METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Calif.'s OCTA to launch new bus design

The existing design, more than 20 years old, will be phased out to make way for the new look that prominently features a light blue and orange wave across the bus and the words “OC Bus.”

June 23, 2015
Calif.'s OCTA to launch new bus design

OCTA Chairman Jeff Lalloway, also Irvine’s mayor pro tem, (left) and OCTA CEO Darrell Johnson stand in front of the redesigned OCTA bus, which will soon roll out on Orange County streets.

1 min to read


OCTA Chairman Jeff Lalloway, also Irvine’s mayor pro tem, (left) and OCTA CEO Darrell Johnson stand in front of the redesigned OCTA bus, which will soon roll out on Orange County streets.

Calif.’s Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) board voted Monday to roll out a colorful new design for its buses as part of an ongoing and comprehensive effort to maximize service, retain riders and get the attention of new customers.

The existing design, more than 20 years old, will be phased out to make way for the new look that prominently features a light blue and orange wave across the bus and the words “OC Bus.” The recognizable blue-and-white OCTA logo also remains.

Ad Loading...

The timing was right for the re-branding because OCTA is in the process of replacing more than 40% of its bus fleet with 201 compressed natural gas-powered buses. The buses are scheduled for delivery from late 2015 to early 2017.

The newly designed OCTA buses include a prominent blue wave and the words “OC Bus.” The new design is set to roll out in phases as buses are replaced. All photos courtesy OCTA

OCTA continues to explore ways to make its bus service a transportation option of choice for more Orange County residents by optimizing service delivery and by marketing and discounting prices to targeted groups.

Concepts for the new bus designs were reviewed by customers, advisory committees, members of the OCTA’s Teen Council and the millennial generation, and other stakeholders. The final design, they said, is inviting and dynamic and captures the personality of Orange County.

The new look is cost-effective to implement and maintain and is a timeless enough to last for years.

 


 

More Bus

Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., named President/CEO at DART
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 22, 2026

DART Taps Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. as Next President/CEO

Since 2012, Ford has served as the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority

Read More →
Maintenance Leadership for a Changing Industry
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 22, 2026

AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Building the Next Generation of Transit Maintenance Leaders

The agency’s maintenance chief discusses leadership, workforce development, zero-emission technology, and preparing technicians for the future of public transportation.

Read More →
TechnologyJuly 20, 2026

Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology

In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Crowd waiting for LA Metro bus
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJuly 15, 2026

June LA Metro Ridership Surges 2 Million Year Over Year

Total June ridership increased for both weekdays and weekends. Weekday ridership was 953,820, which grew 8.4% from June 2025; Saturdays increased nearly 13% year-over-year to 708,826; and Sundays increased 7.7% to 611,534 from June 2025, according to LA Metro. 

Read More →
Pierce Transit Measure Heads to November Ballot
Managementby StaffJuly 14, 2026

Washington's Pierce Transit Board Sends Transit Funding Measure to November Ballot

With the adoption of Resolution 2026-006, the measure moves to the Pierce County Auditor, giving voters in the Pierce Transit service area the decision on whether to fund an expansion of local transit service within the agency’s service area.

Read More →
MTA, State and City Leadership Unveil Plan to Build the Fastest, Best Bus System in NYC History
Busby Staff and News ReportsJuly 9, 2026

New York Unveils Sweeping Plan to Modernize City Bus Service

Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service identifies 50 priority bus corridors for improvements across the five boroughs and launches the City’s next generation of rapid bus service along five key routes.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
STV Advances CTDOT Fleet Electrification
Busby Staff and News ReportsJuly 8, 2026

CTDOT Taps STV for Electric Bus Facility Design

The firm will work with CTDOT and RVT to define the facility layout, operational requirements, and long-term flexibility for RVT’s growing electric fleet.

Read More →
Blue and white graphic with a professional portrait of Nathaniel P. Ford Sr.

Ford to Leave JTA After More Than 10 Years as CEO

He plans to continue his work advancing innovative mobility solutions to improve the quality of life in communities across the nation. He did not announce specific plans.

Read More →
A panel of four people sitting on a stage.
Busby Elora HaynesJuly 6, 2026

Transit Leaders Push for Bus Procurement Reforms to Reduce Costs

Industry experts said reducing unnecessary bus customization and modernizing purchasing practices could help transit agencies buy more vehicles, improve reliability, and make better use of limited funding.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
California Expands Public Transit Strategy
Technologyby StaffJune 29, 2026

Executive Order Aims to Improve Transit Access Across California

The order directs state agencies to streamline transit project delivery, improve coordination, and expand access to bus and passenger rail services across California.

Read More →