FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2025
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@ocgov.com
OC Fair Express Records Nearly 23,000 Boardings in 2025, Helping Attendees Reach the Fair Conveniently and Affordably
OCTA offered bus rides to the OC Fair for $4 roundtrip from four locations throughout the county during the fair’s five-week run July 18 to Aug. 17.
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA – The OC Fair closed out its 2025 run and final tallies show that OC Fair Express once again provided thousands of attendees with an affordable, convenient way to reach the fairgrounds.
In all, 22,888 boarding were recorded on the Orange County Transportation Authority’s special bus service to the OC Fair, helping people avoid traffic congestion and reducing demand for parking around the Costa Mesa fairgrounds.
That’s nearly 30% more boardings compared to the 2024 OC Fair, with one additional pickup location this year.
The OC Fair Express ran every Saturday and Sunday for five consecutive weekends, with five convenient pickup locations across the county. Ridership was strong from the opening weekend, with more than 3,800 boardings, and continued to build momentum throughout the run.
“The OC Fair remains one of Orange County’s most beloved summer traditions. The OC Fair Express gave more people a chance to enjoy fun at the fair without the hassle of traffic or expense of parking,” said Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “This year’s record ridership proves what happens when we prioritize easy, affordable access for everyone, from grandparents bringing their grandkids to teens heading out for summer fun with friends. Transit options that connect our communities help reduce our carbon footprint and strengthen access to local events that bring people together.”
Social media buzz and positive word-of-mouth from riders helped spread awareness, and families, students, and seniors alike took advantage of the low fares and convenience.
Ridership by route over the five weekends was:
- Anaheim (ARTIC): 6,567
- Laguna Hills Transportation Center: 4,917
- Huntington Beach (Golden West Transportation Center): 4,508
- Fullerton Park and Ride: 4,253
- Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center (SARTC): 2,643
Fares mirrored OCTA’s regular low-cost bus service. Adults rode for just $4 round trip, while youth ages 18 and younger rode free with no pass required. Seniors 60 and older paid just $1.50 round trip.
OCTA will continue working with OC Fair officials to explore bringing back the service in future years. For more information, visit OCFairExpress.com.
###
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2022 to represent the newly established District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel. This is her second term on the Board of Supervisors, where she previously served District 2.
Vice Chair Foley’s 2025 Board appointments include:
Chair – Orange County Housing Finance Trust,
Orange County Audit Oversight Committee,
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA),
Vice Chair – OCTA Legislative and Communications Committee, Regional Transportation Committee,
Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency,
Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA), TCA Joint Capital Improvements and Projects Committee,
San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Community Engagement Panel,
Co-Chair – Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition,
Orange County Public Libraries Advisory Board, Coastal Greenbelt Authority,
Newport Bay and South Orange County Watershed Executive Committees,
Ocean Institute, Orange County Community Corrections
Partnership (OCCCP), Santa Ana River Flood Control Protection Agency,
and the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council.
