Steering in the Right Direction

The Orange County Transportation Authority’s announcement that it will add buses and drivers because of increasing demand is a welcome reminder of the importance of public transportation in a county better known for the automobile.

The agency said a record 47.8 million people rode the buses in the fiscal year ended in September--7% more than in the previous year.

OCTA representatives said reasons for the increased number of riders included a strong economy and low unemployment rates in the county. That meant more people bound to and from jobs, not all of whom were able to commute via car.

The agency also has conducted an aggressive marketing campaign to make sure people recognize the availability of buses. News about the buses was especially appropriate after the major overhaul of service that started in October 1995, with some routes being trimmed drastically or eliminated and others getting better service because of larger numbers of riders.

Bus service was dealt a traumatic blow after the December 1994 bankruptcy. One plan called for diverting $70 million annually from bus service to help the county recover. Even the final figure of $38 million per year represented a heavy blow, although cities and the county have helped make up $23 million of the loss each year.

Bus drivers also were forced to help out last year, accepting a contract with a pay cut and reduction in benefits. Now, fortunately, in better times, OCTA officials say they have hired 40 new drivers in the past two months and will add 10 more by the end of this month. Also on tap are more than 150 new buses, at a cost of $41 million, mostly from federal and state funds. Most buses will replace older vehicles, but about 40 represent additions needed for increased service on 15 separate routes.

The major part of the OCTA budget goes to roads and freeways and has featured such high-visibility projects as the expansion of the El Toro Y. But the agency has recognized its need to serve those who must use public transportation. Keeping buses rolling smoothly is an essential part of the county’s lifeline.