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OCTA official says disciplined planning, youth programs drove ridership back to pre‑COVID levels
Summary
Orange County Transportation Authority presentation highlighted financial reserves, free youth and community college ride programs, upcoming OC Streetcar service and fleet electrification — and named funding risks including Metrolink operating shortfalls, cap‑and‑trade uncertainty and coastal rail erosion.
Daryl Johnson of the Orange County Transportation Authority told the SB125 Transit Task Force that OCTA has rebuilt stability in its transit system through multi‑decade planning and fiscal safeguards and that recent youth and community college fare programs have materially increased ridership.
Johnson said OCTA’s transit programs account for “just over 50% of the agency’s annual budget” and described the agency’s “disciplined planning and sound financial management,” including a 20‑year comprehensive business plan and a long‑term operating reserve meant to protect service if revenues fall. “We set aside funds in a long term operating reserve to ensure that we could fund our financial future,” he said.
Johnson highlighted two fare programs designed to build long‑term riders: free…
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