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Irvine Expands Free Shuttle Service with New Routes

The Irvine Connect Shuttle enhances urban transportation with new routes.

News Summary

Irvine is expanding its free shuttle service, Irvine Connect, which has recorded over 141,000 boardings since its launch. The Yale-Barranca Route will extend to add five new stops. Additional routes are being considered, enhancing accessibility for residents, including students and seniors. The shuttle, operating at 20-minute intervals, aims to become permanent based on ridership success. Funded by state transportation dollars, the project promotes sustainability through the use of CNG buses.

Irvine is expanding its free shuttle service, Irvine Connect, which launched last year as a pilot project. The shuttle service has recorded over 141,000 boardings at approximately 70 stops during its first year of operation. The city plans to enhance the existing Yale-Barranca Route by extending it north along Portola Parkway and adding a new bus to accommodate five additional stops, including Northwood High, set to be in service by July.

In addition to the expansion of the Yale-Barranca Route, the city is considering two new routes: Jamboree-UCI and West Barranca. There is also ongoing analysis for a potential route serving the Great Park area. The shuttle operates at a frequency of every 20 minutes and serves a diverse range of riders including senior citizens, high school students, and residents commuting to healthcare facilities, retail centers, and community parks.

The operational hours for the shuttle are from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. The service will not operate on holidays. Each shuttle is equipped to be wheelchair accessible and can accommodate various mobility aids, ensuring that the service is inclusive for all users. A total of seven shuttles will operate the service, with each shuttle having a capacity of 25 passengers at a time.

The funding for the Irvine Connect service comes from Proposition 116 state transportation dollars, specifically utilizing funds from an unrealized rail project. The total projected cost for implementing and operating the service in its first year is approximately $4.1 million. Of this budget, roughly $2.6 million is earmarked for operational costs, such as wifi and fuel, while $1.5 million is allocated for one-time costs related to stops and upgrades.

Most new shuttle stops are expected to be operational by the start of the service despite some logistical delays encountered during the design phase. The pilot program for the Irvine Connect service is set to run for one year, from April 1 until March 31, 2025. However, there are hopes that it will transition to a permanent service, depending on ridership success.

Feedback from riders indicates a positive perception of the shuttle service, highlighting its safety and convenience. Many students, such as those from Woodbridge High, have expressed their intention to use the shuttle frequently, especially during the summer months for leisure trips and job commuting. The availability of live tracking through the Irvine Connect website has been especially appreciated as it allows passengers to know when shuttles are arriving.

Finally, the shuttle buses run on compressed natural gas (CNG), which is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline and diesel fuel, further promoting sustainability in urban transportation.