Bus Cuts Will Be Less Than Expected

150,000 hours of service will be cut in March – half of the 300,000 hours planned
ORANGE –The Orange County Transportation Authority board of directors voted today to reduce 150,000 hours of service in March – half of the original 300,000 hours planned.
The service reductions are taking place in an effort to bridge a more than $330 million budget shortfall over the next five years due to a decline in sales tax revenue and fare revenue and the elimination of the State Transit Assistance fund.
A recent court appeal determined that the states raid on transit money is illegal, and it is possible the state could restore some of the funding for transit operations. If the state funding is not restored, OCTA may need to reduce additional service.
“Bus service is vital to the nearly 200,000 passengers we serve each day,” said OCTA CEO Will Kempton. “We know these cuts will significantly impact those who depend upon our buses and OCTA is continuing to look at ways to minimize the impacts to our customers.”
The board’s decision follows a public hearing held on Oct. 26, where residents gave input on strategies for reducing service. Bus riders and transit supporters were pleased with today’s decision and expressed hope that no additional cuts will be needed.
More than 900 comments have been received on the service cuts and the board will vote on specific service cuts at the Nov. 23 meeting.
For more information on the bus service reductions, visit www.octa.net/marchchange.