Halfway There: Measure M Delivers $7.5 Billion to Keep Orange County Moving

The 30-year, voter-approved, half-cent sales tax will continue to fund balanced investments in freeways, streets, transit, and active transportation led by the Orange County Transportation Authority through 2041

ORANGE - The Orange County Transportation Authority is marking a major milestone for Measure M, the county's half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, as the renewed voter-approved program reaches the halfway point of its 30-year lifespan.

Fifteen years into the program, which began collecting revenue in April 2011, and continues through 2041, the renewed Measure M has delivered billions of dollars in transportation improvements across Orange County, fulfilling a promise made to voters to provide reliable, locally controlled funding for a balanced and sustainable transportation system.

Since its inception, Measure M has generated nearly $7.5 billion in transportation investments, leveraging additional state and federal funding to improve freeways, streets and roads, and public transit. It has also created better options for cyclists and pedestrians, while also supporting programs that protect the environment.

"Measure M represents a promise to Orange County voters, and we are proud to be delivering on that commitment every day," said OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico. "For 15 years, OCTA has carefully invested taxpayer dollars to build and maintain one of the finest transportation systems in the state, while also protecting the environment that makes Orange County such a great place to live, work and visit."

OCTA created a website and video that highlights some of the accomplishments of the first 15 years of the renewed Measure M at https://www.octa.net/MeasureM15.

Improving Mobility Across the County

Measure M investments have improved transportation options for residents, commuters and visitors alike:

• Freeways: More than half of the planned freeway improvements are complete, with additional projects underway to ease congestion and improve travel times. The Freeway Service Patrol has provided more than 889,000 assists, helping stranded drivers get safely back on the road.
• Streets and Roads: More than $1.3 billion has been invested in local streets in every city and the county, supporting road maintenance, pothole repairs, traffic signal synchronization and capacity improvements. These efforts have helped Orange County maintain the best pavement condition index in California, with a score of 79 compared to the statewide average of 65.
• Transit: Measure M funds reduced bus fares and transit programs for seniors and people with disabilities, as well as community and special event shuttles. Funding also supports Metrolink rail service in Orange County, upgrades to stations, and expanded transit connections, and it is helping bring the OC Streetcar into service.

Protecting the Environment

Measure M, expected to generate approximately $13.2 billion over its lifespan, is also delivering significant environmental benefits to offset the impacts of transportation projects:

• 1,300 acres of land preserved to protect sensitive habitats from future development
• 350 acres restored to enhance ecosystems and support native plant and animal species
• More than 91.7 million gallons of trash removed from local waterways through environmental cleanup programs.

These efforts help ensure that transportation improvements are balanced with long-term environmental stewardship.

Looking Ahead

With 15 years remaining, OCTA continues its commitment to the Measure M plan, investing across all modes of transportation, while maintaining strong accountability and transparency.

Approved by nearly 70% of voters in 2006, Measure M includes strict taxpayer safeguards and independent oversight to ensure funds are spent as promised. Regular public reporting continues to track progress and ensure accountability.

OCTA also recently completed a comprehensive 10-year review of the program, evaluating performance, financial capacity, project delivery and public priorities. The review found that Measure M remains on track to deliver on the commitments made to voters and continues to align with Orange County's transportation needs.

The review also included extensive community outreach and found continued strong support for locally controlled transportation funding, with residents prioritizing road maintenance, traffic flow improvements and congestion relief, along with continued investment in transit options.

The current 30-year program follows the successful completion of the first voter-approved Measure M half-cent sales tax, which funded more than $4 billion worth of projects, programs and services between 1991 and 2011.

As Orange County grows and evolves, Measure M will continue to provide the reliable funding needed to support a modern, efficient and environmentally responsible transportation network.

"Fifteen years in with Measure M and the progress is clear," said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson. "And the best part: We're only halfway there."

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The Orange County Transportation Authority's Public Information Office responds to media inquiries, issues press releases and provides information about OCTA to the public and stakeholders.