Transit Plan Adds Shuttles, Cuts 11 Routes

Orange County’s fleet of shuttle buses would be enlarged, but 11 bus routes would be eliminated under a proposal approved Monday by the county’s Transportation Authority.

Those changes, part of the first major overhaul of the county system in 15 years, would affect about 5,000 people who ride the bus daily, transportation officials said.

Since last March, transportation planners have been evaluating current bus routes and have surveyed 10,000 riders and non-riders. The planners say their goal has been to improve bus service while reducing the expense.

This fiscal year, bus riders will pay only 25% of the $64.8 million cost of bus service. The rest comes from state and federal governments, which are expected to decrease their share by 5% next year.

The new plan includes switching to more small buses to reduce costs and reach more areas, said Mike Greenwood, senior transportation analyst. The plan would add 14 shuttles to the current 20 to serve less densely populated areas, such as Irvine.

The cost of running a 17-passenger shuttle is half that of running a full-size bus, which carries between 42 and 60 riders.

The number of large buses would be reduced from 374 to 310 and would serve primarily central Orange County areas, such as Santa Ana and Garden Grove, where residential and work areas provide higher ridership.

The 11 bus routes that would be eliminated are scattered throughout the county, Greenwood said.

Outlying Orange County cities would receive specialized services according to their needs. In Mission Viejo, for instance, bus stops would be added to increase accessibility for its large senior citizen population.

Countywide, in concentrated residential and work areas, bus stops would be no more than a quarter of a mile apart.

The redesign plan may affect bus fares, planners said. Studies are being conducted to determine whether to eliminate transfers and day and weekly passes. Greenwood wouldn’t say whether or how much fares might increase.

In the coming months, planners will organize public hearings on the proposed changes.

“There’s still time for the public to voice their opinions,” Greenwood said. “Public outreach is very important to us.”

The plan, which does not now include any fare changes, is expected to be implemented in three phases beginning in September. Any proposed changes in fares would require further public hearings.