FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2025
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@ocgov.com
OC Vice Chair Katrina Foley Releases Statement Following Orange County Transportation Authority Board Meeting on Coastal Rail Resiliency Study, WAVE Discount Bus Pass, FIFA World Cup 2026 and LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Today, Vice Chair Katrina Foley released a statement on planning updates from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors meeting.
Item 5 - Coastal Rail Resiliency Study Update
At Supervisor Foley’s request, OCTA initiated the Coastal Rail Resiliency Study in 2023, focusing on both short- and mid-term solutions for protecting the rail line and preserving rail operations. From this study, staff developed Alternative Concepts for protecting the rail line as well as keeping it in place for up to 30 years.
“After years of ignoring sea encroaching and bluff destabilization along our rail corridor, we finally studied viable, proactive solutions for the future. Stabilizing the LOSSAN Rail Corridor remains crucial for local commuters, as well as our global economy and national security. These plans study seven stabilization methods for the bluffs, tracks, and beachside of the rail line, adding to the four emergency stabilization efforts currently underway,” said OC Supervisor Katrina Foley, OCTA Director.
Director Foley added, “One third of Orange County’s tourism economy is sustained by our ocean economy. Current plans consider investing in sand renourishment to save Orange County’s eroding beaches. The four emergency stabilization efforts and this mid-term plan protect our critical ocean economy for three decades as we continue working with the state to find a permanent solution for our eroding coastline, which undermines LOSSAN rail stability.”
Finally, the Board received updates and discussed the Fédération Internationale de Football Association World Cup 2026 (FIFA26) and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28). As Orange County’s transportation planning agency, OCTA undertakes a coordinated effort in planning, identifying funding, and implementing strategies for the Games. This includes coordination with key entities (e.g., FIFA, LA28, California State Parks, venue cities, and the business community) and public transportation agencies (e.g., LA Metro, Metrolink, LOSSAN, Caltrans, and other regional transit operators) on identifying funding and ensuring seamless transportation during the Games.
“We must accelerate preparation for our transportation and infrastructure systems ahead of the World Cup 2026 and the 2028 Olympics,” said Director Katrina Foley. “Our transportation plan for both FIFA 2026 and LA28 needs significant improvement. The plans presented today require further development which can’t happen if the Games Mobility Executive Committee continues to exclude Orange County from a seat at the table for the regional planning process.”
Director Foley added, “In less than two years, we anticipate up to 15 million fans attending more than 800 Olympic events throughout the Southern California region. Our transportation agencies must improve collaboration and strategize how these millions of tourists, residents and spectators will commute to venues throughout our County and in Los Angeles, while also strengthening security and ensuring the safety of everyone traveling to and attending these events and protecting our existing public transportation needs.”
Starting October 15, 2025, OC Buses and Streetcars will accept WAVE tap cards. Creating an account on the WAVE system guarantees riders pay the lowest fares through automatic discounts and stops charging once reaching the daily or monthly limit.
“I support freeing up crucial dollars and allowing riders the ability to pay on their own terms,” said Director Foley. “I believe Orange County families deserve more financial flexibility and protections from overcharging. OCTA’s new WAVE system provides both, while streamlining boarding OC Buses and OC Streetcars.”
The new WAVE cards help riders lower their costs and avoid unnecessary charges for additional rides once they hit their monthly maximum by linking individual riders to online profiles that are control through the WAVE app. Instead of paying the full monthly rate upfront, Orange County commuters can look forward to a set-cap of $69 tracked by their WAVE card and spread throughout the month. Features include:
- Automatic reloads and online management allow users to add value or set auto-reload options through an online account.
- Balance protection means registered riders can easily replace lost or stolen cards without losing funds.
- Best-fare guarantee through capping, which ensures riders always get the best price. Riders pay per trip but never more than the cost of a one-day or 30-day pass.
- Multiple cards per account – riders can manage up to eight cards, perfect for families or groups.
- Expanded retail network across Orange County makes it easy to purchase and reload Wave cards using cash or credit.
- Contactless payments including debit or credit cards, or mobile wallets, a
Find additional information about the WAVE card here.
To inquire about Supervisor Foley’s media availability, please contact Latisha Townsend at (714) 559-8364.
###
Orange County Supervisor Vice Chair 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.
