digital_LB118_2023 | Page 36

Trolley Time

WHILE PARKING CAN BE TROUBLESOME IN LAGUNA , ESPECIALLY DOWNTOWN , TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS ABOUND TO AVOID THE HASSLE . By MOLLY O ’ BRIEN

There ’ s no shortage of safe , clean and easy-to-use public transportation services in Laguna Beach . From buses operated by the Orange County Transportation Authority to escorted senior transportation by a local nonprofit and even free city-run trolleys and an on-demand rideshare program make it easy to explore the town .

According to Michael Litschi , director of the city ’ s Transit and Community Services , Laguna ’ s transit service had a combined total of nearly 675,000 boardings on its trolley and on-demand services last year .
“ The city prides itself on providing clean , convenient and environmentally friendly transportation options to both residents and visitors ,” Litschi says .
Travelers and locals have direct access to all of the city ’ s beaches , the summer art festivals , attractions like Laguna Playhouse and myriad restaurants , hotels and shops — for free — without searching for a parking spot in the often-crowded downtown area .
“ The city ’ s trolley and on-demand services make it much easier for residents and visitors to get around town in a convenient , stress-free manner while also helping to reduce traffic congestion and eliminating the need to hunt for limited parking spaces ,” Litschi says .
Laguna ’ s iconic blueand-gold trolleys offer many routes around town .
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