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

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 →
A shot of ENC's manufacturing facility
Busby StaffMarch 31, 2026

ENC Named 'Partner of Choice' to Support Philadelphia SEPTA’s $43M FTA Grant

SEPTA was awarded $43 million in competitive grant funding from the FTA's FY25 Low and No Emission and Bus and Bus Facilities grant programs to support this procurement.

Read More →
Cover photo for Bus Tech Talk with Cecil Blandon
Managementby Alex RomanMarch 27, 2026

AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit

In part 1 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his journey from the U.S. Marines to public transit and the role mentorship plays in developing the next generation of industry leaders.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An MBTA bus with a passenger boarding at shelter.
Busby StaffMarch 27, 2026

MBTA Confirms Funding for Upgraded Arborway Bus Facility

When construction is complete, battery-electric buses will operate from the Arborway facility on Day One, providing cleaner, quieter, and more reliable service for riders, the MBTA said. After completion, the old facility will be demolished, and the land will be made available for redevelopment.

Read More →