MSRC Clean Transportation Funding grants to regional transportation providers are helping Californians get to their favorite sporting and entertainment events quickly and affordably this summer. Whether headed to the ballpark to see the Dodgers or Angels or visiting the Orange County Fair, there are great new and convenient ways to use mass transit to avoid dealing with traffic and parking headaches while removing cars from the road. Here’s an overview of the event transportation solutions program in operation:
The OC Fair Flyer
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) teamed up with the Orange County Fair to bring back the OC Fair Express. For $1.50 each way, boarders can be dropped off and picked up from the OC Fair. The OC Fair Express provides non-stop direct service to and from the Fullerton Park & Ride, the Depot at Santa Ana, Goldenwest Transportation Center, Anaheim Canyon MetroLink Station/Tustin-Lincoln Park & Ride, Laguna Hills Transportation Center, Irvine Transportation Center, and Junipero Serra Park & Ride. A survey of 600 riders by the OCTA showed that more than half had never ridden a bus before and nearly all reported satisfaction with the service.
Angels Stadium Express
Metrolink added dedicated rail service to Angels Stadium of Anaheim for 50 home games for the 2012 season. This additional service promotes the use of transit, including bus and rail, to Angels Stadium in lieu of driving personal vehicles. The special train service will be scheduled to arrive at the stadium in time for the games, which begin at 7:05 p.m. At the conclusion of the game, trains will wait for passengers before departing, even in the event of extra innings.
Dodger Stadium Express
For the third consecutive year, Metro is offering free express bus service from Union Station to Dodger Stadium for all 2012 home games to any fan with a game-day ticket, or $1.50 each way for those without a ticket. Passengers are able to travel directly to the stadium entrance, avoid paying $10 for parking, all while alleviating vehicle congestion and air pollution. In 2011, using similar Clean Transportation Funding from the MSRC, the Dodger Stadium Express bus service transported more than 116,000 fans, eliminating more than 1.33 million vehicle miles traveled. Of those who used the Dodger Stadium Express, sixty-eight percent used public transportation to get to Union Station.
