METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Calif.'s OCTA celebrates 40 years of service

Began bus service in 1972 with eight buses along three routes. Forty years later, the agency operates a fleet of 550 buses along 77 routes throughout Orange County, California.

June 14, 2012
Calif.'s OCTA celebrates 40 years of service

OCTA CEO Will Kempton addressed employees that have been with the agency for 35-plus years.

1 min to read


OCTA CEO Will Kempton addressed employees that have been with the agency for 35-plus years.

Orange, Calif.-based Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is celebrating its 40th year of bus service with free bus rides the week of June 18.

In 1972, OCTA began bus service with eight buses along three routes. Forty years later, the agency operates a fleet of 550 buses along 77 routes throughout Orange County.

“On a daily basis, 170,000 people board an OCTA bus and we look forward to continuing to serve Orange County by getting our residents and visitors where they need to go for another 40 years,” said OCTA Chair Paul Glaab, also the mayor of Laguna Niguel.

OCTA CEO Will Kempton with some of OCTA's long-time employees celebrating the agency's 40th anniversary.

As part of the anniversary celebration, the public is encouraged to take part in Dump the Pump week, June 18 to 22 by pledging online to forgo the gas pump and take the bus, train, carpool, ride a bike, walk or telecommute. Those who pledge will receive a coupon for a free one-day bus pass.

“The success of this agency is driven by our loyal customers and we want thank them, and encourage new riders, by offering the opportunity to ride the bus for free,” said Glaab.

You can find more information on OCTA’s 40th Anniversary here.

More Bus

A picture of a San Diego MTS railcar and bus at a transit station.
Managementby StaffApril 17, 2026

San Diego Transit Agencies Propose Fare Hike to Close Budget Gaps

The agencies, San Diego MTS and NCTD - San Diego Railroad, which share a fare system (PRONTO), proposed the changes to help address their respective financial sustainability strategies.

Read More →
A Fresno Area Express bus refurbished by Complete Coach Works.
Busby StaffApril 17, 2026

Complete Coach Works Completes 11 CNG Bus Refurbishment Project for Fresno Area Express

The project was awarded under the Washington State Contract, enabling FAX to streamline its procurement processes while ensuring value and quality from an experienced transit solutions provider, said officials.

Read More →
A MARTA 60-foot articulated bus.
Busby StaffApril 16, 2026

MARTA Set to Launch Next Gen Bus Network

The historic initiative represents the first time since MARTA began bus operations in the early 1970s that the entire system has been redrawn from scratch.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Coach USA Van Hool CX 45 delivered by ABC Companies.
Busby StaffApril 15, 2026

ABC Delivers Van Hools to Coach USA and More in Biz Briefs

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Moovit, CAF, and more.

Read More →
A headshot of Inez Evans Benson
Busby Alex RomanApril 15, 2026

Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience

The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.

Read More →
FlixBus vehicles in a parking garage.
ManagementApril 13, 2026

Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism

Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover Photo for Bus Tech Talk
ManagementApril 9, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit

In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.

Read More →
A blurry TransLink R2 rapid bus
Managementby StaffApril 8, 2026

Vancouver's TransLink Fast-Tracks RapidBus Line to Metrotown

Funded through the 2025 Investment Plan, the new R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus is expected to begin service in September, more than three months ahead of schedule.

Read More →
Complete Parts logo
Busby StaffApril 1, 2026

Complete Coach Works Unveils Reimagined Parts Department with Expanded Capabilities

Complete Parts features new branding with a new logo, a new contact telephone number, a dedicated order desk, enhanced processes and inventory, all designed to provide the parts bus operations need.  

Read More →
Ad Loading...
frontrunner bus
SponsoredApril 1, 2026

Breaking Accessibility Barriers with the Low Floor Frontrunner Minibus

Accessible transit isn’t a feature—it’s a responsibility. This whitepaper explores how the Low-Floor Frontrunner is redefining mobility with a breakthrough design that removes barriers, empowers riders, and delivers measurable operational advantages for agencies. Discover why this next generation minibus is setting a new standard for inclusive transportation.

Read More →