HomeMy WebLinkAboutSS4 - Expansion of City Trolley - CorrespondenceReceived after Agenda Printed
12 May 2025
Newport Beach City Council
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
RE: SUPPORT Item SS4 - Expansion of City Trolley
Dear Newport Beach City Council,
May 13, 2025
Item No. SS4
i�ounty10
0
San�a'�
Orange County for People -Oriented Places (OCPOP) is a coalition dedicated to supporting and
connecting individuals and local groups across Orange County working to reduce car
dependency through safer streets, better public transit, and more livable communities. OCPOP
supports Item SS4 in concept.
While final plans and details have not yet been presented, the general direction of expanding the
Newport Beach trolley service is a positive and much -needed step toward building a more
accessible and people -friendly transportation network. By enhancing connectivity across key
parts of the city and expanding access to popular destinations without requiring personal vehicle
use, this proposal aligns well with OCPOP's vision of a less car -dependent and more inclusive
Orange County.
Newport Beach is uniquely positioned to benefit from expanded local transit. With limited
parking, congested coastal roads, and high volumes of seasonal and year-round visitors, the
demand for reliable alternatives to car travel is evident. The existing Balboa Peninsula Trolley
has already demonstrated success in reducing parking demand and providing convenient
mobility during summer weekends and holidays. It's time to build on that success by making the
service more comprehensive, both geographically and seasonally.
One area of strong support from OCPOP is the idea of making the trolley a year-round service.
Limiting operations to just summer weekends undercuts its potential to serve as a true local
circulator for residents and workers, not just tourists. Many hospitality and retail employees,
seniors, students, and other community members live or work in Newport Beach year-round but
lack convenient, affordable transit options. A year-round trolley, even on a limited schedule,
could dramatically increase mobility options, reduce parking pressures, and promote equity in
how residents and visitors navigate the city.
In addition to geographic expansion, we encourage the City to consider service enhancements
that would improve accessibility and convenience, such as better signage, expanded hours of
operation, integration with active transportation (like walk/bike infrastructure), and increased
frequency. Given the climate goals at the state and regional levels, expanding and improving
local transit like this is not only good policy, it's essential for meeting long-term sustainability
objectives.
We recognize that this agenda item is for study session discussion only and that no concrete
proposals or funding details have been released. However, OCPOP appreciates the City's
willingness to explore transit expansion and urges staff and council to pursue a bold vision for a
connected trolley network that meets the everyday needs of residents, workers, and visitors alike.
Thank you for considering our position. If there are any questions, please reach out to us.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
OC for People -Oriented Places