TOP : BARBARA MCMURAY ; BOTTOM AND OPPOSITE PAGE : COURTESY OF CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
TRAVELING BY TROLLEY Laguna Beach ’ s iconic blue-and-gold trolleys operate for free , year-round , with varying seasonal routes . They ’ re powered by alternative fuel ( propane ) and operate with windows down when the weather allows — so riders can feel the breeze while riding down the coast .
Litschi says the Coastal Route , which travels along Coast Highway from north Laguna down to The Ritz-Carlton , Laguna Niguel in Dana Point , is a favorite amongst visitors and locals due to its scenic ocean views . This Long Coastal Route operates year-round with increased service on Friday nights , Saturdays and Sundays while the Short Coastal Route , which only goes as far south as Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach , operates only during summer and nonsummer weekends .
The Canyon Route takes riders from the Lot 16 / Act V parking lot in the canyon to downtown — and stops near the art festivals when they ’ re running . This route operates on weekends during most of the year and daily during the summer . Special trolley service is also added for the annual Sawdust Winter Fantasy , which will be Fridays through Sundays from Nov . 17 to Dec . 17 this year .
Hours of service change depending on whether it ’ s summer or the rest of the year , with more frequent trolley service on weekends year-round , operating later at night every Friday , Saturday and Sunday .
Based on the route , trolleys arrive at each stop approximately every 20 to 30 minutes . Simply scan the QR codes on signs at each trolley stop or download the free Laguna Beach Trolley app to access information on schedules or track the trolley routes .
Laguna Beach Local is a free rideshare service launched in 2021 .
The trolley also helps with student transportation , offering after-school service from Thurston Middle School to the downtown bus depot including a few stops along the way . And the weekday Coastal Route deviates from its course to stop at Laguna Beach High School during arrival and dismissal times .
SHARING THE RIDE Beyond the trolley service routes , there ’ s also the Laguna Beach Local rideshare program , which doesn ’ t cost passengers a single penny either . The program launched in 2021 as an efficient and more environmentally friendly way to get around without parking worries .
Although they don ’ t offer door-to-door service like Uber or Lyft , the city ’ s hybrid-electric vans and minivans carry up to five passengers and cover more than 100 locations across the city . Download the TransLoc app , choose the “ OnDemand ” tab on the bottom and scroll to the “ Laguna Beach Transit Public Ridesharing Service .” Click on that option to schedule a ride in advance or on the spot . Or skip the app and call transit dispatch at 949-497-0766 to request a ride over the phone . It ’ s usually just 15 to 30 minutes from request to pickup at one of the service ’ s designated points .
SENIOR SERVICES Older residents also need assistance reaching their destinations . The most recent census data reported 27 % of Laguna Beach ’ s population is aged 65 and over . To serve this large number of elderly residents , local nonprofit Sally ’ s Fund — founded back in 1982 — has been providing seniors with assisted and escorted transportation within a 30-mile radius of Laguna Beach .
Sally ’ s Fund gives seniors free rides to medical appointments , grocery stores and more .
The organization offers a chance for seniors to remain independent in their homes , with nearly 500 residents now using the service .
“ Transportation barriers restrict the overall life of anyone who doesn ’ t drive ,” says Sally ’ s Fund Executive Director Rachael Berger . “ We remove that barrier for them , and we feel that we ’ re improving that quality of life .”
Riders don ’ t have to be savvy with technology to use this service — simply call 949-499- 4100 and book a ride in advance . The service doesn ’ t charge for rides , but accepts donations .
As an “ escorted ,” door-to-door service , the Sally ’ s Fund drivers remain with their passengers for the length of their trip . Drivers accompany seniors to destinations like the grocery store , medical appointments and the Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Senior Center , plus occasional outings to cultural venues .
“ We try to take the initiative to improve the overall quality of life for seniors ,” Berger says . “ We [ feel ] … that it ’ s important to maintain their emotional well-being through social connections . … I think that ’ s what makes them feel happier and healthier — when they ’ re physically active or part of a group .”
The drivers , who each have a background of personal experience caring for or working with seniors , oftentimes develop close relationships with their passengers . “ Our clients have become Sally ’ s Fund family ,” Berger says . “ I think , really , their favorite place to go is anywhere they need to go with one of our drivers .”
No matter your age or whether you ’ re a visitor or local , there are plenty of transportation options to get around Laguna — and beyond , as the bus depot on Broadway Street allows riders to connect with OCTA buses that continue on to other cities and popular OC attractions . g
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 37