ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors approved a balanced $1.16 billion budget for the upcoming year during its meeting on Monday.
The 2016-17 budget encompasses all services, projects and programs that are administered by OCTA.
A major initiative for the budget includes an effort to increase bus ridership through implementation of OC Bus 360°, a program aimed at improving bus service and increasing the efficiency of bus travel throughout the county. This includes an increase in marketing efforts and the deferral of a planned fare increase.
In addition, the budget includes funding to advance the I-405 Improvement Project and for the OC Streetcar, two major capital projects that are currently being developed by OCTA.
“OCTA’s balanced budget for the upcoming year fulfills the promises made to voters who approved Measure M, our half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements,” said OCTA Chair Lori Donchak. “This budget will allow us to improve connectivity throughout the county, whether residents choose to drive, bike, walk or ride the bus or train.”
Funding allocations for the budget include:
- $345.1 million for countywide bus service
- $183.2 million for streets and roads improvements
- $230.4 million for freeway projects
- $10.5 million for environmental cleanup
This balanced budget is a result of OCTA’s mission to deliver long-term sustainable transportation solutions for the residents of Orange County.
OCTA is the county’s transportation agency, responsible for planning, financing and coordinating Orange County’s freeway, street and rail development, as well as managing the countywide bus and rail service, the 91 Express Lanes and Orange County’s Taxi Administration.
