ITS Faculty in the News: Dr. Michael McNally and Dr. Michael Hyland weigh in on transit in Irvine

ITS Researchers Dr. Michael Hyland and Dr. Michael McNally were recently featured in the Orange County Register for their expert opinion on the Irvine Connect Shuttle System. The Irvine Connect Shuttle was launched as a city-run pilot in 2023, replacing Irvine’s iShuttle services. In July of this year, Irvine Connect added an additional bus and five new stops. Now the city is considering whether or not to expand the shuttle system further.

Dr. Hyland and Dr. McNally advise city planners to first weigh their end goal and whether it aligns with the needs of Irvine residents.

“It seems to me that the city wants to have transit to have transit, maybe some environmental benefits. My perspective is that transit in a place like Irvine is not the best solution for improving sustainability,” he said. “But if the goal is to connect young people, elderly people, people who can’t operate a vehicle to their key destinations, then there really are no better alternatives … which then becomes how much does the city want to spend on serving those trips?” – Dr.Hyland

McNally suggests the city collaborate with pre-existing bus and transit systems operating under OCTA in addition to expanding connections to Metrolink and Amtrak so residents have access to everyday destinations.

“Another option they may not have considered is working on a deal with OCTA where they could subsidize OCTA service in the city, or, for example, subsidize the cost of a bus pass to Irvine residents. People commute in and out of Irvine all the time. If (Irvine Connect) serves only in the city, it probably can’t do that.” – Dr. McNally
You can read further about Irvine’s Connect Shuttle here: https://lnkd.in/g9bedraH