The City of Laguna Beach is pleased to announce the award of $7.2 million in grant funding from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to expand and enhance its public transit services. The funding comes through OCTA’s Project V, a competitive grant program designed to support community-based transit projects across the county.
“We are thrilled to receive this significant investment in our City’s transit system,” said Michael Litschi, Laguna Beach Director of Transit and Community Services. “These funds will allow us to expand our trolley and on-demand services, making it even easier for residents and visitors to enjoy all that Laguna Beach has to offer while reducing traffic and parking impacts in the community.”
The awarded grants will support two key projects:
- $5.2 million will fund the City’s off-season weekend trolley service through 2031. This includes more frequent service on holidays, during special events, and the continuation of the popular Summer Breeze service from Irvine, which will now begin earlier in the summer season.
- $2 million will be used to expand the Laguna Local on-demand program, extending its reach to residential areas off Laguna Canyon Road and El Toro Road. This expansion responds to community requests for increased transit options in these neighborhoods.
The OCTA Board of Directors voted unanimously on Monday, September 23, 2024, to approve the recommendations, securing full funding for both projects. Each project has a local match requirement that will require the City to pay a portion of the operating cost of the services: approximately 10% for the trolley service and 50% for on-demand. This investment will enhance Laguna Beach’s transit system over the next seven years.
“Our City is committed to providing accessible and sustainable transportation options for both residents and visitors,” said Laguna Beach Mayor Sue Kempf. “The expanded trolley and Laguna Local services will improve mobility, reduce congestion, and support our environmental goals by encouraging people to use public transit. I want to thank OCTA for their support and look forward to seeing these projects come to life.”
A full update on the transit programs and related budget amendments will be presented to the City Council at its October 22 meeting.