The first OC Streetcar train, painted in blue and orange, has arrived in Orange County, marking a significant milestone for the project. The streetcar will connect Santa Ana to Garden Grove along a 4.15-mile route. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) expects the service to begin in spring 2026, with testing scheduled to start this summer.
The OC Streetcar will run from the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center to Harbor Boulevard in Garden Grove, passing through downtown Santa Ana. It will connect with existing rail and bus routes, enhancing mobility for commuters, shoppers, and students. The Siemens S700 streetcar, which is 90 feet long, can carry up to 211 passengers, including 62 seated and 149 standing, and operates on electricity from an overhead catenary system, producing zero emissions as it travels.
The project, which began construction in 2018, has faced delays and has reached a cost of $649 million. Despite these challenges, OCTA Chair Doug Chaffee expressed optimism, stating, “The arrival of the first OC Streetcar vehicle is an exciting moment for Orange County and a clear sign of the strong progress we’re making toward getting the system running” according to KTLA.
Once operational, the streetcar is expected to reduce vehicle traffic and generate foot traffic in Santa Ana’s downtown, benefiting local businesses. The streetcar will have ten stops in each direction, with a frequency of every 10 to 15 minutes as detailed by the OCTA.
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