As many Orange County cities begin imposing fees for senior shuttle programs to meet increasing costs and demand, the City of Brea looks to keep senior center shuttles free.
It comes at a time when the Orange County population is aging rapidly — by 2060, it’s estimated that a third of the county’s residents will be considered older adults.
It’s been dubbed the “silver tsunami” as residents age and the 60+ population increases.
Brea residents aged 60 or older benefit from the city’s free shuttle services to buy groceries, pick up medication and do weekly errands. Brea also offers an unlimited van service; for $4 per one-way trip, seniors can schedule personal trips to local shops or visit friends within a five-mile radius.
As of March 2026, Mission Viejo, Costa Mesa,
As of March 2026, Mission Viejo, Costa Mesa, San Clemente and Fullerton have implemented monthly ride limitations — as few as eight a month — and added shuttle fees ranging from $3 to $10 per trip.
One-way visits to the doctor’s office in Costa Mesa, once free, are now $5, and Fullerton seniors’ free rides have been reduced from 30 per month in March 2026 to 20 as of July 2026.
In a Brea City Council meeting from August, Anthony Godoy — senior management analyst for the community services department — presented a proposal for a grant application from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).
This $750,000 grant would provide Brea’s senior center
This $750,000 grant would provide Brea’s senior center with one electric vehicle and one gas vehicle, in accordance with OCTA’s 2024 sustainability initiative.
“Those vehicles that are free, they’re free for a reason because [seniors] lives are basically over, and we’re just stretching it out a wee bit,” Councilmember Marty Simonoff said at the meeting.
The council approved the grant application, with the motion passing 5-0, and submitted it as of Aug. 28; the projected award date is January 2027.
If awarded, Brea will amend its operating budget
If awarded, Brea will amend its operating budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year to align with the approved grant funds and authorize a 10% funding match using the Air Quality Improvement Fees Fund and the Vehicle Replacement Fund. Brea’s Mayor, Cecilia Hupp, said she supported these efforts.
The city’s Senior Transportation Program has been a recipient of donated OCTA shuttles for several years, Hupp said, but while Brea’s acquired no-cost shuttles, the retired vehicles they currently have are in need of upgrades.
Brea’s efforts are “reducing barriers for transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities,” which sets them apart from the growing list of OC cities rolling back their programs
OCTA’s grant would provide Brea funding for new
OCTA’s grant would provide Brea funding for new vehicles while also ensuring the shuttle services remain free, preserving residents’ access to scheduled trips to and from the Senior Center, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Brea also offers a van shuttle service that costs $4 per one-way trip, curb-to-curb service within five miles of these older adults’ homes. Those trips don’t have a cap.
“Taking advantage of these grants and getting these vehicles is gonna do a service to our seniors that’s long overdue,” Simonoff said.
The Collegiate News Service is a partnership between
The Collegiate News Service is a partnership between Voice of OC and local student journalists. Contact this story’s reporters by emailing avega@chapman.edu and beltranjimenez@chapman.edu.
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