HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 12-09-2025; 6-b - One-Year Pilot Implementation of Fare-Free Fixed Route Transportation Service 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: December 9, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No. 6-b
SUBJECT: One-Year Pilot Implementation of Fare-Free Fixed Route Transportation Service
DEPARTMENT: Transportation Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
1. Fee Schedule Revisions Sarah Williamson, Interim Transportation
2. PowerPoint Presentation Director, 919-245-2102
PURPOSE: To approve fee changes to implement a one-year pilot program making Orange
County Public Transportation (OCPT) fixed routes fare-free.
BACKGROUND: Orange County Public Transportation (OCPT) operates fixed-route transit
services that connect thousands of residents to key destinations in the community each year.
Currently, riders who do not qualify for a reduced or fare-free program pay a nominal fare to use
the service. The Transportation Services Department proposes a one-year pilot project
implementing a fare-free fixed-route model effective January 2, 2026 to assess the benefits to
public transit efficiency and accessibility countywide.
National and regional transit data show that fare-free systems result in increased ridership,
attracting new passengers while enabling existing riders to travel more frequently. Agencies that
have implemented fare-free fixed routes have reported ridership growth of up to 30%, particularly
among low-income residents who are the most sensitive to cost barriers. By removing fares as a
one-year pilot program, OCPT can assess the financial obstacles to mobility and potential benefits
related to access to employment, education, medical care, and essential services across Orange
County.
In addition to potentially expanding public access, a one-year pilot of fare-free fixed routes offers
significant operational benefits.
• Eliminating fare transactions streamlines the boarding process, improving stop efficiency
and reducing delays that impact schedule reliability.
• Removes the need for staff to verify eligibility for reduced or fare-free programs on fixed
routes, allowing transit personnel to focus solely on safety and service delivery.
• OCPT would eliminate the costs for one year associated with purchasing, maintaining, and
servicing fare collection equipment, reducing long-term operational and capital expenses.
The one-year pilot fare-free fixed-route system positions OCPT to assess service to the
community, invest in service quality, and assess barriers to transportation. This initiative
represents a possible strategic opportunity to increase ridership, enhance operational efficiency,
and strengthen transit equity for all Orange County residents.
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Staff will assess the impacts over the one-year period, and present findings to the Board in
November 2026 related to potential continuation or discontinuance of the fare-free fixed-route
system.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Approval would amend the fee schedule to remove the Orange County
Public Transportation Public Shuttle fees for one year. The department would make changes
within its operating budget and removing fares will not increase the County cost of operating the
fixed routes.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 2. Expand access to quality, affordable healthcare services. (e.g., Crisis
Diversion facility, Medicaid expansion, crisis response, healthy living campaign).
OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life
of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.)
• GOAL 4: MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION
OBJECTIVE 2. Increase community awareness of all modes of transportation including
transit, bike and pedestrian, vehicle, and all other modes.
OBJECTIVE 3. Support road projects that address congestion and reduce commute time
using the County' s Complete Streets policy.
OBJECTIVE 4. Coordinate transit investments with municipal and county land use
planning to reduce vehicle miles travelled and to provide more equitable access to
shopping, employment, medical centers, college campuses, etc.
OBJECTIVE 6. Update transportation related plans to provide more multi- modal options
including rural Orange County.
• GOAL 6: DIVERSE AND VIBRANT ECONOMY
OBJECTIVE 2. Review and revise County policies and regulations to support business
investment in Orange County.
OBJECTIVE 5. Increase access to and awareness of resources and assistance available
to residents and businesses.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the fee changes
and the implementation of a one-year pilot program for fare free fixed-route transportation service
effective January 2, 2026.
Attachment 1. Transportation Services Department Fee Schedule Revisions 3
Orange County Transportation Services Department
Fee Type Current Fee Amended Fee Last Notes
Update
Public Shuttle /Fixed Route Buses $2.00 per one-way trip in-town $0.00 2005
$1.00 per one-way trip for the elderly or disabled$0.00 2005
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Fixed Route
Service LLf9
Orange and Blue Loops: currently free
Hill-to-Hill and Orange Alamance:
Currently $1 for elderly or disabled
Currently $2 for all other riders `
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Save Time ,
Save Money -
Simplified Boarding
No Need to Qualify Riders
Eliminates Fee Collection Equipment
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Net Positive Impact
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Annual Expenses Current Fare Free
Operati
-
Operating Contract $11,160 $0
~ Contract ended 6/2025
Service Fees $25,800 $0
Equipment $6,000 $0
Upgrade every 3-5 years
Fa res - $10,000 $0
Total $32,960 $0