Every city in Orange County would like to reduce its traffic flow, and a transit system of some kind is frequently on the list of solutions. But high cost and projected under-use of transit typically get in the way of transit development.
 |
|
Photo By Miguel Vasconcellos/The Orange County Register |
The City of Irvine is making an attempt at mass transit within the city with its iShuttle, a fleet of buses that have circulated through the 27,000-acre Irvine Business Complex since last March. In June, the route was extended so that it connects to the Tustin Metrolink Station and to John Wayne Airport.
The cost to users? Free for the time being. Originally, Irvine was going to charge for the service beginning September 1, but a majority of the City Council determined to keep the shuttle free of charge through the end of this year so that users will get used to it. An estimated 26,000 riders have used iShuttle since its inception. The city has dedicated $1.1 million to the program.
