BusTalk

[Mr. Linsky]

Santa Ana Bus Terminal to Close Dec. 14

Mark Boster / Los Angeles Time

Orange County Transportation Authority officials say the closure is necessary because the agency can't afford necessary safety upgrades.

An Orange County Transportation Authority official says the terminal lacks adequate ventilation for the new natural gas fleet. Higher bus fares are also being considered.

By Paloma Esquivel
October 28, 2008

The Orange County Transportation Authority voted unanimously Monday to close a popular bus terminal in Santa Ana.

The terminal, which is across the street from the county courthouse and other central buildings, will be closed for safety reasons beginning Dec. 14, officials said. Arthur T. Leahy, chief executive of the transit agency, said the terminal lacks adequate ventilation for the county's new buses, which run on natural gas.

Critics of the move said the terminal provides riders with shelter from the weather as well as a place to grab a bite to eat or to use the restroom.

At the public hearing Monday, 12 people spoke about the agency's possible fare hike, which would be the first in four years.

The hike would increase the cost of one ride from $1.25 to $1.50 and a day pass from $3 to $4; monthly passes would go from $45 to $55. Other fares, such as those for seniors and people with disabilities, would also increase.
A decision on the fare proposal is expected in November.

Esquivel is a staff writer.

Photo courtesy of Orange County Transit Authority

Mr. Linsky - Green Bus Lines, Inc., Jamaica, NY operator