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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
DATE: APRIL 7, 2026
FROM: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: ANAHEIM TRANSIT MASTER PLAN UPDATE
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 11
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Resolution, adopt the 2026 Anaheim Transit Master Plan Update.
DISCUSSION:
The Anaheim Transit Master Plan (ATMP) is the City’s long-range vision for improving transit access, mobility, and regional connectivity. It provides guidance for local transit advocacy, future project development, interagency coordination, and the pursuit of competitive funding opportunities.
The previous ATMP was adopted in 2007. Since then, Anaheim has experienced substantial changes in development, transit service, population, employment, and regional mobility priorities. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive update, the city secured a Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant (STPG) from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to develop an updated ATMP.
In 2024, the city selected the top-scoring consultant from its traffic planning on-call list and initiated this ATMP update shortly thereafter. Key objectives include the following:
Document existing transit infrastructure, services, and conditions Review existing transit data
Forecast future transit needs and ridership trends
Identify improvement opportunities
Conduct robust public and stakeholder outreach
Develop refined goals, recommendations, and an implementation framework Produce draft and final ATMP Update
Anaheim Transit Master Plan Update
April 7, 2026
To implement these objectives, the team developed a comprehensive existing conditions analysis focused on documenting current transit operations, walking access, demographics, ridership trends, and planned development. Key observations included the following:
Anaheim is generally well served by regional and local transit There are opportunities to improve:
o Transit frequency, reliability, and speed;
o Bus stop amenities and passenger information;
o Sidewalk connectivity; and
o Fare coordination and customer experience improvements This analysis was completed prior to the announcement that the Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) would wind down service. Staff is currently working with stakeholders on both short-term solutions and a long-term transit strategy for the Resort and Platinum Triangle. The ATMP provides a strong foundation to guide those efforts.
Next, a multi-phased outreach effort was implemented to solicit public and technical feedback.
Outreach efforts included the following components:
Community Working Group (CWG) meetings that were focused on soliciting public input from representatives of neighborhood groups, major employers, hoteliers, non-profits, and other civic organizations.
Technical Working Group (TWG) meetings that were focused on soliciting technical input from key transit stakeholders, including Anaheim, Buena Park, Yorba Linda, ATN, Caltrans, the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), and Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) technical staff.
Public Survey
A citywide public survey was also conducted to solicit additional feedback from individuals who were not represented by the CWG and TWG. In total, 182 survey responses were provided. These responses largely echoed comments received from the CWG and TWG and focused on the need to provide more frequent, innovative, and accessible transit service connecting major employment and activity centers.
Public Open Houses
Based on input received (from the TWG, CWG, and public survey), the team developed updated goals. These goals were then presented at a public open house on June 4, 2025. After making minor changes, based on feedback received, the goals for the updated ATMP were finalized. They include:
Improve Transit Access
Improve Transit Mobility
Improve Transit to Benefit Low-Income Households and Low-Wage Employment Areas Minimize Environmental Impacts
Support and Encourage Economic Development
Anaheim Transit Master Plan Update
April 7, 2026
Rapid Implementation of Projects
Serve Targeted Growth Areas (i.e. The Anaheim Resort, Platinum Triangle, Anaheim Canyon)
Technical Assessment and Recommendations
Using these goals, the project team initiated a technical assessment and forecast of long-term transit needs. Based upon findings from this assessment and the finalized goals, initial technical recommendations were developed. These initial technical recommendations were then presented to the CWG and TWG for feedback.
After these meetings, the initial technical recommendations were presented at a second public open house on February 3, 2026. After making minor refinements based upon comments received, the team developed the final draft technical recommendations, which include the following.
More Frequent OCTA Service on Top Ridership Routes
More Frequent Off-Peak and Weekend Metrolink Service
Simplify Fare Structures and Establish Transfer Agreements Pilot microtransit services in Anaheim Canyon and/or Anaheim Hills Increase Bus Stop Amenities
Improve Bus Stop Signage
Fill in Gaps in Sidewalks to Connect Rail Stations and Bus Stops Improve ATN (Future- Resort-Platinum Triangle transit provider) Mobile App and Website Information
Streamline and Simplify ATN (Future Resort-Platinum Triangle transit provider) Bus Routes
Implement Schedule for ATN (Future Resort-Platinum Triangle transit provider) Bus Routes
High-Capacity Transit on Major Corridors
Implement East-West (ARTIC-Platinum Triangle-Resort-Convention Center) Connector Speed and Reliability Improvements on Major Corridors Phasing Plan and Funding Strategy
After the second public open house, a phasing plan and grant funding matrix were developed to support implementation of the proposed recommendations. The phasing plan is divided into the following components.
Short-term (0-2 years): low-cost improvements and planning studies; Mid-term (2-10 years): Service redesigns, sidewalk infill, high-quality transit corridor studies, and
Long-term (10-25 years): major capital improvements such as the East-West Connector Once staff approved these items, the technical team developed the draft ATMP update (Attachment 1), which is presented for City Council review and approval.
Anaheim Transit Master Plan Update
April 7, 2026
Approval of this item is recommended.
Upon City Council approval, staff will finalize the ATMP, take actions to close out the STPG grant, and begin working with partner stakeholders, as appropriate, to implement the updated recommendations as opportunities emerge.
This item supports Anaheim’s Strategic Plan Goal B –Enhance Livability Strategy No. 5 –Expand community engagement and communication opportunities through outreach and Goal C Invest in Infrastructure and Amenities Strategy No. 5 – Develop a mobility plan to connect major attractions.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
There is no budgetary impact.
The updated ATMP does not commit the city to additional funding or project implementation.
The updated ATMP is a long-range vision document that will be used to support advocacy, future development, interagency coordination, and the pursuit of competitive funding opportunities Any future grant applications to support implementation of the updated ATMP’s recommendations will be advanced for separate City Council consideration at the time of application.
Respectfully submitted,
Rudy Emami
Director of Public Works
Attachments:
1. City of Anaheim Transit Master Plan – March 2026 Draft
2. Resolution