OCTA in the Community
OCTA’s approach to people, programs, projects, policies and partnerships lead to reliable, accessible and balanced transportation choices for everyone in Orange County.
In 2025, through the Board Initiatives and CEO Action Plan, OCTA will actively engage with stakeholders and seek input from communities; optimize relationships with regional, business, and community partners to advance shared priorities; and reflect community values.
People
We’re committed to communication, training and collaboration so that everyone – passengers, public, community partners and employees – is along for the ride.
Communication & Outreach
To support transit operations, capital projects and planning studies, OCTA uses traditional and digital tactics to engage with the people of Orange County regarding agency initiatives and activities. Many of our communications, from websites to fliers to customer support, are provided in multiple languages.
Training
Our standardized interview training helps ensure unbiased hiring practices. All employees have taken unconscious bias training and workplace harassment prevention. OCTA is adding to employee development by introducing microagression training for all coach operators.
A Diverse Workforce Serving a Diverse County
OCTA’s workforce mirrors the vibrant mix of Orange County’s population. Working together, we forge a strong transportation system to support a thriving county.
OCTA Workforce
- Caucasian (24.37%)
- African American (12.18%)
- Asian American (20.35%)
- Native American (0.56%)
- Hispanic (38.10%)
- Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander (0.28%)
- Multiracial (4.15%)
Orange County Population
- Caucasian (37.6%)
- African American (1.5%)
- Asian American (21.9%)
- Native American (0.17%)
- Hispanic (34.1%)
- Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander (0.24%)
- Multiracial (3.93%)
Programs
We develop, fund and manage programs that address the travel needs of Orange County’s residents and preserve the unique character of our communities.
Ride Sharing Benefits
OC Vanpool and OC Rideshare remove vehicles from the road, leading to easier commutes, cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Better Transit for Orange County
With input from the community, we developed the OC Transit Vision to integrate, enhance, and expand transportation options. These include bus, streetcar, local shuttles, and other mobility services.
Accessible Transit for All
OC ACCESS provides rides to those unable to use the regular OC Bus system due to functional or cognitive limitations caused by a disability.
Express Lanes Improve the Quality of Life
The 405 Express Lanes and the 91 Express Lanes reduce travel time, traffic and pollution, allowing travelers to live life on time.
Free Rides Benefit Students
Orange County’s students have taken millions of rides through the Community College Pass and Youth Ride Free programs, which provide bus passes to students at low or no cost, ensuring that transportation is never a barrier to education.
Cleaner Environment, Healthier Community
The Environmental Mitigation Program offsets the environmental impacts of freeway projects and the Environmental Cleanup Program helps keep waterways and the ocean free from transportation-generated pollution.
Projects
To deliver benefits that positively affect Orange County, we plan, develop, fund and manage efforts that improve access to transportation.
Planning for the Future
Every four years, OCTA updates its Long Range-Range Transportation Plan to provide strategies on how best to expand transportation options for residents, workers and visitors throughout Orange County in the decades to come.
Protecting Rail Service
OCTA is studying rail challenges in south Orange County to assess existing and future environmental risks and issues with operations and maintenance along the coastal portion of the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor.
Safe Walking & Biking to Schools
Safe Routes to Schools aims to make it safer and easier for students at every school district across the county to walk and bike to school.
Modern Transit Option Coming Soon
OC Streetcar will provide safe, reliable, high-frequency transit service between Santa Ana and Garden Grove beginning in Spring 2026.
Active Transportation for Healthy Communities
OC Active serves as a central resource for safety improvements and projects and provides grant funding to cities and the county to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities.
Policies
Developed in accordance with all federally mandated requirements, our policies consider transportation impacts and effects on communities and give them a voice in future transportation improvements. OCTA operates all its services, programs and activities in accordance with Title VI federal regulations, as well as all applicable state and federal laws.
Partnerships
We collaborate with those who have similar goals to broaden understanding and build momentum.
Working with Others to Benefit All
We are affiliated with organizations focused on improving transportation for all, including the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the California Transit Association, and other leading industry organizations.
Productive Business Communications
We provide opportunities for business leaders to ensure their needs are being met and that they are informed and able to communicate with OCTA during projects.
Involving Community Leaders
We host quarterly meetings with community leaders representing business, community, civic, faith, education and nonprofits to gain feedback and provide updates related to OCTA's projects and programs.
Engaging Future Leaders
Our Teen Council offers high school students an opportunity to learn about transportation-related projects and their benefits. Members focus on building leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
Showcasing Community Outreach
Throughout the year, we reach out to the community to educate, engage, celebrate and collaborate to move transportation forward.
Moving forward
We’re proud to serve the Orange County community by providing transportation for all and to help ensure the county’s people and economy continue to grow and thrive.