Orange County has a well-established public transport system. There are several public transportation options including large network of buses and trains, which can make travelling easy. In this blog, I will provide you with tips which will make your OC experience smoother. I have briefly outlined commonly used services by UCI folks with important links and suggestions.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS AT UCI
UCI promote use of public transport and hence provide incentive for using public transport while commuting to campus. UCI Transportation and Distribution Services offers several sustainable commuting options to students, faculty and staff including subsidized OCTA bus passes, rebates on train tickets, carpool matching services, vanpools. To motivate the use of public transportation among community, all Sustainable Transportation programs provides incentives with a number of complimentary car parking permits for those rare occasions when you need to drive to school and a guaranteed ride home program in case of unexpected emergencies. You can find more information about these programs on www.parking.uci.edu/AT
[Photo Credit: UCI Transportation and Distribution Services]
OCTA BUSES
Bus services in Orange County area are operated by the OC Transit Authority (OCTA). There are approximately 77 bus routes and 6,200 bus stops countywide including local community and express routes and service to local Metrolink stations. Regular fare per boarding for local routes is $2.00. If you plan to ride the bus more than twice in a day, you can save time and money by purchasing a day pass for $5.00. You can get a yearly subsidized OCTA student bus pass for $169. Information about routes and schedule is available on www.octa.net
ANTEATER EXPRESS
The Anteater Express campus shuttles are alternative to OCTA for movement around campus or to select destinations. Anteater Express bus frequency is much higher compared to OCTA, you have a bus every 15 minutes. However, Anteater Express cover limited places in Irvine whereas OCTA covers entire Orange County. You can get a quarterly Anteater Express bus pass for $90. Visit www.shuttle.uci.edu for routes and schedule information.
Both OCTA and Anteater Express provide live bus tracking facility. Before you decide which service to choose, look at the routes covered by that service and the frequency of bus.
TRAIN If you want the explore Southern California or want to do some shopping from Los Angeles, then Metrolink is the preferred option. Metrolink is Southern California’s rail system and operated by OCTA for Orange County region. Closest train station from UCI is Irvine Station and Tustin Station.
You use Amtrak train service when you plan to travel inside the nation. Amtrak, a nationwide rail service, provides convenient and affordable rail service. On board amenities include reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, power outlets and bicycle racks (if you want to carry your bicycle)
You can find train schedule for both Metrolink on www.metrolinktrains.com and Amtrak on www.amtrak.com. You can also book the tickets online.
Finally, I would like to invite my fellow peers to share their public transport experience in Orange County in the comment section below.
For new incoming students, if you have any question please feel free to put it in comment below.
Great Article Zoheb! Also, Anteater Express W Line fares will be collected starting Week 2 of each quarter. If you are not sure if Anteater Express will be convenient to you, you can try it during Week 0 and Week 1 free of cost.
Thanks Vivek.
Additionally, Anteater Express’s M line buses that goes around the campus covering most of the departments is free of charge throughout the year.