Your Safety Is Our Priority
At OCTA, our top priority is the health and safety of our riders and employees and we continue to take guidance from federal, state and local health experts and government leaders. We ask you to please follow Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order to stay at home to help stop the spread of COVID-19. OC Bus service has been reduced but will continue to be available for those who are required to go out.
The following frequently asked questions provide answers to many of the questions you may have during this difficult time. We will update it frequently, so please check back.
1. How has OC Bus been impacted?
OCTA has implemented temporary service reductions to regular OC Bus service until further notice. All OC Bus routes have shifted to the Sunday service schedule seven days a week. StationLink routes are currently continuing to operate on the regular Monday through Friday schedule to connect with Metrolink trains. The change is necessary to allow our coach operators to remain safely at home if they are over 65 years old, have underlying health issues or are on leave to care for their families. We encourage you to plan ahead by visiting http://www.ocbus.com/ebusbook.
In addition, passengers are now being asked to temporarily board through the rear doors to further encourage social distancing. Boarding from the front door will still be allowed for passengers with disabilities or those who require use of the ramp.
OCTA will provide an extra bus if possible when demand exceeds the current limits for social distancing. This helps essential workers get where they need to be while allowing them to stay safe.
These decisions were made after careful consideration to ensure the safety of OCTA employees and the community while continuing to provide reliable service for riders who are depending on us. We know that many of you are following guidance for social distancing as well, as we've experienced a sharp drop in ridership.
2. Is it safe to ride OC Bus?
OCTA is taking proactive measures to safeguard the health of OC Bus riders by enhancing the cleaning of buses in operation, applying anti-viral disinfectant to every bus daily and by taking extra time to clean surfaces that are touched most frequently. OCTA is also encouraging social distancing on OC Buses whenever possible.
There are steps you can take to protect yourself from the virus. Based on advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Do not touch your face.
- Clean and disinfect items and surfaces that you touch frequently.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue.
3. Has OC ACCESS paratransit service been impacted?
There are no changes to OC ACCESS paratransit service. It will continue to be available for regular service to eligible passengers.
4. Is iShuttle service operating?
iShuttle service in Irvine and Tustin has been temporarily suspended until further notice. Visit OCbus.com for more information.
5. Has Metrolink train service been impacted?
Metrolink weekday service has been reduced until further notice. Metrolink weekend service and Stationlink will continue to operate as scheduled.
Visit https://metrolinktrains.com/temporary-service for schedule information.
6. Are the OCTA Store and OCTA's Headquarters open?
Beginning Monday, March 30, the OCTA Store will be open with reduced hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. The OCTA Store is located at 600 S. Main St. in Orange.
The majority of OCTA’s administrative employees have been working remotely since Monday, March 16 to promote social distancing and help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus in our community.
The OCTA board meeting, scheduled for 9 a.m. on Monday, March 23, was held as a teleconference and public comments were accepted via email: BoardofDirectors@octa.net.
7. Is the Lost and Found open?
OCTA’s lost and found is closed to the public until further notice. Passengers that need to pick up essential items, including medication and wallets, can contact us to arrange a time to retrieve those items.
The lost and found can be contacted by emailing LostandFound@octa.net, calling (714) 560-5934 or completing this online form.
8. Are the 91 Express Lanes open?
The 91 Express Lanes will remain open to drivers as usual.
However, the 91 Express Lanes Customer Walk-In Center in Corona is closed until further notice. Customers can manage their accounts and pay a violation online at www.91expresslanes.com. Customers can also call (800) 600-9191 to reach the Call Center. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
9. Will any projects currently under construction be affected because of the health crisis?
Work continues on important OCTA-led freeway improvement projects and OC Streetcar at this point. We will continue to monitor the situation and update the public if delays are expected. These activities are considered essential services by the federal government.