ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA – Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley released a statement, highlighting the Orange County Transportation Authority’s free bus ride service on OC Bus for New Year’s Eve. OCTA once again makes it easier and safer for residents and visitors to celebrate responsibly by providing free rides from 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31 to 2:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1.
“Many free options exist to safely party on New Year’s Eve. Don’t destroy your life or another’s by driving under the influence on New Year’s Eve or ever. You will regret it. And families will suffer. Designate a driver, call a friend or family member, call a ride share service or cab, or take the OCTA bus for free. Just don’t drink and drive,” cautioned Supervisor Katrina Foley.
Riding OC Bus is a safe and reliable way to get to popular destinations around Orange County, including bus routes that operate to the beach communities in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, and near destinations like the OC Fair and Event Center’s Winterfest, Downtown Fullerton, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Irvine Spectrum and more.
The free bus rides, which have been offered for most of the past 21 years, began in 2002. The complimentary service includes all Orange County fixed bus routes, providing a public transit option for those who choose to go out to mark the New Year.
Taking advantage of the free rides is simple: Passengers may board any fixed route OC Bus during the specified time, with no bus fares or special passes required. Those planning to ride the bus for New Year’s celebrations are encouraged to plan their trip ahead of time, to review specific route locations and hours of operation on each route, by visiting www.OCBus.com.
Free rides begin at 6 p.m., so those getting a start prior to that time must pay the $2 bus fare or use an OC Bus pass. Tens of thousands of youth and college students already have access to free OC Bus rides with the Youth Ride Free pass, available to riders ages 6 to 18 years old, and the College Pass, which recently expanded to all nine Orange County community colleges.
To date, the free service has recorded more than 72,000 boardings since it began in 2002.
