California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability
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.

To support these initiatives, OCTA staff will advance 104 planned projects and program milestones in 2026, with progress updates provided to the Board throughout the year.
Credit: OCTA
The Orange County Transportation Authority in 2026 will focus on delivering a balanced, sustainable, and equitable transportation system while strengthening organizational resiliency and fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration, the agency announced.
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.
Advancing OCTA’s Vision
Each year, the newly elected board Chair works with the CEO to develop and present a set of strategic initiatives that reflect community values, fiscal responsibility, and long-term planning. The initiatives were recently reviewed and accepted by OCTA’s 18-member board.
“This plan reflects our responsibility to deliver on our commitments to Orange County residents by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation choices,” said OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico. “By focusing on balance, sustainability, and collaboration, we are ensuring that OCTA continues to meet today’s transportation needs while preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the future.”
The 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives focus on three overarching priorities:
Providing a Balanced, Sustainable, and Equitable Public Transportation System: Delivering safe, reliable, and accessible travel options for residents, commuters, and visitors, advancing Measure M projects and programs, and engaging stakeholders through meaningful public input.
Enhancing Organizational Strength Through Financial Stewardship and Environmental Leadership: Demonstrating prudent financial management, responsibly using taxpayer dollars, strengthening adaptability to economic and environmental conditions, and championing sustainability initiatives that support healthy communities.
Sustaining a Culture of Excellence, Collaboration, and Inclusion: Expanding partnerships with key agencies, organizations, and communities, fostering a safe and inclusive workplace that empowers employees, and promoting innovation, accountability, and teamwork across the organization.

Each year, the newly elected board Chair works with the CEO to develop and present a set of strategic initiatives that reflect community values, fiscal responsibility, and long-term planning.
Credit: OCTA
What’s Next?
To support these initiatives, OCTA staff will advance 104 planned projects and program milestones in 2026, with progress updates provided to the Board throughout the year.
“By clearly defining our priorities and aligning them with measurable actions, we ensure accountability and transparency in everything we do,” said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson. “This plan positions OCTA to remain fiscally responsible, environmentally conscious, and responsive to the communities we serve, while continuing to keep Orange County moving safely and efficiently.”
More Management

METRO Opens Submissions for 2026 Motorcoach Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for METRO Magazine’s Operator of the Year and Innovative Operator of the Year awards.
Read More →
New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion
Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.
Read More →
Transit Agencies Highlight Safety Gains at National Summit
Leaders from 15 major transit systems shared crime-reduction results and safety initiatives while discussing the role of continued federal support.
Read More →
NITA Names New Leadership, Expands Reduced-Fare Program at First Board Meeting
The new regional transit authority appointed its first board chair and interim executive director while extending reduced fares across CTA, Metra, and Pace for eligible riders.
Read More →
Beyond the Checklist: A Structured Approach to Transit Maintenance
Reliability-Centered Maintenance helps transit agencies move beyond routine checklists to focus limited resources on the assets and failures that have the greatest impact on safety, reliability, and service.
Read More →
APTA 2026 Nominating Committee Selects Leadership Slate, Names Chair and Vice Chair Nominees
Leadership changes will help shape the association’s priorities and its representation of the transportation industry during the 2026–2027 term.
Read More →
DART Launches Major Security, Fare Enforcement Initiative
The 90-day demonstration will deploy coordinated security teams at five light rail stations while testing controlled access and gathering data to guide future investments.
Read More →Advancing Fare Collection Through Technology and Innovation
Learn about delivering 1300 gates at 91 stations while managing fare evasion. Explore the large scale deployment, solution customization and real-world results that affect the region. Prepare for deployment in your region now.
Read More →
Game Day in Motion: Moving Millions During the 2026 World Cup
Between packed transit stations and team motorcoaches, see how agencies and operators across North America tackled the transportation demands of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Read More →
Surface Transportation Extension Averts Shutdown, Leaves Transit Funding Gap
The stopgap keeps federal transportation programs moving, but missing advance funding could complicate the transit and rail projects agencies are planning next.
Read More →
