In an effort to reverse the trend of declining bus ridership, we’ve put together a proposed plan for public review that would reallocate bus service throughout the county.
Part of OC Bus 360°, an initiative that looks at improving the bus system from all angles, the strategy would shift service from low-performing routes to areas where there is higher demand to offer passengers more frequent and faster service. Under the proposal, 92 percent of bus riders in Orange County would see improved service or no change in service if the draft plan is implemented next year.
The plan is expected to increase ridership by 1.6 million boardings during the next three years and reverse ridership decline. Since 2008, OCTA has lost more than 20 million passengers, a reduction of 30 percent.
The proposed service change plan puts limited resources where they’re most needed by:
- Creating a more efficient and cost-effective transit system
- Adding service where there is the highest demand
- Increasing frequencies and improving travel times by adding two new Bravo! routes and a second Xpress route
- Reallocating service from the least productive routes
In addition, OC Bus 360° includes the development of mobile ticketing and real-time passenger information, studying fare adjustments, and rebranding new vehicles.
Your opinion about these proposed changes is important and may affect the outcome. There are many ways to make your thoughts known. You’ll find detailed information with surveys on buses and online, and you can also join us at one of our community meetings to review the proposed routes and discuss changes.
Meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
- Tuesday, Dec. 8 at San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 5925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
- Wednesday, Dec. 9 at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills CA 92653
- Thursday, Dec. 10 at Huntington Beach Central Library, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648