Anaheim Transportation Network

Pioneering a Greener Tomorrow in Transit

A journey through Anaheim Transportation Network’s sustainability commitment and clear vision for revolutionizing urban mobility.

The Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) is a comprehensive public transportation service catering to the Anaheim Region, Garden Grove, Buena Park, and Orange. It offers both established routes and on-demand options to meet the diverse needs of its riders. One of its prominent services is the ART (Anaheim Regional Transportation), which provides transportation and mobility services in and around The Anaheim Resort, Platinum Triangle, Center City Anaheim, and several other Orange County destinations.

In addition to the ART service, ATN offers the FRAN (Free Rides Around The Neighborhood) service, an on-demand community micro-transit service. This service guides riders through Anaheim’s dynamic Packing District and neighborhoods without charge. The vehicles used for this service are 5-passenger, all-electric, and are easily recognizable by their bright orange color.

Another notable service is the EVE (Everyone Ventures Everywhere) service, which ensures on-demand connectivity between the Anaheim Region and Orange County’s Airport, SNA. This service utilizes all-electric, 9-seat passenger vans to transport riders from John Wayne, Orange County Airport to the Anaheim area and vice versa.

In the heart of Orange County lies Anaheim, a bustling hub of entertainment and commerce. At its core, driving sustainable mobility, is the Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN). “We are a public transit operator for the city of Anaheim,” says Diana Kotler, CEO at ATN. Contrary to common assumptions, ATN operates independently from the city, steered by a distinct board of directors. However, its ties with the city are undeniably robust, grounded in shared values of environmental consciousness and regulatory cooperation.

Building on a Sustainability Foundation

“Sustainability is in our DNA,” Kotler emphasizes. The inception of ATN can be traced back to the 90s when Anaheim’s skyline was vastly different. Back then, landmarks like the Honda Center were yet to be constructed, and the only theme park reigning was Disneyland.

Faced with the challenge of mitigating the anticipated environmental impacts of large-scale developments, the city prioritized devising solutions to the then-prevalent old diesel buses. “The city of Anaheim created what’s known as a specific plan or environmental document,” Kotler explains, “that essentially mandated businesses in the commercial area to adopt a clean fuel system.” This groundbreaking move cemented ATN’s foundational ethos.

When ATN launched its services in 2002, it heralded a new era of sustainable transportation. “We began with a fleet of electric buses and compressed natural gas buses,” Kotler shares, underscoring that conventional fuels like diesel and gasoline were never on ATN’s radar. This forward-thinking approach made ATN a clean transportation pioneer and laid the groundwork for transformative developments in Anaheim.

The Backbone of ATN: People and Coverage

Amidst the array of transport services provided, the dedicated workforce keeps ATN’s wheels turning seamlessly. Kotler shares that the ATN employs “about 50 individuals” in diverse roles, from management to dispatch and maintenance to supervision. Furthermore, there’s a significant partnership in place with the Parking Company of America, a local entity. “They employ approximately 180 people or so,” she adds. This collaboration means that ATN, depending on the season, has a combined workforce of “approximately 220 to 250 people,” keeping Anaheim connected.

When it comes to the area of coverage, ATN’s reach is expansive yet focused. Kotler explains that ATN offers a broad spectrum of services. At its core lies the “Anaheim Resort, Platinum Triangle, and Center City” — pivotal commercial hubs comprising theme parks, sporting venues, and civic utilities. “That’s the spine of the operation,” she states. From this core, ATN operates services connecting various locales such as the Orange County Airport, surrounding neighborhoods, and even provisions for senior mobility that span the city’s entirety. Beyond Anaheim, their services stretch into neighboring cities like Garden Grove, Orange, and Buena Park.

Kotler articulates the coverage, “It’s a very compact and very dense area,” and emphasizes its significance as the “heart of commercial tourism, retail for Orange County, California.” Through its broad reach and strategic focus, ATN serves the needs of the local community and bolsters the region’s economic and recreational activities.

Redefining Transit: The Future of ATN

The impact of a robust transit network extends beyond mere connectivity. While ATN plays a significant role in Anaheim’s mobility, its influence is felt across the region’s economic spectrum. Addressing this aspect, Kotler admits that while the ATN has not conducted an explicit economic analysis study, she acknowledges the extensive impact the tourism and hospitality sectors exert on the area. “That’s in billions of dollars,” she says, referring to figures from Visit Anaheim and the Chamber of Commerce. However, her emphasis remains clear: “We are a mobility provider. Our job is to serve those jurisdictions that provide economic impact to the county.”

But as cities evolve, so do the challenges and opportunities facing transit agencies. The past few years’ events, notably the pandemic, have brought about transformative changes in how public transit functions. Reflecting on this shift, Kotler notes, “The pandemic pushed the transportation industry to rethink how we serve our community.” This unexpected hiatus from regular operations wasn’t just a setback; it offered a pivotal moment of introspection and planning. The result? A renewed vision for the future of public transit. “What the industry was pre-2020 is very different from what the industry is today,” she states.

Kotler pinpoints two primary areas of evolution. The first revolves around a “customer-centric operation” to expand the scope of their services to cover “all demographics for different purposes.” This approach envisions an inclusive transit system that serves the traditionally transit-dependent population and a broader audience. To this end, she highlights the progressive shift in payment methods, making boarding as hassle-free as possible, emphasizing that “getting on transit should be as easy as buying a cup of coffee.”

On the environmental front, the outlook is promising. Kotler emphasizes that public transit, especially in California, has consistently been at the forefront of eco-friendly initiatives. She mentions Governor Newsom’s administration’s clarity on the subject, affirming that the push for sustainable means, like “electric buses and fuel cell buses,” ensures that the industry remains progressive. With ATN at the helm in Anaheim, the future of public transportation is not just about moving people – it’s about moving forward with purpose.

Adapting to the Changing Times: The Role of ATN

As the world faces environmental challenges, the shift towards eco-friendly mass transportation becomes increasingly essential. It’s not just a matter of sustainability but transforming how society perceives and interacts with transportation systems. Kotler observes a notable shift in this regard. “With the Gen Zs and millennials coming out,” she points out, “we’re seeing a change in how people view transportation.” The new generation doesn’t just perceive transportation as merely a car ride to a destination; instead, they regard it as a utility, a commodity. The rise of ride-sharing giants like Uber and Lyft adds a layer of complexity, ushering in a need for public transit to evolve and become more adaptable.

When asked about the defining attributes of ATN, Kotler’s response is concise: “We’re nimble, very customer-centric, and quick to react.” She takes pride in the organization’s swift decision-making processes, emphasizing that ATN wastes no time in its implementation once a course of action is determined beneficial.

However, ATN isn’t an isolated entity; its success is a product of synergy and collaboration with various business partners. “We have very close relationships with both of our sporting teams,” Kotler shares, referencing partnerships with teams like the Anaheim Ducks and Angels. The hospitality industry, too, plays a pivotal role, not only because ATN transports its guests but also due to the vast employment opportunities they present. “People always think that it’s just service jobs,” she notes, clarifying that the spectrum of careers within hospitality ranges from interior decorating to HR.

Community ties are also integral to ATN. ATN establishes meaningful connections with local organizations such as the Anaheim Community Foundations, Anaheim YMCA, Housing Department, and the Boys and Girls Club to serve more than just tourists. These affiliations underscore ATN’s commitment to the broader community, ensuring that transportation needs across various demographics are met efficiently and empathetically.

A Glimpse into the Future: ATN’s Vision

Envisioning the future is no easy task, but it becomes less daunting with a clear goal in mind. For ATN, that vision is clear and environmentally conscious. “We’ll be 100% electric, with zero carbon footprint. That’s our goal,” Kotler confidently asserts. The commitment doesn’t end there. From solar battery storage to various sustainability initiatives, ATN aims to be at the forefront of eradicating its carbon footprint. This dedication isn’t solely rooted in environmentalism; it’s about enhancing connectivity, too. As Kotler reveals, they are “working on a bus rapid transit project that will be here by late ’28, in time for the Olympics in California.” ATN’s focus is shifting to be more neighborhood-centric, ensuring that core services link directly to local areas. The implication? “You can leave your car at home and rely on public transportation for your commuting needs.”

Yet, if one were to boil down ATN’s unique selling point, it’s more than just routes and vehicles. When asked about the one thing she’d stress about ATN’s services, Kotler pauses to reflect before highlighting ATN’s omnipresence. “It’s just that we’re available,” she mentions. For anyone unfamiliar with the area, navigating the streets can be daunting. Kotler positions ATN as the solution, offering a “clean, electric, convenient service that drops you at the front door of whatever destination you’re going to.” It’s not just about transport; it’s about an experience characterized by frequency, top-tier customer service, impeccable cleanliness, and a warm, friendly demeanor. Indeed, these facets of ATN seem to be its shining star.

AT A GLANCE

Anaheim Transportation Network

What: A leading public transit operator focused on sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions for Anaheim.

Where: Anaheim, California

Website: https://rideart.org/