• OCTA Appoints New and Returning Board Members
• Board Reviews 2022 Initiatives and Action Plan
• OCTA’s Zero-Emission Bus Pilots Creating a Cleaner O.C.

The Orange County Transportation Authority’s board of directors recognized three employees of the month for January.  

The honors went to: 

• Roberto Vargas, a coach operator who started at OCTA in 2001. He is a model coach operator who consistently provides riders with safe, courteous and reliable service. Roberto achieved 19 years of safe driving in July 2022.
• Michael Gonzales, who joined OCTA as an equipment parts clerk in 2020. Michael currently works the night shift at the Santa Ana base supporting the mechanics with all the parts and materials they need. During OCTA’s recent engine repower campaign, Michael took on extra work assembling the parts kits and has earned a reputation as someone who can be counted on to go above and beyond.
• Riley Koehler, a financial analyst. Riley has demonstrated the highest level of integrity and professionalism when developing a wide range of financial models during OCTA’s recent labor negotiations. Riley worked tirelessly throughout the negotiations to ensure a fair and clear financial picture was being presented, ensuring a successful outcome for OCTA and its employees.

OCTA Chairman Gene Hernandez, also the Mayor of Yorba Linda, and OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson unveiled the 2023 Board and CEO Strategic Initiatives and Action Plan that will guide the agency through the year while remaining fiscally conservative and working to provide a balanced, sustainable transportation system for Orange County.

For 2023, there are three Board initiatives that are supported by nine CEO Initiatives:

• Equitable, Reliable, and Balanced Transportation
• Provide Effective and Accessible Transportation Modes
• Advance Measure M2 Improvements
• Engage With Local Stakeholders in All Communities
• Financial and Environmental Sustainability and Resilience
• Champion Fiscal Responsibility and Prudently Administer Public Funds
• Anticipate and Plan for Future Conditions
• Demonstrate Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
• Organizational Excellence, Leadership, and Accountability
• Enhance Regional Partnerships and Relationships with Stakeholders
• Strengthen Inclusivity and Diversity in the Work Environment
• Promote Employee Development and a Safe and Modern Workplace

OCTA’s board received a quarterly update on the OC Streetcar, which is now 78% complete.

The OC Streetcar will be Orange County’s first modern electric streetcar, running along a 4.1-mile route between the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center and Harbor Boulevard in Garden Grove. The project will improve transit connectivity and accessibility, increase transit options, relieve congestion, and provide benefits to the community and traveling public.

The OC Streetcar will offer an additional affordable and convenient transit option, connecting with several of the busiest OC Bus routes and Metrolink commuter rail, in one of the nation’s most densely populated areas, while producing zero emissions.

Recent progress on the OC Streetcar includes:

• The installation of embedded track on Fourth Street was completed
• Both directions of street traffic reopened between French Street and Ross Street ahead of the Thanksgiving milestone date
• The first platform canopy was installed near French Street
• Seven streetcar vehicles are in the final stages of manufacturing and the eighth vehicle is in final assembly and will commence static and dynamic testing in early 2023
• Significant outreach efforts continued, including bilingual construction notices, business outreach, and the Downtown Santa Ana Eat, Shop, Play Program

The OC Streetcar is scheduled to begin operations in 2024. For more information visit octa.net/OCStreetcar.