Score: -1
(1/3/2)
Orange County Grand Jury
• 2025-2026
Connecting Orange County to Lax: Evaluating Transportation Options Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026
⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 6 findings
F1
Several Orange County locations meet the criteria for express bus pick-up sites, being approximately twenty-five miles from LAX and near major freeways. These locations are Fullerton Park & Ride, Buena Park Mall, and former Westminster Mall.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
By September 30, 2026, the City of Fullerton should direct its Planning Department to collaborate with Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) on a business case study for FlyAway® or similar services from Fullerton Park & of 54 (Orangethorpe Transit Village) to LAX, with a case study submitted to LAWA. This study should include projected ridership, financial sustainability, infrastructure readiness, and community benefits to support funding of the proposed service. [F1]
F2
The Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center presents a viable option for express bus service to LAX due to its location near Orange 27 Southern California Association of Governments. SoCal Airport Access and Mobility Study. https://scag.ca.gov/aviation-program -2026 County attractions and multimodal connectivity, despite being forty miles from LAX.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
By September 30, 2026, the Buena Park City Council should direct its Planning Department to collaborate with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) on a business case study for FlyAway® or similar services from the Buena Park Mall site (Village at Buena Park) to LAX, with a case study submitted to LAWA. This study should include projected ridership, financial sustainability, infrastructure readiness, and community benefits to support funding of the proposed service. [F1]
F3
The Irvine Transportation Center is a viable potential location for direct bus service to LAX due to its location near South Orange County, freeway access, and multimodal connectivity, despite being fifty miles from LAX.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
By September 30, 2026, the Westminster City Council should direct its Planning Department to collaborate with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) on a business case study for FlyAway® or similar services from the former Westminster Mall site (Bolsa Pacific at Westminster) to LAX, with a case study submitted to LAWA. This study should include projected ridership, financial sustainability, infrastructure readiness, and community benefits to support funding of the proposed service. [F1]
F4
Public transit options to LAX that offer travel times comparable to private automobiles have several limitations. • The Orange County Transportation Authority has never operated direct transit service to LAX due to federal regulations prohibiting transit bus service to a single destination such as LAX. • Metrolink OC Line lacks direct connections to LAX, as stations such as Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs do not provide a seamless link to the airport. • Southern California Association of Governments planning documents that discuss regional airport ground access neglect cross-county mobility challenges.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
By September 30, 2026, the Anaheim City Council should direct its Planning Department to collaborate with Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) on a business case study for FlyAway® or similar services from the Anaheim Regional Transit Intermodal Center to LAX, with a case study submitted to LAWA. This study should include projected ridership, financial sustainability, infrastructure readiness, and community benefits to support funding of the proposed service. [F2]
F5
Metrolink provides less frequent service on weekends. Weekend travel times often exceed three hours due to reduced train schedules and longer transfer wait times.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
By September 30, 2026, the Irvine City Council should direct its Transportation Department to review the previous FlyAway® service that ended in 2012, engage the LAWA Mobility Unit or any other express bus service of their choice, and, upon receiving City Council approval, submit a business case study to LAWA or other express bus service(s). This study should include projected ridership, financial sustainability, infrastructure readiness, and community benefits to support funding of the proposed service. [F3]
F6
Metrolink offers the most dependable connection at Union Station, linking travelers to bus and light rail services to LAX. These routes require transfers, and variable freeway conditions can affect overall travel times.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
By September 30, 2026, Southern California Association of Governments should reach out to all Orange County cities to engage and understand ]
Additional Recommendations 2
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
-
R7By March 31, 2026, Metrolink should increase Metrolink OC Line weekend train service to support public transportation trips from Orange County through Union Station to LAX. [F5]
-
R8By June 30, 2026, OCTA and Metrolink should promote the appropriate services that offer convenient connections to LAX, aiming to inform and guide travelers who are ready to choose public transit for their airport commute. [F6]
Commendations 1
-
CM1Southern California cities have made commendable strides in addressing transportation challenges through innovative, community-responsive programs which exemplify proactive governance and sustainable urban planning. One standout initiative is Irvine CONNECT, a free neighborhood shuttle service launched by the City of Irvine in response to resident concerns about traffic congestion and limited transit options. This program reflects a thoughtful and inclusive approach to mobility, connecting key destinations such as parks, schools, hospitals, and shopping centers with Irvine Station. Since its inception, Irvine CONNECT has expanded significantly—most notably in July 2025, when the city extended the Yale-Barranca route and introduced new routes like the Jamboree-UCI and Barranca Link. These expansions were based on data from the city’s Transit Vision Study and community feedback, demonstrating Irvine’s commitment to evidence-based planning and public engagement. The program’s success is evident in its ridership growth, with the original route serving nearly 150,000 rides in its first year. The city’s decision to sunset the older iShuttle program and consolidate services under Irvine CONNECT further highlights its dedication to streamlining operations and improving service quality. With seventy-seven stops and shuttles running every 20 minutes, Irvine CONNECT offers an eco-friendly, accessible alternative to car travel, helping reduce emissions and traffic while enhancing connectivity across the city. These efforts deserve recognition not only for their operational success but also for their responsiveness to community needs. Mayor Larry Agran praised the effort saying, “The No.1 complaint I hear from our city residents is about Irvine’s traffic congestion. The Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 29 of 54 Connecting Orange County to LAX Irvine CONNECT shuttle is one way we are addressing that issue.”28 Irvine’s leadership in expanding transit infrastructure, investing in capital improvements like new bus stops, and leveraging technology for real-time shuttle tracking sets a high standard for municipal transit innovation. Programs like Irvine CONNECT are a model for other cities seeking to build sustainable, resident-centered transportation networks. Orange County has launched several other commendable transportation programs that prioritize safety, sustainability, and regional connectivity. These initiatives reflect strong leadership and a commitment to improving mobility for residents and visitors alike.
Agency Responses 1
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.
No Responses Found 3
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
In the News 1
News coverage of this report, automatically tracked.
Will there ever be good public transit from OC to LAX? - Orange County Register
Orange County Register
· February 24, 2026