OCTA continues delivering on promises to improve transportation network with updated 10-year Measure M Plan

The updated Next 10 Delivery Plan has been adopted by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors. The plan sets a course for delivering transit, street and freeway improvements, while protecting the environment through 2030.

Those improvements are funded by OC Go, funds made possible by the Measure M half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements that was overwhelmingly renewed by voters in 2006.

“We are proud the Next 10 Plan sets a clear path to continue delivering on the Measure M promises to voters,” said OCTA Chairman Andrew Do. “Even with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, sound planning and financial management have translated directly to real benefits for Orange County’s entire transportation system. Whether you take the bus, train, drive, bike or walk, we continue working to make your trip a better one.”

The updated Next 10 Plan incorporates the latest 30-year Measure M sales tax revenue forecast of $11.6 billion through 2041. This represents a $1.8 billion decrease from the fall 2019 forecast and is due to the ongoing pandemic. Despite the public health crisis, OCTA says it remains committed to fulfilling the promises made through Measure M.

The Next 10 Plan will continue to advance Measure M implementation, including delivery of 14 freeway project segments, annual endowment deposits for the environmental mitigation program, return of 18 percent of funds to cities and the county for local transportation needs, and annual competitive grants to address traffic bottlenecks on streets and to synchronize traffic signals.

Additional Next 10 Plan objectives include investments in transit, including completing construction and starting service of the OC Streetcar, sustaining Metrolink service and improving stations, and enhancing mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities.

With Orange County’s population projected to increase dramatically by 2030, improvements to transit are necessary to ensure a balanced and sustainable transportation system.

Thanks to strategic investments and strong fiscal responsibility throughout the years, OCTA says it remains in a good financial position to uphold voter commitments and deliver transportation benefits to keep Orange County moving.

To ensure projects and programs are delivered, OCTA is managing the scope and cost of projects, taking advantage of competitive construction market conditions, and pursuing external grants to supplement Measure M funds wherever possible.