Author: Caroline Coykendall

  • Anaheim Transportation Network Announces Wind-Down of Operations

    Anaheim Transportation Network Announces Wind-Down of Operations

    For nearly three decades, the Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) has supported mobility in the Anaheim Resort—serving residents, employees, and millions of visitors.

    After an extended evaluation of our current and future financial position and exhausting all options, ATN will begin an orderly wind-down of operations, with conclusion of service on March 31, 2026. This transition will be implemented in a manner to allow for coordination and transparency as services are responsibly concluded.

    The ATN Board of Directors appreciates the community’s continued support of the service through the conclusion of operation.

  • FRAN Service to Continue Serving Anaheim Residents and Visitors

    FRAN Service to Continue Serving Anaheim Residents and Visitors

    Service Updates and Hours Take Effect April 14 

    Anaheim, CA – April 14, 2025 – The Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) released updated operating hours and stop locations for the micro-transit service, Free Rides Around the Neighborhood (FRAN), effective today. 

    FRAN will operate Friday through Sunday from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM in and around Center City Anaheim.  The updated service hours will better meet the needs of Anaheim businesses, residents and visitors during peak evening hours. 

    “We are excited FRAN will continue to provide congestion relief and mobility options for residents and visitors to the downtown Anaheim area,” stated Diana Kotler, CEO of the Anaheim Transportation Network. “With the leadership of Councilmember Natalie Rubalcava, and partnership with local business leaders and the City of Anaheim, funding sources were identified to continue FRAN micro-transit service in the Center City area.”  

    Launched in 2019 as a part of downtown Anaheim’s re-development efforts, FRAN’s purpose is to reduce traffic and parking congestion. Core funding for FRAN comes from local businesses who are mandated to participate in a transportation mitigation program as part of their development approvals. Historically, regional grants have subsidized FRAN operations, however many of those opportunities are no longer available. 

    As part of the service updates, ATN has re-evaluated and refined the FRAN stop locations. By reducing the number of stops, the revised routes will concentrate on the core of Center City Anaheim, providing direct access to key dining, entertainment, and commercial areas. This improvement also maintains integration with other local transit options, including Anaheim Regional Transportation (ART) Bus routes, for a seamless transportation experience. 

    For more information about FRAN, including schedules and service updates, please visit www.rideart.org or download the A-Way WeGo mobile app. 

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    ATN provides public transit service to 9 million passengers annually in the greater Anaheim area. ATN’s fleet of nearly 100 electric and clean-fuel vehicles, play a critical role in connecting neighborhoods and employment centers in the greater Anaheim area to Amtrak, Metrolink, and OCTA routes.  

    Media Contact: Melinda Andrade 

    (949) 378-8174 / melinda@toddpriest.com 

  • Federal Tax Dollars Return To Anaheim As Part Of Nearly $15 Million Correa Secured For Community Projects In The FY’24 Omnibus Package

    Federal Tax Dollars Return To Anaheim As Part Of Nearly $15 Million Correa Secured For Community Projects In The FY’24 Omnibus Package

    ANAHEIM, Calif.  Today, Representative Lou Correa (CA-46) presented $790,000 in federal funding for Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) to enhance public transit services in the Anaheim Resort and Platinum Triangle areas. Correa was joined by Anaheim City Councilmember Carlos Leon, community stakeholders, as well as members of ATN leadership for a check presentation at Modjeska Park in Anaheim. 

    “Those working on Main Street deserve access to affordable and accessible public transportation, especially at late night hours,” Correa said. “With this funding, ATN will be able to kickstart their ‘Night Owl’ service for workers in the Anaheim Resort and Platinum Triangle and ensure that resort workers, the backbone of our tourist economy, are safe getting to and from work. This much-needed service is a win-win for the local economy. We must do all we can to keep tourists and workers safe.”

    Check

    Correa presents federal funding to Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN)

    With this funding, ATN will begin a “Night Owl” service that will service employees in the Anaheim Resort and Platinum Triangle between the hours of 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM when public transit is not currently available. The funding will also help secure additional electric vehicles for this service. This federal funding will go directly to enhancing the public transit options provided by the ATN and their clean energy fleet, which provides public transportation to 10 million passengers annually.

    bus

    Correa tours bus from ATN’s clean energy fleet, a project fueled by this federal funding

    “This investment will launch a critical public transit service to meet the needs of the workforce in Anaheim,” stated Diana Kotler, ATN Executive Director. “We are grateful for the continued support of Congressman Lou Correa, who continuously find ways to support ATN, the Anaheim workforce, and the growth and reliability of clean public transit in the region.”

    2nd Check

    Corea joins impacted workers and local elected officials

    This nearly $800,000 in federal funding is part of the nearly $15 million that Rep. Correa secured for community projects throughout California’s 46th congressional district in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) omnibus appropriations bill, which President Joe Biden signed into law earlier this year. Rep. Correa worked in lockstep with community leaders to identify priorities for CA-46 constituents, and fought for them during the annual funding process.

  • ATN Opens First Solar-Powered EV Charging Hub in the Region

    ATN Opens First Solar-Powered EV Charging Hub in the Region

    The combination solar canopy and overhead electric vehicle charging solution will generate energy to drive 1.2 million ATN bus miles per year


    Anaheim, Calif. (April 26, 2024) – Today, the Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) opens its solar-powered EV charging hub, “The Charge,” that will provide charging for ATN’s fleet of 80 battery electric buses. The facility marks a significant achievement for the Anaheim-based public transit system on its path to becoming the region’s first all-electric bus fleet. “Over twenty years ago, ATN set out on an ambitious sustainability journey to electrify our fleet. This goal was driven by our desire to improve the region’s air quality, address congestion, and assist with job growth in the region,” stated Diana Kotler, CEO. “We are grateful to have the consistent support of our federal, state and local leadership and we are proud to bring this innovative and groundbreaking charging depot to our community. This is a paradigm shift in public transit which will provide resilient, efficient, and sustainable public transit in the region.”
    ATN worked with bp pulse to lead the design and construction of the charging depot. Now in operation, bp pulse will provide real-time monitoring of EV charging operations, ensuring chargers are operated at the right time to recharge vehicles, manage utility power requirements, track bus and charging data, and coordinate with the solar and battery components to optimize energy usage.
    “bp pulse has worked with ATN since 2020, and from the beginning, our teams have been committed to providing a seamless EV fleet operation to operators, drivers, and riders in the region,” said Sujay Sharma, CEO bp pulse Americas. “We are grateful for the continued trust and relationship with ATN as we have worked together to provide innovative solutions for ATN’s fleet of electric vehicles.”
    REC Solar designed and coordinated the installation of a 514 kW solar canopy covering the charging area, providing 25% of ATN’s total expected energy consumption. To provide the site with renewable energy, the solar canopy supplies power when the sun is shining and integrates seamlessly into the microgrid system. There are over 30,000 feet of buried conduit under the charger depot equivalent to 5.68 miles.

    “As more organizations implement fleet electrification plans, integrating solar and battery storage will be essential for achieving their zero-emission goals. And by combining EV infrastructure and solar financing through PPAs, organizations have the unique ability to greatly increase cost savings,” said REC Solar CEO Robb Jetty. ”ATN has long been dedicated to mitigating climate change by reducing its carbon footprint and we’re proud to have contributed to their sustainability efforts.”
    REC Solar will continue to own, operate and maintain the solar canopy – and bp pulse will manage and maintain the charging system and infrastructure — for a fixed rate over the life of the 20-year agreement. ATN’s charging depot is the first to be commercially available and covered by a power purchase agreement (PPA) financing model.
    This PPA brings predictability to ATN’s budget, reduces exposure to high rates and maximizes EV savings. Overall, ATN estimates the solar-powered EV charging facility will help to save $4.8 million in fuel over 20 years as compared to liquid natural gas or compressed natural gas.
    The availability of ATN’s clean transportation services eliminates 2.5 million automobile trips from local streets each year and reduces Anaheim’s criteria air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions by 4.3 metric tons – over 9.4 million pounds.
    Serving over nine million residents, visitors, and resort employees annually, ATN connects local destinations such as employment hubs, theme parks, sport venues, neighborhoods, shopping centers, and the ARTIC regional transportation center. ATN not only offers visitors and residents a convenient, affordable transportation option, but delivers important environmental and quality of life co-benefits.

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    About Anaheim Transportation Network Operating as the flagship program of the Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN), Anaheim Regional Transportation (ART) is a network of interchangeable bus routes with service to more than 70 stops in and around Anaheim and Orange County. ART also collaborates on long-distance connections with regional transportation providers, as well as with the City of Anaheim on transit initiatives for the region. ART transports more than 9 million guests each year using a fleet of 81 buses, all of which are certified clean-fuel vehicles running on either natural gas or electricity.
    Media contact: Melinda Andrade
    melinda@toddpriest.com / 949.378.8174

  • Anaheim Public Transit Operator Launches New Contactless Payment System

    Anaheim Public Transit Operator Launches New Contactless Payment System

    ANAHEIM, Calif. (November 1, 2023) – Today, Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) launched a contactless payment system for one-way fares for the Anaheim Regional Transportation (ART) system and airport connection, Everyone Ventures Everywhere (EVE).  Riders can also purchase all-day passes on ATN’s A-Way WeGo App.

    “As we prepare to be the state’s first all-electric public transit operator, we are always looking for ways to enhance and improve our passenger experience,” said Diana Kotler, ATN CEO. “Now giving riders the simplicity of an option to tap and ride, ATN’s public transportation network will continue to play a critical role in connecting our community to local jobs, healthcare facilities, entertainment and recreation venues, and regional transportation connections.  Our new ‘Tap2Ride’ feature will allow for walk on riders and on-demand services to be paid quickly and efficiently.”

    ATN’s vehicles are now equipped with Tap2Ride touch pads that allow riders to choose the number of passengers and simply tap to pay with Visa or Mastercard, Google Pay or Apple Pay. 

    ATN provides public transit service to 9 million passengers annually in the greater Anaheim area including portions of Buena Park, Garden Grove and Orange.  ATN’s fleet of nearly 100 electric and clean-fuel vehicles, play a critical role in connecting neighborhoods and employment centers in the greater Anaheim area to Amtrak, Metrolink, and OCTA routes. 

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    Media Contact: Melinda Andrade

     (949) 378-8174 / melinda@toddpriest.com