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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.

For the 35th consecutive year, Taxpayer Oversight Committee confirms OCTA is keeping its commitments to the voter-approved half-cent sales tax

ORANGE – The Measure M Taxpayer Oversight Committee has confirmed that the Orange County Transportation Authority continues to deliver its commitments to the voters of Orange County.

During an annual public hearing held Tuesday, June 9, the 11-member independent oversight committee confirmed that OCTA is consistent with the Measure M transportation investment plan. It’s the 35th year in a row the committee has made the finding that OCTA is delivering on the plan as promised.

Measure M is a half-cent sales tax that funds critical transportation infrastructure, services, and programs throughout the county. This plan was originally approved by voters in 1990 and renewed by nearly 70% of voters in 2006.

“The confirmation from the Taxpayer Oversight Committee is an integral part of ensuring transparency in how taxpayer funds are used to improve the county’s transportation,” said OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico. “OCTA remains committed to fiscal responsibility and accountability in every Measure M investment.”

The independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee was established to monitor OCTA’s use of Measure M funding and uphold transparency and accountability. Its responsibilities include approving changes to the investment plan and holding annual public hearings to confirm OCTA’s fulfillment of its commitments.

Measure M is expected to generate approximately $13.2 billion through 2041 while supporting a balanced and sustainable transportation network. Funding allocates 43% for freeway improvements, 32% for street enhancements, and 25% for transit projects. The plan also sponsors two environmental programs to protect open spaces and reduce transportation emissions.

Key goals of Measure M include:

• Easing traffic congestion
• Maintaining and enhancing transportation infrastructure
• Supporting and expanding community and regional transit options
• Coordinating traffic signals across the county
• Providing affordable transportation for seniors and people with disabilities
• Preserving and restoring natural habitat
• Lowering transportation-related pollution

As Measure M celebrates its 15th year - the halfway point of its 30-year lifespan - the program has enabled more than $6 billion in transportation improvements, delivering meaningful benefits to residents, commuters and visitors across Orange County.

For more information about Measure M or the Taxpayer Oversight Committee, visit www.octa.net/TOC.

Balanced budget prioritizes transit, freeway and street improvements while maintaining OCTA’s strong financial position

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors today approved a balanced budget of approximately $2 billion for fiscal year 2026-27, continuing investments in transit, freeways, streets and roads, and other transportation improvements that keep Orange County moving while maintaining OCTA’s long-standing commitment to fiscal responsibility.

The budget, which takes effect July 1, allocates funding across all modes of transportation and supports the delivery of major projects and programs that improve mobility, enhance quality of life and fulfill commitments made to Orange County voters through Measure M, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements.

More than half of the budget – approximately 52% – is dedicated to transit investments, including OC Bus service, Metrolink commuter rail, local rail operations and Measure M-funded transit programs. The budget also continues funding for freeway improvements, express lanes operations, local street and road projects, and motorist services.

“At OCTA, we are focused on making strategic investments that improve the way people move today while preparing Orange County for the future,” said OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico. “This balanced budget demonstrates our commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while continuing to enhance transit service, improve our roads and freeways, and deliver on the promises made to Orange County voters.”

Budget Allocation Highlights:

• 52% for Transit

• 34% for bus operations and services

• 13% for regional rail service

• 2% for local rail

• 2% for Measure M transit programs

• 25% for Freeways

• 10% for the 91 Express Lanes

• 8% for Streets and Roads

• 3% for the 405 Express Lanes

• 2% for Measure M Debt Service

• Less than 1% for Motorist Services

Key Priorities for the next fiscal year include:

• Maintaining and Enhancing Transit Service

• Continued operation of Orange County’s bus and rail network

• Investments to support reliable and accessible public transportation

• Ongoing implementation of transit programs funded through Measure M

• Delivering Transportation Improvements

• Continued investment in freeway improvement projects throughout Orange County

• Funding for local street and road improvements through Measure M programs

• Support for regional transportation partnerships and rail initiatives

• Preserving Financial Stability

• Maintaining a balanced budget amid economic uncertainty

• Continued prudent management of reserves and resources

• Monitoring sales tax and other revenue sources while positioning OCTA to respond to changing economic conditions

• Operating Express Lanes Successfully

• Continued operation and maintenance of the 91 Express Lanes and 405 Express Lanes

• Meeting financial and performance commitments while providing reliable travel options for motorists

The FY 2026-27 budget encompasses all transportation services, capital projects and programs approved by the OCTA Board and administered by the agency. Through careful planning and disciplined financial management, OCTA continues to deliver a balanced transportation system that serves Orange County residents, businesses and visitors.

For more information about OCTA programs, projects and services, visit www.octa.net.