200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite #276
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5176
Fax: (714) 765-5161
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
DATE: JUNE 23, 2026
FROM: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF RESPONSE TO 2025-2026 ORANGE
COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT ENTITLED
“CONNECTING ORANGE COUNTY TO LAX: EVALUATING
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS”
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 07
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Motion, approve the attached response to the 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury Report (Report) entitled “Connecting Orange County to LAX: Evaluating Transportation Options” and authorize and direct the Interim City Manager to execute a letter and forward the response to the Presiding Judge of the Orange County Superior Court and the Orange County Grand Jury, pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933(c).
DISCUSSION:
The Orange County Grand Jury (Grand Jury) released a report entitled Connecting Orange County to LAX: Evaluating Transportation Options” on February 23, 2026 (Attachment 1).
The Grand Jury Report evaluates transportation options between Orange County and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), including public transit, private transportation, and airport shuttle service. The report identified the Anaheim Regional Intermodal Transportation Center (ARTIC) as a potential location for future direct transportation service to LAX due to its multimodal connectivity and regional transportation role.
The City of Anaheim is specifically required to respond to:
1. Finding F2 – The Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center presents a viable option for express bus service to LAX due to its locations near Orange County attractions and multimodal connectivity, despite being forty miles from LAX.
Approval of Response to 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury Report Entitled “Connecting Orange County to LAX Evaluating Transportation Options”
June 23, 2026
2. Recommendation R4 – By September 30, 2026, the Anaheim City Council should direct its Planning Department to collaborate with Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) on a business case study for FlyAway or similar services from the Anaheim Regional Transit Intermodal Center to LAX, with a case study submitted to LAWA. This study should include projected ridership, financial sustainability, infrastructure readiness, and community benefits to support funding of the proposed service [F2].
Recommendation R4 established a September 30, 2026, action timeframe. On May 26, 2026, the City requested an extension pursuant to California Penal Code 933.05(b)(3) to allow additional time for interagency coordination, evaluation of operational and financial considerations, and development of a comprehensive response to the recommendation (Attachment 2)
During that evaluation, staff reviewed existing transportation options serving ARTIC and contacted Anaheim AeroLink, a transportation provider that currently operates shuttle service between ARTIC and LAX. Anaheim AeroLink indicated that demand for direct transportation services between ARTIC and LAX is currently limited and does not support fixed-route bus operations. Existing service is provided on an on-demand basis, and current ridership levels do not demonstrate a need for expanded fixed route service.
Based on this evaluation, staff determined that sufficient demand has not been demonstrated to warrant initiation of a City-sponsored business case study regarding direct ARTIC-to-LAX service at this time. Staff also determined that implementation of Recommendation R4 would require coordination with multiple external agencies, including OCTA and LAWA, as well as an evaluation of operational, regulatory, and financial considerations. The City does not currently have funding allocated for such a study.
Accordingly, the attached response concludes that while ARTIC remains an important regional transportation hub, the City does not intend to initiate or fund a business case study regarding direct ARTIC-to-LAX service at this time. The City remains willing to participate in discussions with transportation providers and regional partners regarding future mobility opportunities and would cooperate with any transportation agency or airport operator that elects to pursue further evaluation of direct service.
In accordance with California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.0, the City is required to submit a formal response to the Grand Jury. Staff therefore recommends that City Council authorize the attached response and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute a letter and forward the response to the Presiding Judge of the Orange County Superior Court and the Orange County Grand Jury.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
There is no budgetary impact.
Approval of Response to 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury Report Entitled “Connecting Orange County to LAX Evaluating Transportation Options”
June 23, 2026
Respectfully submitted,
Rudy Emami
Director of Public Works
Attachments:
1. 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury Report, “Connecting Orange County to LAX:
Evaluating Transportation Options”
2. May 26, 2026 City of Anaheim Extension Request
3. Recommended Response to the Orange County Grand Jury Report