Orange County Transportation Services

Orange County Launches One-Year Pilot of a Fare-Free Fixed Route Transit System

Orange County Public Transportation (OCPT) announced that it will implement a one-year pilot of a fare-free model for its fixed-route transit services, effective Jan. 2, 2026. The Orange County Board of Commissioners approved the pilot at their Dec. 9 meeting, marking an important step in testing strategies to expand mobility, promote transit equity, and improve service efficiency for residents across the county.

OCPT’s fixed-route system provides thousands of trips each year, connecting riders to major employment centers, educational institutions, medical facilities, and essential community services. While certain groups already qualify for reduced or fare-free programs, most riders currently pay a nominal fare to use the service. During the pilot year, eliminating fares will allow the county to assess how universal fare-free access may support residents—particularly those facing financial barriers—and strengthen OCPT’s overall network.

Fare-Free Pilot Expected to Boost Ridership and Accessibility

National and regional data show that fare-free transit initiatives often see ridership increases of up to 30%, especially among low-income populations. By piloting a fare-free model, OCPT aims to evaluate whether removing fares attracts new riders, increases trip frequency, and broadens access to jobs, schools, healthcare, and other key destinations.

Operational Benefits to Strengthen Service Quality

The pilot is also expected to provide operational insights and efficiencies, including:

• Faster boarding and improved on-time performance due to the removal of fare payment at the door
• Reduced administrative burden because staff will not need to verify fare-free or reduced-fare eligibility on fixed-route services
• Cost savings associated with pausing fare collection equipment maintenance and delaying long-term capital investments in fare systems

These efficiencies will allow OCPT teams to focus more fully on passenger safety, service reliability, and system performance during the pilot period.

Advancing Equity and Evaluating Long-Term Impact

The shift to a fare-free fixed-route system is a pilot initiative, designed specifically to measure potential long-term benefits for Orange County’s transit network. This temporary program supports the county’s commitment to equity, sustainability, and expanded mobility while allowing OCPT to gather data on ridership trends, operational impacts, and community benefits.

“Implementing a fare-free pilot for our fixed-route services may allow us to better serve our community by removing cost barriers, improving efficiency, and providing a more seamless experience for riders,” said Orange County Board of Commissioners Chair Jean Hamilton. “This pilot will help us assess how fare-free service can meet the growing mobility needs of Orange County.”