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19 <br /> 1 BACKGROUND: Orange County Public Transportation (OCPT) operates fixed-route transit <br /> 2 services that connect thousands of residents to key destinations in the community each year. <br /> 3 Currently, riders who do not qualify for a reduced or fare-free program pay a nominal fare to use <br /> 4 the service. The Transportation Services Department proposes a one-year pilot project <br /> 5 implementing a fare-free fixed-route model effective January 2, 2026 to assess the benefits to <br /> 6 public transit efficiency and accessibility countywide. <br /> 7 <br /> 8 National and regional transit data show that fare-free systems result in increased ridership, <br /> 9 attracting new passengers while enabling existing riders to travel more frequently. Agencies that <br /> 10 have implemented fare-free fixed routes have reported ridership growth of up to 30%, particularly <br /> 11 among low-income residents who are the most sensitive to cost barriers. By removing fares as a <br /> 12 one-year pilot program, OCPT can assess the financial obstacles to mobility and potential benefits <br /> 13 related to access to employment, education, medical care, and essential services across Orange <br /> 14 County. <br /> 15 <br /> 16 In addition to potentially expanding public access, a one-year pilot of fare-free fixed routes offers <br /> 17 significant operational benefits. <br /> 18 • Eliminating fare transactions streamlines the boarding process, improving stop efficiency <br /> 19 and reducing delays that impact schedule reliability. <br /> 20 • Removes the need for staff to verify eligibility for reduced or fare-free programs on fixed <br /> 21 routes, allowing transit personnel to focus solely on safety and service delivery. <br /> 22 • OCPT would eliminate the costs for one year associated with purchasing, maintaining, <br /> 23 and servicing fare collection equipment, reducing long-term operational and capital <br /> 24 expenses. <br /> 25 <br /> 26 The one-year pilot fare-free fixed-route system positions OCPT to assess service to the <br /> 27 community, invest in service quality, and assess barriers to transportation. This initiative <br /> 28 represents a possible strategic opportunity to increase ridership, enhance operational efficiency, <br /> 29 and strengthen transit equity for all Orange County residents. <br /> 30 <br /> 31 Staff will assess the impacts over the one-year period, and present findings to the Board in <br /> 32 November 2026 related to potential continuation or discontinuance of the fare-free fixed-route <br /> 33 system. <br /> 34 <br /> 35 Sarah Williamson, Transportation Services Interim Director, made the following <br /> 36 presentation: <br /> 37 <br /> 38 Slide #1 <br />