Calif.'s OC Streetcar project takes next step with MOU
The Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors agreed to a memorandum of understanding with the city of Santa Ana outlining the roles and responsibilities associated with the development, implementation, operations and maintenance of the project.
Calif.’s OC Streetcar project marked its latest milestone this week as the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) board of directors agreed to a memorandum of understanding with the city of Santa Ana outlining the roles and responsibilities associated with the development, implementation, operations and maintenance of the project.
The OC Streetcar is planned to travel through the cities of Santa Ana and Garden Grove, intended to provide easy connections for people traveling from trains and buses to employment, retail and recreational areas.
Ad Loading...
The streetcar is planned to operate along a route just longer than four miles.
“This agreement is another big step toward the realization of Orange County’s first modern streetcar,” said Santa Ana Mayor/OCTA Director Miguel Pulido. “The streetcar will improve the way people move through the heart of our county and provide needed transportation alternatives for a modern work environment.”
Up to seven streetcars are planned to run along the route, stopping at 12 stations. By 2035, the streetcar is expected to carry more than 6,000 riders a day. Initial estimates put the project cost at $250 million, with OCTA pursuing local, state and federal funding.
The streetcar is expected to move into the design phase later this year with construction planned to begin in 2017. On the current schedule, the streetcar would begin running in 2019.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
This final component of the 2 Line will cross Lake Washington and connect with the 1 Line at International District/Chinatown Station, creating a fully integrated regional light rail system.
Expected to enter service in 2029, these locomotives support the agency’s commitment to offer reliable and efficient rail transportation across South Florida.
