Following a successful launch on Friday, July 15, the OC Fair Express closed out the weekend with record-setting ridership.
OCTA officials and employees including Vice Chair Michael Hennessey, Directors Al Murray, Tim Shaw, and Gregory Winterbottom, and Beth McCormick, OCTA General Manager, Transit, kicked off the popular bus service on July 15 at The Village at Orange with a celebration that included free rides, giveaways, and lots of public participation.
By the end of the opening weekend, the OC Fair Express had scored a record-breaking 14,194 boardings, 94 percent higher than last year. The previous record, 8,411 boardings, was set in 2014. Saturday was particularly popular, with 6,258 boardings, 212 percent above last year.
In addition to non-stop service direct to the OC Fair from nine locations, the OC Fair Express also offers the convenience of mobile ticketing.
Paid for in part by a grant from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC), the OC Fair Express reduces parking hassles and helps alleviate traffic on busy streets around the fairgrounds.
The OC Fair Express will transport riders to the OC Fair every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through August 14.