provide service animals and their trainers with direct, real-world experience on public transportation. Twice a year, groups gather at the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) before boarding a bus to explore the sights, sounds, and activity of destinations such as the Downtown Disney District and Anaheim GardenWalk.
This program has helped train thousands of service animals and reflects OCTA’s ongoing commitment to supporting mobility and independence for people of all abilities, in alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).