Facing state transit funding shortages, the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors on Monday voted to reduce the number of bus trips rather than eliminate routes.

The board approved a service reduction strategy, which results in the reduction of 150,000 annual revenue vehicle hours effective in March. The plan will create longer waits between bus arrivals but will maintain routes along most existing transit corridors.

The board’s move was based on public input.  Board members acknowledged the City Council’s letter, which outlined the importance of bus routes in Mission Viejo.  Council Member Trish Kelley attended the board’s October meeting and urged board members to reduce trips rather than eliminate bus routes, especially in south Orange County where transit service is already limited. 

The local impact did include the loss of Sunday service bus routes 82 and 85, which service high schools, Saddleback College and several large apartment complexes.  The 82 route is the Mission Viejo-Rancho Santa Margarita bus service route while route 85 is the Mission Viejo-Dana Point route.