News Summary
The Irvine City Council has decided to terminate the iShuttle program, which operated for nearly 20 years, as part of a move to improve public transportation with the new Irvine Connect system. Following a significant drop in ridership attributed to the pandemic, the city has experienced increased success with the single-route Irvine Connect, surpassing previous iShuttle ridership. While there are plans for expansion, including new routes and stops, city officials need to evaluate public support for public transit in a car-centric environment.
Irvine – The Irvine City Council has voted to terminate the iShuttle program in a move to streamline public transit under the newly established Irvine Connect system. The iShuttle service, which operated for almost 20 years, officially ended on June 28, following a notable decline in ridership attributed to the pandemic. The city council’s decision also comes as they evaluate the future of transit options in an area characterized by car-centric designs.
As of now, the Irvine Connect system, launched in 2023, has demonstrated a strong performance with its single route along Yale Avenue and Barranca Parkway. Over the past year, this route has surpassed the combined ridership of the previous three iShuttle routes. In July, the system expanded its reach by adding five new stops to Portola Parkway and increased the fleet with an extra bus, effectively reducing wait times to under 20 minutes. This expansion has already seen a positive response, with a 15% increase in boardings within the first week following the modifications.
The city council remains divided about the feasibility of a comprehensive transit network. Proponents, including Mayor Larry Agran and Councilmember Kathleen Treseder, argue that an expanded public transportation system is vital for improving mobility and supporting climate initiatives. Conversely, Councilmember Mike Carroll emphasizes the need to carefully gauge public support before making significant changes, questioning whether residents would prefer public transit over personal vehicles, especially in a city known for its spacious roads and accessible parking.
Experts, including professors from the University of California, Irvine (UCI), have raised skepticism regarding the potential for a successful public transit network in the affluent city. The area’s urban design and car-oriented culture pose challenges that make traditional public transportation less appealing to residents. Despite these critiques, Irvine Connect has recorded impressive numbers, reaching 141,000 rides in just its first year, with a peak daily board of 740 on April 10.
The city council has approved a financial plan for the Irvine Connect expansion, which will cost approximately $500,000 annually for the next 16 years. Plans are underway to add two new shuttle routes that will connect John Wayne Airport, UCI, and the Irvine Business Complex, along with another route serving the Great Park. The city is eligible to claim up to $3 million annually in Proposition 116 funds through 2041, with around $88.5 million available for transit system investments.
However, the proposed expansion to the Great Park involves an estimated cost of $256 million over 16 years, necessitating approximately $168 million from city funds. City officials are weighing the option of borrowing against the Proposition 116 funds but acknowledge the need for additional external funding to cover the financial shortcomings. Some council members propose reallocating these funds to projects with broader public appeal.
In an effort to gauge community support for public transit, city officials are planning to conduct a survey. The results will help determine future routes and assess public interest in the transit offerings. Moreover, discussions are underway about a potential partnership with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to secure subsidized bus services and enhance regional transportation planning.
Additionally, the city is exploring innovative transportation options, including a gondola-transit system for the Great Park, though these proposals are still in the initial stages and already face challenges concerning budget expansions. Amid the push for these innovative transportation solutions, concerns around transparency and public expenditure have emerged, calling for greater scrutiny of financial decisions made by city officials.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: iConnect Shuttle System
- Wikipedia: Public Transportation
- LAist: Irvine Gondola Great Park
- Google Search: Irvine Transit System
- Spectrum News: Aerial Gondola in Anaheim
- Google Scholar: Transit Networks Irvine
- SFGate: Orange County Park Gondola
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Transportation
- OC Register: Irvine Gondola Proposal
- Google News: Gondola Transportation System
