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19 <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 Services Department proposes a one-year pilot project <br /> implementing a fare-free fixed-route model effective January 2, 2026 to assess the benefits to <br /> public transit efficiency and accessibility 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 as a <br /> one-year pilot program, OCPT can assess the financial obstacles to mobility and potential benefits <br /> related to access to employment, education, medical care, and essential services across Orange <br /> County. <br /> In addition to potentially expanding public access, a one-year pilot of fare-free fixed routes offers <br /> significant 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 for one year associated with purchasing, maintaining, <br /> and servicing fare collection equipment, reducing long-term operational and capital <br /> expenses. <br /> The one-year pilot fare-free fixed-route system positions OCPT to assess service to the <br /> community, invest in service quality, and assess barriers to transportation. This initiative <br /> represents a possible strategic opportunity to increase ridership, enhance operational efficiency, <br /> and strengthen transit equity for all Orange County residents. <br /> Staff will assess the impacts over the one-year period, and present findings to the Board in <br /> November 2026 related to potential continuation or discontinuance of the fare-free fixed-route <br /> system. <br /> Sarah Williamson, Transportation Services Interim Director, made the following <br /> presentation: <br /> Slide #1 <br />