New Santa Ana | Tag Archives: octa

City Council approves the environmental impact report for the proposed streetcar

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Development, Garden Grove, OCTA, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 23, 2015

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

Streetcar Project in Santa Ana and Garden Grove Keeps Rolling with City Council’s OK

OCTA will take over leading the implementation of the new transportation alternative

ORANGE – A proposed streetcar in the cities of Santa Ana and Garden Grove took a step forward this week when the Santa Ana City Council approved the project environmental impact report, which now sets the stage for the Orange County Transportation Authority to take the lead on project implementation.

From the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center, through Downtown Santa Ana and the Civic Center, the streetcar would operate along 4th Street and Santa Ana Boulevard. The route would continue along the Pacific Electric right-of-way and connect to a new multimodal transit hub at Harbor Boulevard and Westminster Avenue in Garden Grove. Continue reading→

OCTA workshop on pedestrian safety set for Jan. 26 in Orange

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Miguel Pulido, OCTA, Orange, Public Safety Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 22, 2015

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

NEWS ADVISORY: Pedestrian Safety Topic of OCTA Workshop

WHAT: Officials from the Orange County Transportation Authority will host a discussion about education, engineering and enforcement activities to improve pedestrian safety throughout Orange County.

OCTA would like to hear residents’ thoughts and ideas about pedestrian safety as they explore ways to improve travel on city streets throughout Orange County. Continue reading→

Public Information Meetings for the I-5 Irvine Tustin Project set for 1/26 and 1/28

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in irvine, OCTA, Orange County, Santa Ana, Transportation, Tustin Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 22, 2015

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

Public Invited to Open Houses on I-5 Project in Irvine, Tustin

Measure M project is in the initial phase of exploring the addition of a general-purpose lane between I-405 and SR-55

ORANGE – The public is invited to two open houses next week to learn about proposed improvements to the Santa Ana (I-5) Freeway in Irvine and Tustin.

The Orange County Transportation Authority and Caltrans are holding the meetings, Jan 26 and Jan. 28, as part of the project approval and environmental document phase for the I-5 Irvine Tustin Freeway Improvement Project. Continue reading→

OCTA delivers their end-of-year report highlighting initiatives and an action plan

Posted on January 18, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in OCTA, Orange County, Santa Ana, Todd Spitzer, Transportation Leave a comment

OCTA Delivers the End-of-Year Report Highlighting Initiatives and Action Plan

By: OC Supervisor Todd Spitzer, Portions courtesy of the Orange County Transportation Authority

At the Orange County Transportation Authority’s meeting this week, Chief Executive Officer Darrell Johnson summarized the activities and accomplishments from the 2014 Chief Executive Officer’s Initiatives and Action Plan for calendar year 2014. The Chief Executive Officer’s Initiatives and Action Plan supports the values, vision, mission, and goals of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).

Supervisor Spitzer, who serves as a Director on the Board commended OCTA for the great work that they have done in delivering projects in the Third District and the County. “Transportation is a vital part of the County’s infrastructure, I’m committed to supporting OCTA’s mission to enhance the quality of life and keep Orange County moving.” Continue reading→

Irvine Mayor Pro Tem Lalloway selected as the OCTA’s Board Chairman

Posted on January 13, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in irvine, OCTA Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 12, 2015
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713, Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

Irvine Mayor Pro Tem Lalloway Selected as OCTA Board Chairman

Director Donchak will serve as vice chairman of the board

ORANGE – Irvine Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Lalloway was unanimously selected today as the new chairman of the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors.

Lalloway served as the OCTA board’s vice chairman for the last year. He replaces outgoing Chairman Shawn Nelson, also the county’s Fourth District Supervisor, who remains on the board. Continue reading→

The OCTA will offer free bus rides on New Year’s Eve

Posted on December 20, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in OCTA, Orange County, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 29, 2014

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

OCTA Offers Free Bus Rides on New Year’s Eve

Extended service hours provide a safe ride home

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority is helping to keep roads safe during New Year’s Eve celebrations by offering free bus rides from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 31 to 2:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.

This year, OCTA has added extended service hours along several routes in Fullerton. The late-night service provides free, safe and convenient rides to or from the annual First Night in Fullerton event. Extended service hours are available on Routes 24, 26, 43 and 143. Continue reading→

All carpool links set to open as West County connectors project wrapping up

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 4, 2014

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

All Carpool Links Set to Open as West County Connectors project wrapping up

Four years of construction work on SR-22, I-405 and I-605 near the Orange and Los Angeles county line is nearing an end for drivers who will now experience an easier commute

ORANGE – The four-year West County Connectors construction project, aimed at easing congestion and enhancing safety along the most heavily traveled stretch of freeway in the nation, is nearing completion as the new bridges linking the carpool lanes on I-405 with SR-22 and I-605 are set to open next week.

Drivers will now be able to travel in the carpool lanes from the Garden Grove Freeway (SR-22) to the San Diego Freeway (I-405) to the San Gabriel Freeway (I-605), and the reverse, without ever having to exit the carpool lanes. Continue reading→

Mayor Pulido selected to serve on the OCTA Board again

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Miguel Pulido, OCTA, Transportation Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 14, 2014

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

OCTA Board Members Chosen by City Selection Committee

Five members returning to the board and one new member will join OCTA

ORANGE – The City Selection Committee met Thursday and elections were held to appoint six members to the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors, with five members being reappointed to the board and one new member being appointed to fill a vacancy.

The following appointments were made: Continue reading→

The OCTA honors employees who served for Veterans Day

Posted on November 11, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Darrell Johnson, OCTA, Orange County, Santa Ana, Veterans Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 11, 2014
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713/Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

OCTA Honors Employees Who Served For Veterans Day

About 10 percent of OCTA’s workforce is former military service men and women

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority today recognized the service of employees who are military veterans during OCTA’s fifth annual Veterans Day Appreciation event.

OCTA employs 115 veterans from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, representing nearly 10 percent of the workforce. OCTA has been recognized by military organizations as a military-friendly employer for its efforts to actively recruit veterans. Continue reading→

Two elderly pedestrians struck by an OCTA bus in Downtown Santa Ana

Posted on November 5, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Accidents, OCTA, Santa Ana, Seniors Leave a comment

Photo courtesy of Anthony Bertagna, SAPD

Two elderly pedestrians were hospitalized after being hit by an OCTA bus in Santa Ana around 6:30 pm, on Wednesday, at the intersection of 4th and Ross streets, according to Anthony Bertagna with the Santa Ana Police Department, according to KABC.

One of the victims, described as a man in his 70s, was in critical condition with head trauma, and his female companion, a woman in her 60s was in serious condition but expected to survive, according to Bertagna, as reported by KTLA. Continue reading→

Annual Rideshare Week urges commuters to share the ride

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in OCTA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 6, 2014

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

Annual Rideshare Week Urges Commuters To Share the Ride

Commuters can win prizes, save money and help the environment by pledging to participate

ORANGE – Rideshare Week encourages commuters to give up the solo commute and save time and money by sharing the ride today through Friday.

Rideshare Week is a weeklong event presented by the Orange County Transportation Authority to promote alternative transportation options. Commuters can pledge online to ride the bus or train, carpool, vanpool, walk or cycle. Participants will be entered to win prizes, including bus passes, Metrolink tickets, LED bike lights and an iPad. By referring three or more friends, they can win a $50 gift card, and those new to ridesharing are eligible to receive $2 a day for up to three months. Continue reading→

The OCTA offers free training for service dogs and owners on Oct. 4

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in buena park, Fullerton, OCTA, Pets, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

OCTA, Service Animals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 26, 2014

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

Service Animal Training Offers Free Rides for Dogs and Owners

Event helps service animals and handlers learn to navigate public transit

ORANGE – A free service animal training day, hosted by the Orange County Transportation Authority and Knott’s Berry Farm, is back for the second time this year.

The training day is set for Saturday, Oct. 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fullerton Park and Ride, 3000 W. Orangethorpe Ave. Participants can begin checking in at 7:30 a.m. to receive their Knott’s Berry Farm wristbands. Participants will enjoy unlimited practice boarding, riding and exiting an OCTA bus with their service animals. The round-trip training bus will depart every 20 minutes and will follow a special bus route for training day attendees. Trainers are encouraged to ride multiple times. Continue reading→

Supervisor Janet Nguyen fails to vote for ethics standard again

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2014 Elections, Democratic Party, Janet Nguyen, Jose Solorio, OCTA, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Janet Nguyen in prison garb

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 9, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Maria Unzueta (657) 464-4742 (Cell)

SUPERVISOR JANET NGUYEN FAILS TO VOTE FOR ETHICS STANDARDS – AGAIN

Nguyen Is Only Supervisor & Only OCTA Board Member To Abstain On Vote

SANTA ANA – Orange County Supervisor and OCTA Board Member Janet Nguyen, once again failed to support any form of ethics standards by abstaining from an OCTA vote yesterday on an Code of Conduct that applies to Board Members and employees.¹

“Supervisor Nguyen has developed a pattern of either voting ‘no’ or ‘abstaining’ from any votes relating to ethics for elected officials and government employees,” observed Jose Solorio, former State Assemblyman and candidate for State Senate. “Which part of OCTA’s Code of Conduct does she disagree with? The limit on gifts or favors, the prohibition of workplace harassment, or is it the relationship with contractors and use of OCTA assets? She can’t keep skipping out on these types of votes and expect to hold the public’s trust,” Solorio continued. Continue reading→

Town hall forum regarding the proposed 405 toll lanes set for Sep. 11

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, OCTA, Orange County, Toll Roads, Transportation Leave a comment

405 Freeway Cities Coalition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 8, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION: George Urch (714) 464-9125 (Cell)

405 FREEWAY CITIES COALITION IN ORANGE COUNTY TO HOLD TOWN HALL FORUM THIS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 ON CALTRANS’ PROPOSAL TO ADD TOLL LANES ON I-405 FREEWAY

Forum Will Offer Opportunity For General Public To Voice Opinion On Caltrans’ Latest Proposal To Add Toll Lanes Along I-405 Freeway Between SR-55 And I-605 Freeways In Orange County

WHO: * Panel Made Up Of City Council Members From Each Of The 6 Member Cities Of The 405 Freeway Cities Coalition (Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, and Westminster) and Rossmoor

* Remarks From Wide Variety Of Elected Officials & Public Continue reading→

I-5 Central County upgrade plans ready for review

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, OCTA, Santa Ana, Traffic, Transportation Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713 Aug. 25, 2014; Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

I-5 Central County Upgrade Plans Ready for Review

Public is invited to read and comment on the Measure M project’s environmental study by Sept. 12

ORANGE – Residents and commuters are invited to an open house to learn about the planned improvement project on the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) through central county and to provide comments on the project’s environmental documents that were recently released.

The Orange County Transportation Authority, in cooperation with Caltrans, is proposing to relieve traffic congestion, eliminate bottlenecks and improve traffic operations on I-5 between the Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55) and the Orange Freeway (SR-57) through the cities of Santa Ana, Orange and Tustin. Continue reading→