Attachment E
OCTA Letter
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August 5, 2025
Ms. Grace Leung
City Manager
City of Newport Beach
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Subject: Response to June 26, 2025 , Letter Regarding Newport Transportation Center
Dear Ms. Leung:
We are in receipt of the City of Newport Beach’s (City) June 26, 2025, letter outlining the City’s interest in relocating the Newport Transportation Center (NTC) to the property at 3848 Campus Drive and requesting the Orange County Transportation Authority’s (OCTA) support in evaluating the site’s feasibility as a possible transit center.
We appreciate the City’s recognition of the importance of ensuring OCTA continues to meet both current and future regional mobility needs – a responsibility to the community we have upheld with the NTC for 35 years.
With th is understanding and recognizing the many benefits the current NTC location provides to th ose who rely upon the county’s transit system , OCTA remains open to partnering with the City to assess long -term transit needs and potential relocation scenarios. To ensure an objective, transparent, and mutually beneficial outcome, it is essential to agree on the following principles as we proceed.
Clarification of Relocation Criteria
While we recognize and appreciate the City ’s desire to relocate Fire Station Number 3 to 1550 Avocado Avenue, OCTA must first fully understand and evaluate the rationale for identifying 3848 Campus Drive as a suitable replacement for the NTC. To that end, could you provide the detail supporting the City's site selection criteria, including alternative sites considered and reasons for not being selected, any studies conducted, anticipated land -use benefits , and alignment with regional transit and housing objectives. This information will help OCTA assess potential impacts to current operations, ridership access, and long-term mobility goals.
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Ms. Leung
August 5, 2025
Joint and Unbiased Feasibility Analysis
To avoid any bias and pre-determination of a suitable potential relocation site, a joint approach is critical in defining the scope of work, procuring consultants, and managing oversight for the feasibility and operational studies. This approach would allow each agency to leverage its respective areas of expertise. All potential relocation sites, including but not limited to 3848 Campus Drive, should be considered as part of this evaluation.
We appreciate the City’s offer to cover all study costs; however, OCTA considers a 50/50 cost-sharing arrangement essential for the comprehensive study of all candidate sites. This structure would support a balanced analysis and ensure both agencies are equally invested in the study’s outcomes. Given OCTA’s long standing experience with procuring professional services contracts for a variety of complex studies, we are well-positioned to lead the procurement process.
Environmental Review Parameters
To maintain integrity in the analysis process, and comply with applicable state and federal environmental regulations, it is also critical that no decisions are predetermined prior to a formal environmental review process. The scope and methodology for environmental analysis must be jointly developed and reflect OCTA’s planning, operational, and regulatory requirements.
Governance and Public Input
We also want to emphasize that the study and any potential relocation of the NTC will require review and consideration by OCTA’s Board of Directors. As part of this process, OCTA will ensure that the transit-riding public has an opportunity to be informed and provide input. This public engagement and governance process is essential to maintaining transparency and supporting informed decision-making.
In closing, NTC remains a vital part of OCTA’s transit network, serving as a key connection point for multiple high-ridership routes and providing critical access to employment, education, healthcare, and retail destinations throughout Newport Beach and beyond. Over the past 35 years, the facility has consistently supported essential travel, including during the pandemic, and continues to serve tens of thousands of riders annually. Preserving the integrity and functionality of the 37-71
Ms. Leung
August 5, 2025
NTC – whether at its current location or through any future alternative – must remain central to our shared goal of enhancing regional mobility.
OCTA looks forward to continuing dialogue with the City and identifying a framework that supports both agencies’ goals while upholding transparency, equity, and regulatory integrity. However, the existing NTC site was developed with federal funding and is subject to restrictions under our agreement with the Irvine Company. Any proposed relocation would require formal determination of compliance with Federal Transit Administration property disposition requirements and concurrence from the property’s grantor, the Irvine Company. Please let us know a convenient time to meet and discuss these principles for advancing.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or (714) 560-5343.
Sincerely,
Darrell E. Johnson
Chief Executive Officer
DEJ:dp
c: OCTA Board of Directors
OCTA Executive Management
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