In March 2020, when the initial stay-at-home order was issued by the state, OCTA reduced bus service to allow for decreased ridership and passenger and employee safety. OCTA has continued to provide vital public transit for those who need it to reach essential jobs and medical appointments.
Initial changes included reducing service on 37 routes and temporarily suspending eight more. Subsequent changes to service in June and October 2020 and February 2021 gradually restored some service. Currently, service is approximately 70 percent of what it was prior to the pandemic.
No major changes to bus service are planned during the June 13 service change.
Moving forward, OCTA is seeking public input, in multiple languages, to help decide what changes to make to bus service in June and beyond.
“Since the pandemic began, OCTA has continued providing reliable public transit service to ensure access to essential jobs and appointments. Through it all, the safety of the public and our employees has always been our top priority,” said OCTA Chair Andrew Do, also the county’s First District Supervisor. “As we continue to adjust our bus service, it’s vital that we hear feedback from the public so we can make the best, most informed decisions possible.”
There are many ways to provide input:
Through March 26, a questionnaire is available here.
Through March 26, hotlines are available for comments:
- English: (714) 560-5007
- Spanish: (714) 560-5002
- Vietnamese: (714) 560-5003
Scheduled Zoom meetings may be accessed by phone at (669) 900-6833 or computer (see below):
- English: 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 9 (Meeting ID: 989 4355 7315)
- Vietnamese: 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 10 (Meeting ID: 969 1321 5973)
- Spanish: 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 10 (Meeting ID: 962 6419 0361)
Information will be distributed on board OC Bus.
A public hearing on the June service change will be conducted during the OCTA Board meeting at 9 a.m. on April 26. Public comments can be submitted by 5 p.m. April 25 by emailing the OCTA Clerk of the Board at boardofdirectors@octa.net.
For more information, visit here.