Virtual public meetings planned in multiple languages before April 26 public hearing on service change
ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority continues to adjust OC Bus service during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and wants to hear from riders and members of the public to help keep Orange County moving safely.
Since March 2020, when the initial stay-at-home order was issued by the state, OCTA reduced bus service in light of the reduced ridership and for employee safety, but continued providing vital public transit for those who need it to reach essential jobs and medical appointments.
Subsequent changes to service in June and October 2020 and again this month, February 2021, gradually restored some service, always keeping the safety of the public and employees as the top priority. Currently service is running approximately 70 percent of what it was prior to the pandemic.
While initial reductions included reducing frequency of service of 37 routes and temporarily suspending eight routes, some of that service was restored, and no major changes to bus service are planned during the June 13 service change.
Moving forward, OCTA is seeking public input, in multiple languages, to help decide what changes to make to bus service in June and beyond.
“Since the pandemic began, OCTA has continued providing reliable public transit service to ensure access to essential jobs and appointments. Through it all, the safety of the public and our employees has always been our top priority,” said OCTA Chairman Andrew Do, also the county’s First District Supervisor. “As we continue to adjust our bus service, it’s vital that we hear feedback from the public so we can make the best, most informed decisions possible.”
Members of the public are encouraged to share their opinions on all of the changes to date by filling out an online questionnaire – available through March 26, online at www.ocbus.com/2021feedback.
Several public meetings via Zoom are planned to provide information and get feedback. Meetings are planned in multiple languages as follows:
- In English: 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 9 (Meeting ID: 989 4355 7315)
- In Vietnamese: 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 10 (Meeting ID: 969 1321 5973)
- In Spanish: 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 10 (Meeting ID: 962 6419 0361)
Participation in any of the meetings is also available by phone by calling: (669) 900-6833.
Comments can also be submitted at any time by March 26 via these hotline numbers in multiple languages:
- English: (714) 560-5007
- Spanish: (714) 560-5002
- Vietnamese: (714) 560-5003.
Information also will be distributed on board OC Bus.
A public hearing on the June service change will be held during the OCTA board meeting at 9 a.m. on April 26. Public comments can be submitted by 5 p.m. April 25 by emailing the OCTA Clerk of the Board at boardofdirectors@octa.net.
For more information, visit www.ocbus.com/2021buschange.
