Board Actions
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February 22, 2010 Board Meeting
March Bus Service Reduction Details Released
The board was presented with an overview of the specific changes to be implemented in the upcoming March 14 bus service change, which will reduce service by an additional 150,000 hours.
After meeting with representatives from Transit Advocates of Orange County, Cal State Fullerton, Cypress College, city representatives and other stakeholder groups, OCTA modified the reduction program to incorporate some of the suggestions received.
Night Owl service on routes 43, 50, 57 and 60 will be reduced, with no service between 1 to 4 a.m.
On weekdays, routes 62, 74, 75, 131, 147, 164 and 693 will be eliminated. Route 24, which was planned for elimination, will remain in service but will operate less frequently.
On Saturdays, routes 24, 76, 86, 172, 193 and 693 will be eliminated. Sundays, routes 24, 51, 76, 82, 85, 172, 193 and 693 will be eliminated.
In addition, frequency of service will be reduced on some routes, certain routes will be restructured to improve efficiency of service and new routes will be implemented.
For a summary of all changes, visit OCTA’s Web site . Bus books reflecting these changes will be available in early March.
The Same Day Taxi program is an alternate form of transportation for ACCESS riders impacted by the route eliminations.
This reduction to OCTA’s bus system is a result of cuts in state transit funding, declines in fare revenue and sales tax revenue.
Measure M2 Progress Report Highlights Projects
The board was presented with the fourth quarter Measure M2 progress report highlighting various transportation projects.
As part of the M2 Early Action Plan, the quarterly updates for projects funded by Measure M2, a half-cent transportation sales tax, are available on OCTA’s Web site.
The following freeway studies are in progress:
- San Diego Freeway (I-5) improvement between Avenida Pico and Pacific Coast Highway
- I-5 traffic flow improvement between the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road (SR-73) and San Diego Freeway (I-405)
The following freeway projects are in the environmental phase:
- A lane addition on the Riverside Freeway (SR-91) between I-5 and SR-57 in Anaheim
- Traffic flow improvement on Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55) and SR-91 interchange
- Lane addition on the San Diego Freeway (I-405) between SR-55 and the San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605)
The following freeway projects are in the final design phase:
- Reconstruction of I-5 / Ortega Highway (SR-74) interchange
- Lane additions along SR-91 from SR-55 to Eastern Toll Road (SR-241)
Construction of a new eastbound lane on SR-91 between SR-241 and the Corona Expressway (SR-71) in Riverside County is slated for completion in late 2010.
The 50 rail safety enhancement construction projects, spanning eight cities, are anticipated for completion in late 2011. Also, three additional cities moved into step two of Go Local, a four-step program designed to enhance connections between Metrolink stations and surrounding communities.
Signal Synchronization Moves Forward As Air Quality Measure
To meet federal air quality mandates, signal synchronization was implemented in place of the deferred Bravo! Bus Rapid Transit Program (BRT).
The board approved the renewal of a consulting contract for work to continue on the signal synchronization projects. The contract will continue through the end of 2011, the anticipated completion date of the projects.
Signal synchronization allows a series of lights along a street to turn green based on timers set to traffic patterns and congestion levels. The program is designed to improve the flow of traffic during peak commuting hours.
Signal synchronization will serve the same locations as planned under BRT, which include:
- Bristol Street / State College Boulevard from Imperial Highway to Sunflower Avenue
- Harbor Boulevard from Chapman Avenue to Newport Boulevard
- Westminster Boulevard from Seal Beach Boulevard to Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55)
Board Honors February Employees Of The Month
Chairman Jerry Amante presented resolutions of appreciation to the three employees of the month for February.
Coach Operator of the month Mohamed Adnan has remained accident free for eight years. Adnan has exceptional customer service skills and has maintained an excellent attendance record.
Maintenance employee of the month Ray Consiglio has worked as a mechanic at OCTA for 30 years and consistently seeks to improve his personal knowledge in all areas of maintenance.
Administrative employee of the month Andrea West, a local government representative was recognized for coordinating the CEO’s successful tour of all 34 Orange County cities. She is a liaison for city relations on high-speed rail in Orange County.