Brea Bus Rapid Transit Concepts

This project received grant funding from Compass Blueprint to explore opportunities for transit-oriented development surrounding proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations near the Brea Mall.  OCTA has put on hold plans to implement a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Orange County. The 28-mile BRT route was planned to link Brea to Irvine with the northern terminus being in the vicinity of the Brea Mall, which now serves several OCTA bus routes providing connections throughout the County.

Goals:

• Determine preferred site location for BRT station
• Propose mixed-use land use strategy
• Develop 3-D design of potential station

Summary

Beginning in 2003, the five North Orange County Cities (NOCC) of Brea, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia and Yorba Linda undertook a cooperative effort to define a vision for transit in North Orange County.  The project also received funding from the Reduce Orange County Congestion (ROCC) program, and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Go Local program. The purpose of this Demonstration Project was to identify potential sites for a future BRT station in the vicinity of the Brea Mall and to develop joint land use and transit concepts that would address potential intensification, mix of uses, vehicular circulation, pedestrian connectivity, and other transit supportive elements.

Results:

• Existing conditions for the study area, including redevelopment sites
• Guiding principles for BRT station design
• Identification of potential BRT station sites
• Multiple BRT station concepts, with preliminary station access strategies
• Next steps related to implementation and case studies
• Preferred alternative provides for 160,000 sq. ft. of leasable space