llowing extensive feedback from the community, the OCTA Transit Committee has recommended modifications to the proposed 2016 Bus Service Plan designed to optimize the bus system by shifting service from low-performing routes to areas of higher demand. The proposed 2016 Bus Service Plan is part OC Bus 360°, an initiative that looks at improving the bus system from all angles.
After a two-month public review period, OCTA conducted additional technical analysis based on public feedback. The result is a revision to the proposed 2016 Bus Service Plan that modifies 14 of the 35 routes originally proposed for changes, reduces the number of people who would lose service from 4 to 2 percent, and addresses impacts to most ACCESS customers.
Modifications include:
- Introducing a new route to cover major portions of Routes 51 and 145 that are being eliminated. Route 150 will run from Costa Mesa to Santa Ana, providing direct service to Santa Ana College and other nearby schools.
- Retaining Route 87 based on feedback from Saddleback Unified School District. Route 87 runs along Alicia Parkway, providing service from Rancho Santa Margarita to Laguna Niguel.
- Extending the hours of the Same-Day Taxi Program for ACCESS users and implementing a pilot program to eliminate the $3.60 transfer cost between the same-day taxi and the regular ACCESS service.
To gather feedback on the original proposed plan, OCTA conducted a public hearing in January. More than 150 bus riders, public transportation advocates and local community representatives were in attendance and a total of 65 speakers, from 24 different cities, shared how they would be affected by any changes to the bus system.
In addition to the public hearing, approximately 180 transit advocates and bus riders attended four community meetings in December. More than 1,300 comments were submitted via phone, e-mail and an online survey.
The proposed 2016 Bus Service Plan is expected to increase ridership by 1.3 million boardings during the next three years.
The Board will vote on the final plan for the proposed bus system changes at the Feb. 22 Board meeting. If the plan is adopted, changes will be phased in during June and October.
To learn more about the proposed 2016 Bus Service Plan, click here.