Free Irvine Ride Share Transportation Idea
Anaheim launched FRAN (“Free Rides Around The Neighborhood”) on January 24, 2019. FRAN offers free on demand transportation for locals and visitors within a designated downtown area to call for rides using a cell phone app. There are no fixed routes but there are 10 designated “preferred stops” where riders can begin or end their trip. Funding comes from a partnership with ART (“Anaheim Resort Transportation”), grants, and local property assessments.
The Irvine Company has launched FRANC (“Free Rides Around Newport Center”), a free on demand transportation system for the Newport Center which serves a hospital, parks and recreation, retail shopping, office and commercial and residential units in the Fashion Island area. Balboa and Del Mar have asked for a similar transportation service for their communities. Daily Pilot | Davis
The Irvine Company also has a shuttle service serving residents, businesses and retail centers at the Irvine Spectrum.
PROPOSITION
I propose that Irvine look into creating a free, on demand, public transportation system for residents and visitors where an app can get you a ride to one of our city’s major destinations. The FIRST (“Free Irvine Ride Share Transportation”) service area should include most of Irvine. Here are a few major destinations that should be considered:
- The Irvine Marketplace
- The Spectrum
- John Wayne Airport
- Irvine Train Station
- UCI
- The Great Park Venues
- Irvine Business Complex
Funding for the program can come from partnerships with hotels, shopping center owners and commercial businesses, sponsorships, grants and from property assessments.
If the City of Irvine created a free, on demand, public transportation system to these locations, would you use it? Where would you go?
