OCTA in the Community in 2024

The LGBTQ Center's OC Indigo Ball on Saturday, May 4 in Newport Beach celebrated OCTA Directors and O.C. Supervisors Katrina Foley and Vicente Sarmiento's work in the LGBTQ+ Community. The event brought together advocates and allies for a night of recognition and solidarity.

To celebrate Bike Months, OCTA handed out Orange County bike maps to students and encouraged other forms of transportation, such as the discounted OC Bus U-Pass available to University of California, Irvine students.

Students had their last meeting of the 2023–2024 OCTA Teen Council cohort, where they learned about Active Transportation, and concluded by sharing their positive experiences while serving on the Teen Council.

Small Business Diversity Network’s commemoration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month on Wednesday, May 29 welcomed 135 attendees including OCTA Chair Tam T. Nguyen and OCTA Director Farrah Khan.

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta's community celebration took place on Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, in Anaheim, attracting over 2,000 booth visitors. Among the attendees were OCTA Directors Ashleigh Aitken and Vicente Sarmiento. The OCTA's Diversity Outreach team was joined by cultural ambassadors Humberto Luna, a radio host, and Mariachi Las Colibrí.

At the Southwest Senior Center in Santa Ana, OCTA connected with the community to celebrate O.C. mothers. OCTA cultural ambassadors delivered a memorable performance, while staff gifted special Mother's Day prizes and promoted the OC Transit Vision Survey.

Bicyclists and pedestrians along the San Juan Creek Trail learned more about upcoming construction activities for the San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project.

OCTA promoted alternative forms of transportatoion at the CicloIrvine Open Streets events, where the public was encouraged to walk or bike down roadways temporarily closed to vehicle traffic.

OCTA joined Santa Ana Mayor and OCTA Director, Valerie Amezcua, for the monthly “Coffee with the Mayor” at the Southwest Senior Center, discussing public transit with seniors in the community.

To kick-off pride in Orange County, OCTA attended Irvine Pride, promoting the OC Transit Vision to the LGBTQ+ community and other community members including Irvine Mayor, Farrah Khan.

OCTA shared the return of the Angels Express Fan Train with fans in attendance at Angels Stadium. To kick-off the season, OCTA booth visitors could spin to win Angels Express swag.

The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of O.C., the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce of O.C., and the Small Business Diversity Network’s Iconic Diversity Destinations were hosted by Genesis Bank on Tuesday, April 16, in Newport Beach, with more than 500 event participants embracing cuisine from several O.C. small businesses.

The Small Business Development Center's 3rd Orange County Minority Business Summit took place on Thursday, April 25, in Irvine, with more than 450 small business owners gathering to learn more about procurement and business licensing opportunities.

Norooz Clinic’s Unlocking the Stigma resource fair Saturday, April 27 in Newport Beach with more than 200 event participants receiving resourceful information on OCTA’s Youth Ride Free program and senior transit.

CalOptima and Supervisor Sarmiento’s Community Resource and Health Fair on Saturday, April 13 in Santa Ana with more than 600 OCTA booth visitors completing community surveys in Spanish and Vietnamese.

Fullerton College held its annual Earth Week event, and OCTA participated by sharing information with students about the free College Pass Program. Many students were excited about the program, and already have their pass.

Angels baseball fans had the opportunity to participate in some fun activities before departing on the Angels Express Fan Train to the Angels home game. With autographs from Angels Alumnus, Adam Kennedy, prize giveaways, a photo booth and free snacks, there was fun for everyone.

Islamic Society of O.C.’s community Eid Al-Fitr celebration on Wednesday, April 10 in Huntington Beach with 4,000 event participants.

The Santiago Canyon College Earth Day event encouraged students to use alternative forms of transportation that are healthier for the environment. OCTA informed students that instead of driving, they could use their free OC Bus College Pass.

Outreach engaged in the UNIDOS South OC Dia del Niño event, informing more than 120 attendees about the San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project.

As the transportation provider for Orange County, OCTA is a valuable local resource and engaged with more than 400 visitors at the fair.

Children and families participated in Vice Chair Chaffee's Fishing Derby and were given information about the the OC Bus Youth Ride Free and the OCTA Teen Council application.

Seniors from local high schools visited the Goldchella involvement fair and were provided information about how to obtain their free OC Bus College Pass as students at the college.

Teens learned about OCTA's initiatives and gave feedback on OC Streetcar. Students asked questions about the OCTA Board and other services offered by the authority.

OCTA joined in the festivities while providing information about local transportation.

Bicyclists and pedestrians along the San Juan Creek Trail learned about the new bridge OCTA is building to enhance safety and meet current standards.

San Juan Capistrano’s Swallows Day Parade/Mercado Street Faire attracts thousands of visitors and OCTA was there to share project information.

Approximately 200 students from high schools around the county, visited OCTA to learn about potential career paths at OCTA, and steps they can take now to get involved through programs such as Teen Council.

CSUF students were given more information about alternative travel methods they can take to school, including the discounted OC Bus U-Pass, OC Bike and OC Active.

Representatives rode along Route 529 to share information with riders about the OC Bus Bravo rebrand to OC Bus Rapid, offering passengers faster service to their destination.

OCTA’s volunteer Transit Ambassadors reminded OC travelers about free bus rides on Transit Equity Day in honor of Rosa Parks.

More than 1,000 people celebrated Lunar New Year at Centennial Park. Many stopped by to learn about OCTA and enjoy activities.

OCTA and Metrolink staff distributed candy at the Fullerton Station to express gratitude and appreciation to loyal commuters for their support.

This event focused on highlighting business opportunities available to local and small business owners.

Students engaged in conversations about OCTA’s OC Bus College Pass and explored transportation options.

The outreach team shared project information with bicyclists and pedestrians along the San Juan Creek Trail.

This family-friendly event is just a short 2-minute walk from the Metrolink station. OCTA’s outreach team joined in on the fun and handed out souvenirs.

Over 300 attendees visited OCTA’s booth where community members learned about public transportation initiatives.

More than 300 people enjoyed a Lunar New Year celebration in Garden Grove hosted by OCTA Chair Nguyen.

Nearly 400 visitors gathered to celebrate before taking the train to the Golden Dragon Parade in Los Angeles.