Seasonal trolley services to the beach and other parts of Orange County connect riders to six coastal cities in Orange County through the summer months and beyond
ORANGE – Free summer trolley services funded by the Orange County Transportation Authority continue to provide convenient transportation to Orange County’s coastal communities, offering residents and visitors an easy way to reach beaches, restaurants, shopping destinations and local attractions while helping reduce traffic congestion during the busy summer season.
Funded through Measure M, Orange County’s voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, the seasonal trolley services are operated by six Orange County cities. Service continues through Labor Day, with select routes extending into late September.
The trolley program is part of OCTA’s Community-Based Transit Circulator Program, which supports locally operated services tailored to the transportation needs of individual communities.
During the most recent six-month reporting period, presented to the OCTA Board of Directors this week, the services carried nearly 276,000 passengers, reflecting the continued popularity of these transportation options. That ridership includes 14 shuttles that operated throughout Orange County, including in Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, Los Alamitos and Mission Viejo.
In calendar year 2025, the shuttles traveled approximately 650,000 miles and helped more than 840,000 people reach their destinations more efficiently.
“Measure M continues to deliver meaningful transportation improvements that benefit Orange County residents and visitors,” said OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico. “These free trolley services provide convenient and fun access to some of Orange County’s most popular destinations while helping reduce congestion, easing parking demand and offering an enjoyable alternative to driving.”
Each trolley connects riders with OC Bus service, and several routes also provide direct connections to Metrolink stations, expanding regional transit options throughout Orange County.
The six participating trolley services in coastal communities include:
- Dana Point Trolley: Connects riders to Dana Point’s beaches, parks, shopping, dining and entertainment destinations while providing connections to the Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente trolley services.
- Laguna Beach Trolley: Travels along Coast Highway, connecting riders to beaches, downtown Laguna Beach, shopping, dining and local attractions.
- Balboa Peninsula Trolley: Serves 22 stops throughout Newport Beach’s Balboa Peninsula, including Newport Pier, Balboa Pier, Balboa Village and the Balboa Fun Zone.
- San Clemente Trolley: Connects riders to the Outlets at San Clemente, the Del Mar shopping district, San Clemente Pier and the San Clemente Metrolink Station at North Beach.
- San Juan Capistrano Trolley: Provides service to downtown San Juan Capistrano, Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Los Rios Historic District and the San Juan Capistrano Metrolink Station while connecting with the Dana Point Trolley.
- Laguna Niguel Summer Trolley: Connects riders to parks, beaches, shopping, dining destinations and community events throughout Laguna Niguel.
The summer trolley program is one of several local transit services funded through Measure M. Measure M is Orange County’s voter-approved half-cent sales tax that funds a balanced transportation system through freeway, street, transit and environmental improvements. Delivered by OCTA with independent taxpayer oversight, Measure M enhances safety, expands travel options and keeps Orange County moving.
For route maps, schedules and service information, visit octa.net/SummerShuttles.
