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ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: December 9, 2025 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. <br /> SUBJECT: Implementation of Fare Free Fixed Route Transportation Service <br /> DEPARTMENT: Transportation Services <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> 1. Budget Amendment Sarah Williamson, Interim Transportation <br /> 2. Fee Change Sheet Director, 919-245-2102 <br /> PURPOSE: To: <br /> 1. Approve Fee Changes to Make OCPT Fixed Routes Fare Free <br /> BACKGROUND: Orange County Public Transportation (OCPT) operates fixed-route transit <br /> services that connect thousands of residents to key destinations in the community each year. <br /> Currently, riders who do not qualify for a reduced or fare-free program pay a nominal fare to use <br /> the service. The Transportation Department proposes transitioning to a fare-free fixed-route <br /> model effective January 2, 2026, making public transit more equitable, efficient, and accessible <br /> countywide. <br /> National and regional transit data show that fare-free systems result in increased ridership, <br /> attracting new passengers while enabling existing riders to travel more frequently. Agencies that <br /> have implemented fare-free fixed routes have reported ridership growth of up to 30%, particularly <br /> among low-income residents who are the most sensitive to cost barriers. By removing fares, <br /> OCPT can reduce financial obstacles to mobility and support greater access to employment, <br /> education, medical care, and essential services across Orange County. <br /> In addition to expanding public access, transitioning to fare-free fixed routes offers significant <br /> operational benefits. <br /> • Eliminating fare transactions streamlines the boarding process, improving stop efficiency <br /> and reducing delays that impact schedule reliability. <br /> • Removes the need for staff to verify eligibility for reduced or fare-free programs on fixed <br /> routes, allowing transit personnel to focus solely on safety and service delivery. <br /> • OCPT would eliminate the costs associated with purchasing, maintaining, and servicing <br /> fare collection equipment, reducing long-term operational and capital expenses. <br /> A fare-free fixed-route system positions OCPT to better serve the community, invest in service <br /> quality, and remove barriers to transportation. This initiative represents a strategic opportunity to <br /> increase ridership, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen transit equity for all Orange <br /> County residents. <br />