Voter-Approved Tax Funds Orange County’s Free Summer Trolleys

Orange County’s voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements—Measure M—funds seasonal trolley service operated by six Orange County, CA, cities. Services connect riders to the beach and six coastal cities through the summer, with some routes extending into late September.

The free summer trolley provides residents and visitors with an easy way to reach beaches and other destinations while helping reduce traffic congestion during the busy summer season. The trolley program is part of Orange County Transportation Authority’s (OCTA) Community-Based Transit Circulator Program, which supports locally operated services tailored to individual community needs.

Over the latest six-month reporting period, OCTA carried nearly 276,000 passengers, including on 14 shuttles, indicating that the routes remain popular.

“Measure M continues to deliver meaningful transportation improvements that benefit Orange County residents and visitors,” said OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico. “These free trolley services provide convenient and fun access to some of Orange County’s most popular destinations while helping reduce congestion, easing parking demand, and offering an enjoyable alternative to driving.”

In addition to supporting the summer trolley program, Measure M also funds freeway, street, transit, and environmental improvements. Learn more about the measure.