Whether you’re looking for a turkey trot to work off the feast, a festive outing for the family or a holiday craft fair, we’ve got you covered! Check out our list of holiday happenings and enjoy! Thank you for riding OC Bus and Metrolink.
Spotlight: Holiday Train Adventures Two Wonderful Ways
Climb aboard to enjoy the magic of a train ride! The specially-ticketed Metrolink Holiday Express Train is back in the Orange County area November 25 and December 16 for round-trip rides featuring holiday-themed characters, carolers and onboard and host-station activities for all ages. Find the best daytrip ideas at Metrolink Holiday Daycations and enter for a chance to win two round-trip Metrolink trips.
Metrolink Closure December 26-29
Metrolink will be out of service throughout the entire system for four days starting on Tuesday, December 26 through Friday, December 29. Regularly scheduled service will resume Saturday, December 30. During the closure, Metrolink will improve the rail network with greater reliability in and out of Union Station.
We’re sorry for the inconvenience! As an alternative, please consider the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner for service on the Orange County Line. Riders will need to purchase Pacific Surfliner tickets. Learn more here.
Grab a Group Ride for 4 for $4.50!
Have you discovered OC Flex? The holidays are a perfect time to try this convenient, on-demand shared van, part of a microtransit pilot project in parts of Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo. Through December 31, up to four riders can ride all day for only $4.50 total. Try it for trips to the mall, movies, or restaurants or whenever you want someone else to drive while saving on gas and parking hassles.
Share Your Thoughts for a Chance to Win
We’d like your opinion about a proposed biking and walking trail along a former rail corridor in Garden Grove and Santa Ana. The 4-mile trail would connect the downtown areas of those cities as well as the Santa Ana River Trail and the countywide 66-mile OC Loop bikeway. Please join in the discussion and fill out the survey for a chance to win a $50 gift card. For more information about the plan, visit here.
Meet Your Driver: Kevin Driftmier
Passenger safety and comfort are at the heart of what we do. Our drivers, like Kevin Driftmier, are committed to providing a pleasant journey for everyone. Recognized as OCTA’s Operations Employee of the Month in April, Kevin's attentiveness to passenger needs sets a high standard. An example of his vigilance was when he offered assistance to a passenger in distress, ensuring her safety until her relatives arrived. “It was my last run of the night, and I had a feeling something was wrong,” he remembered. “I was glad I was there.”
Kevin's dedication extends beyond safety. He takes pride in serving the diverse needs of Orange County's residents, from workers commuting to their jobs to students returning home. He advises passengers to enhance their visibility during evening hours for their safety.
Our supportive culture extends to our staff, particularly during challenging personal times.
“I joined OCTA because I needed a career, not just a job,” said Kevin. “As a coach operator, I’m able to provide for my family. When my wife got sick several years ago, I don't know what we would have done before I started working here.”
Kevin’s wife is fine now. His paid health insurance, leave benefits and support of coworkers provided support during a difficult time.
If you’d like to be part of the OC Bus team, let us know—we’re hiring.
Thanksgiving Day (November 23) Schedules
Please note the following schedules changes:
OC Bus will run on a Sunday/holiday schedule.
On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, and on Friday, November 24, Metrolink will provide service regularly available on weekends. The a $10 Holiday Pass will also be available on Thursday and Friday.
