OCTA Buses Continue to Experience Increased Ridership

Nearly 6 million customers in August find relief on OCTA’s bus service


ORANGE – Nearly 6 million riders boarded Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) buses in August, a month that saw weekday ridership climb 9 percent from August 2007.

The ridership counts represent a change in commuter habits. With gas prices well above the national average in Orange County, the savings from public transportation are greater than ever.

According to an analysis from the American Public Transportation Association, commuters in Orange County can save an average of nearly $700 a month by taking OCTA’s bus system, which equates to more than $8,000 a year.

Overall, ridership increased 5.3 percent in August compared to August 2007, accounting for 225,000 boardings per day.

“The ridership numbers show that our bus service continues providing the much-needed relief to high gas prices for Orange County residents,” said Peter Buffa, vice chairman of OCTA. “Even as we experience a slight drop in fuel costs, taking public transit remains an extremely effective way for commuters to save money.”

OCTA continued to encourage public transportation use among the community this summer by offering residents free all-day bus passes. OCTA distributed special introductory passes to 280,000 households in Orange County in July and August.

A record breaking 6.2 million riders boarded OCTA buses in July, the highest number in the agency’s history.