New Santa Ana | Category Archives: OCTA

OCTA Fair Express continues to set ridership records

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in OCTA, Orange County Fair, Santa Ana 1 Comment

OCTA Fair Express

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 19, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713, Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

OC Fair Express Continues to Set Ridership Records

More than 76,000 fairgoers hopped aboard OCTA’s special bus service this year

ORANGE – This summer, more than 76,000 people made their way to the Orange County Fair via the OC Fair Express, which set a ridership record for the second year in a row.

The special bus service offered by the Orange County Transportation Authority reported 76,952 total boardings during the five-week fair season. This year’s numbers are a 31 percent increase compared to last year’s total ridership of 58,706. Continue reading→

The Santa Ana Streetcar will travel along Santa Ana Blvd. and 4th St.

Posted on August 7, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in OCTA, Planning, public works, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

Simulation of Streetcar in Santa Ana

Santa Ana City Council Tuesday night decided on Fourth Street as their preferred route for a streetcar system envisioned to begin transforming the transit landscape in Orange County, despite a signed letter of opposition from businesses along the iconic Latino shopping corridor, according to the Voice of OC.

In a unanimous 4-0 vote, the City Council approved a $238 million streetcar option that would travel along Santa Ana Boulevard and Fourth Street. Mayor Pro Tem Sal Tinajero and council members Vincent Sarmiento and Roman Reyna were absent, according to the O.C. Register. Continue reading→

The OCTA now says they have to include HOV toll lanes on the 405 Freeway

Posted on July 26, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in OCTA, Orange County, Transportation Leave a comment

Great LA Times photo: SR-91’s Lexus Lanes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 25, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713; Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

I-405 Project to Deliver Measure M Promise, Caltrans Intends to Phase in HOV Lanes

OCTA to add one regular lane in each direction between Costa Mesa and Seal Beach

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority was informed today by Caltrans that the I-405 Improvement Project should include the Measure M commitment of one regular lane in each direction and add high-occupancy toll lanes at a later date.

With Caltrans selection of the project alternative, OCTA can now begin delivering the board-approved Measure M improvements as promised to voters. Caltrans intends to pursue funding for the high-occupancy toll lanes that will be added to help speed up commutes in one of the most heavily traveled stretches of freeway in the nation. Continue reading→

Upgrades headed to Orange County’s busiest bus stops

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in OCTA, Orange County, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713; Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

Upgrades Headed to Busiest Bus Stops in Orange County
OCTA Board approves funding to improve passenger experience and provide real-time bus scheduling information

ORANGE – More than $1.2 million is headed to upgrades at 51 of the busiest bus stops in the county, after the Orange County Transportation Authority voted Monday to award funding through Measure M.

The upgrades are part of the Measure M Safe Transit Stops program. The program provides funding for passenger amenities at the 100 busiest bus stops in Orange County, which is determined by average daily weekday passenger boardings. Continue reading→

Kids ride free on the Angels Express in July

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Baseball, OCTA, Orange County, Santa Ana, Sports, Transportation, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Kids Ride Free on Angels Express

(Courtesy of Orange County Transportation Authority)

July is a great time to head out to the ballgame. In July, all kids 18 and under get to ride for free on the Angels Express to games that start at 7:05 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Normally, roundtrip adult tickets on the Angels Express are $7, $6 for seniors and the disabled and tickets for kids between the ages of 6-18 are $4. Up to three younger children can ride free with a fare-paying adult. Not bad for a rolling Angels’ party train that delivers game attendees straight to the Angel Stadium parking lot – no parking fee required. Continue reading→

New summertime weekend Metrolink service begins on July 5

Posted on June 24, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Metrolink, OCTA, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 24, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713; Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

Summer Kicks Off with Added Metrolink Weekend Service, Chance to Win Prizes with New Promotion

91 Line will add two round trips on Saturdays and Sundays starting July 5; Seven Summer Treasures promotion runs through Sept. 1

ORANGE – Summer is upon us and the Orange County Transportation Authority and Metrolink are offering two reasons to hop aboard a Metrolink train this season with added service and a new promotion.

New weekend Metrolink service between Riverside, Orange County and Los Angeles begins July 5. Continue reading→

Get to the OC Fair via the OC Fair Express for $2 starting on July 11

Posted on June 14, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Costa Mesa, OCTA, Orange County Fair, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

The Orange County Fair is on July 11, 2014 through August 10, 2014 and the best way to get there is on the OC Fair Express! The OC Fair Express provides direct bus service to and from the fair from eight convenient locations for just $2.00 each way, or just swipe your valid OCTA bus pass. You can catch the OC Fair Express any Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the fair starting July 11, 2014.

All OC Fair Express customers also receive a coupon good for $3 Fair Admission—that’s up to $9 off. So skip traffic and save on parking and admission with the OC Fair Express!

Make your life easy, ride the OC Fair Express, and purchase your passes through our new mobile app. Our new mobile app will also show you all the OC Fair Express routes, where to catch the OC Fair Express and all the schedules. It’s free and you can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play beginning July 1! Continue reading→

OCTA Annual Youth Buss Pass now available – ride for 65 cents a day!

Posted on May 31, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in OCTA, Santa Ana, Transportation, Youth Activities Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713; Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

OCTA Says ‘Hello, Summer’ With Return of Annual Youth Buss Pass

Pass holders can enjoy endless summer fun for just 65 cents per day

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority is ready to get summer started with the return of the perfect ride for youth 18 and under.

The $60 Summer Bus Pass provides residents with the opportunity to experience unlimited countywide bus riding on OCTA transit for a reduced rate from June 1 to Aug. 31.

In addition to unlimited service on fixed-route buses, pass holders will also enjoy discounts on more than 20 entertainment destinations throughout the county, including Boomers, Medieval Times and the Discovery Science Center. Continue reading→

Bike Rally set for May 15 at OCTA HQ in Orange

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Bicycles, Entertainment, OCTA, Orange, Santa Ana Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713, Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

NEWS ADVISORY: Bike Rally Set to Support Bike Month

WHAT: Officials from the Orange County Transportation Authority will lead a four-mile bike ride with bike enthusiasts from the Orange Metrolink Station to OCTA headquarters in Orange to celebrate May as Bike Month.

Following the ride, OCTA Chairman Shawn Nelson will discuss regional bikeways planning in Orange County. Those who participate in the ride will be entered into a drawing to win prizes such as a $50 gift card to P.F. Chang’s, a bike helmet and a one-hour free rental from Pedego. Continue reading→

OCTA seeks help planning for Orange County’s transportation future

Posted on April 23, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, OCTA, Orange, Orange County, Transportation Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713, Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

OCTA Seeks Help Planning For Transportation Future

Draft Long Range Transportation Plan looks at mobility for the next 20 years in Orange County with public meeting planned for May 7

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority is seeking public input to help plan for the county’s transportation needs for the next 20 years.

A draft copy of the Long Range Transportation Plan, called Outlook 2035, was presented to the OCTA board at a recent meeting and is now up for public review and comment on the website at: www.octa.net/lrtpdraftplan.

A review period will follow with an open house to solicit more input on the plan scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. on May 7 at OCTA Headquarters, 550 S. Main Street in Orange. Continue reading→

Millions headed to streets and signals through Measure M

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in OCTA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713, Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

Millions Headed To Streets and Signals Through Measure M

OCTA board allocates more than $44 million for road improvements

ORANGE – Cities throughout the county will see an influx of more than $44 million for street and signal synchronization projects through the Measure M Comprehensive Transportation Funding Program.

Funding was awarded recently to 27 projects that will widen existing streets to alleviate congestion and synchronize traffic signals to ensure drivers hit the most green lights during peak traffic periods. Continue reading→

OCTA dedicates BikeShare Program to celebrate Earth Day

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Bicycles, Fullerton, OCTA, Orange County Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 18, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713, Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

NEWS ADVISORY: OCTA Dedicates BikeShare Program to Celebrate Earth Day

WHAT: The Orange County Transportation Authority is hosting a BikeShare Dedication and Earth Day event to celebrate a greener way to travel.

The BikeShare launch is part of OCTA’s continued efforts to improve mobility by offering quick, point-to-point trips as an alternative to traveling by car. OCTA hopes residents will use the bike sharing program to link with transit services, closing the gap between commuters’ starting points and their final destinations, often called the last-mile connection. Continue reading→

Bike to Work Day event set for 5/7 at the Regional Transportation Center

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Bicycles, Entertainment, OCTA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana

PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING & EARN A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE BICYCLE AT UPCOMING ‘BIKE TO WORK’ EVENT MAY 7TH

SANTA ANA, CA (April 8, 2014) – The City & OCTA invite everyone to participate in Bike to Work Day on May 7th. The event begins at 7am at the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center and will include a blessing of the bikes ceremony before biking to City Hall at 8am.

This event is being held to encourage residents to be active, bike to work, and promote healthy living. We are very excited to have Jax Bicycle Center participate and partner with the City to give participants an opportunity to win prizes including two bicycles. Continue reading→

The OCTA seeks volunteers to serve on its Citizens Committee

Posted on April 4, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in OCTA, Orange, Orange County, Transportation Leave a comment

octa_logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2014
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713, Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

OCTA Seeks Volunteers to Serve on Citizens Committee

Applications for advisory committee are being accepted through May 4

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority is recruiting community leaders to fill openings on the Citizens Advisory Committee, a 34-member group that provides input on a broad spectrum of transportation projects, studies and outreach activities.

Appointed by OCTA’s Board of Directors, the committee’s responsibilities include identifying opportunities for community input, serving as a liaison between the public and OCTA, and participating in roundtable discussions. Continue reading→

Dogs will pack OCTA buses for day of training on April 5

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in buena park, OCTA, Pets, Santa Ana Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713, Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

NEWS ADVISORY: Dogs Will Pack OCTA Buses For Day of Training

WHAT: Dogs riding buses. More than 100 service animals and their handlers are expected to attend a unique training event on April 5 that will help them get accustomed to navigating the public bus system.

Handlers will work with their therapy and service animals – including Golden Retrievers, Labradors, poodles and more – continually boarding, riding and exiting an Orange County Transportation Authority bus so they can get familiar with large groups of people, loud noises and unfamiliar sights and sounds. Participants also will get access to the Knott’s Berry Farm theme park, where they will encounter the sounds of whizzing rollercoasters, children running toward their favorite rides and plenty of other activity. Continue reading→