OCTA to fund $9.8M in new county transit services

California's Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) approved $9.8 million to fund six new services that will expand the reach of transit for Orange County residents.

Funded by Measure M2, the half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, the money will allow cities to operate year-round, seasonal or special event services that complement Orange County’s regional bus and rail systems.

“We are thrilled to partner with cities to provide additional transit services for our growing communities,” said OCTA Chairman Greg Winterbottom. “These dollars will allow cities to operate new services that best fit the needs of their residents.”

Based on the board-approved criteria, six projects were awarded funding. These project include a summer weekend trolley system for the city of Dana Point; special event shuttle services for the city of Huntington Beach; and year-round service with stops at St. Jude Hospital and the Fullerton Transportation Center in the city of La Habra.

The funding includes capital and/or operating costs for the first seven years of service. All the services are anticipated to begin in the next year, with the La Habra shuttle beginning in fiscal year 2014-15.