The OC Streetcar project is rapidly approaching completion, with the opening anticipated for August 2025. Spanning 4.1 miles, the streetcar route is a significant addition to the transit infrastructure in Orange County, particularly in Santa Ana, where much of the light rail project is accompanied by curb-protected bike lanes.
Progress and Features
Construction of the OC Streetcar began in 2018, and as of now, the tracks and stations appear nearly finished. The streetcar will connect the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center (SARTC) with a new transit hub at Harbor Boulevard and Westminster Avenue in Garden Grove. This strategic placement ensures that the streetcar will enhance connectivity for commuters and residents alike.
The eastern end of the OC Streetcar will operate on-street through central Santa Ana, connecting key locations including the civic center and the Santa Ana train station, which serves Amtrak, Metrolink, and various bus routes. On the western end, the route will transition to an off-street pathway along the historic West Santa Ana Branch rail corridor. This segment aligns with the area where L.A. Metro is finalizing plans for the Southeast Gateway Line light rail. Although it might be theoretically possible to connect the two lines in the future, such a connection is not expected anytime soon.
Funding and Public Input
The OC Streetcar project, with a total estimated cost of nearly $600 million, is funded through a combination of federal ($280.1 million), state ($175.43 million), and local ($123.63 million) tax dollars. Officials emphasize that the aim of the streetcar is to create a low-cost option that connects to other transportation systems, such as Metrolink and OC Bus, thereby enhancing overall regional mobility.
The route was determined with significant public input. “The route was chosen by the cities, with input all along the way from the public and from local business owners,” says Eric Carpenter, Orange County Transportation Authority communications specialist. Despite this inclusive approach, the construction has been controversial, with many businesses and community members voicing concerns and opposition in the past.
Bikeways Integration
One notable feature of the OC Streetcar project is its integration with the city’s bike infrastructure. Throughout Santa Ana, the streetcar route is accompanied by several curb-protected bike lanes, enhancing safety and accessibility for cyclists. These bike lanes, visible in various sections of the project, provide a parallel route for cyclists alongside the streetcar tracks. While some segments are temporarily blocked due to ongoing construction, most of the bikeways are already open and in use. The use of dedicated bike lanes should ideally reduce the risk of accidents, hopes an Orange County bicycle accident attorney.
In addition to the streetcar-parallel bikeways, the city of Santa Ana has independently completed approximately two miles of curb-protected bike lanes on Bristol Street. These lanes support first-last mile connections, making it easier for residents to commute to and from the streetcar and other transit options.
Community Impact
The OC Streetcar is set to bring numerous benefits to Santa Ana and the surrounding areas. By improving public transportation options and integrating bike-friendly infrastructure, the project aims to reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and promote healthier, more sustainable modes of transportation. Despite past controversies, the anticipation for the OC Streetcar’s opening underscores the community’s commitment to developing a robust, interconnected transit system that meets the needs of its residents.
As construction nears completion, the OC Streetcar stands as a testament to the progress and future potential of public transit in Orange County. With its expected launch in the summer of 2025, residents and visitors can look forward to a more connected and accessible transportation network, revealing a new horizon of mobility.
Published by: Khy Talara
