OCTA’s board of directors approved $9.8 million in Measure M2 funds to expand transit services in Orange County on June 24.
These six new transit projects will be funded with the half-cent tax measure approved in 2006 for transportation improvements. Cities will now be able to operate year-round, seasonal or special event services to complement Orange County’s regional bus and rail systems.
“We are thrilled to partner with cities to provide additional transit services for our growing communities,” said OCTA Chairman Greg Winterbottom. “These dollars will allow cities to operate new services that best fit the needs of their residents.”
Service for the six new transit projects include:
- Dana Point – $2,456,511 for a summer weekend trolley system along Pacific Coast Highways, a summer weekend harbor shuttle and special event services
- Huntington Beach – $93,287 for special event shuttle services for the 4th of July and U.S. Open Surfing Competition
- La Habra – $3,434,600 for year-round transit service within local communities with stops at St. Jude Hospital and the Fullerton Transportation Center
- Laguna Beach – $3,612,360 for an expanded festival seasonal service and a new off-season trolley service during the spring and winter months
- Lake Forest – $74,844 for a station van service from the Irvine train station to Oakley, Inc.
- Lake Forest – $148,855 for a station van service from the Irvine train station to Ossur Americas
Funding for these six projects includes capital and/or operating costs for the first seven years of service. Service is expected to begin next year with the La Habra shuttle beginning in fiscal year 2014-15.
