The ITE 2008 Annual Meeting and Exhibit in Anaheim, CA, USA: Transportation and Other Items of Interest in Orange County, CA

Anaheim, located in Orange County, California, is the site of the Institute of Transportation Engineers 2008 Annual Meeting and Exhibit. This article provides an overview of some of the innovative and unique transportation projects and programs in the Orange County area. One distinguishing feature of Orange County is its significant network of toll roads. There are two separately owned and administered toll road systems. One of these toll roads features a variable toll system based upon demand and time savings. Peak period tolls are among the highest in the nation, with a one-way trip costing about $10 along the 10-mile facility. Orange County also features one of the most extensive high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane networks in the United States. More than 200 miles of HOV lanes cover virtually every route through the county. Orange County\u27s tremendous amount of freeway expansion construction over the past 10 to 15 years has led to some criticism that the county is attempting to build itself out of congestion. Planning for a central light rail system has been shelved, although Amtrak and a commuter heavy rail service both pass through the county. Orange County does feature one of the largest bus transit systems in the country that is not integrated with a companion rail transit system. The county provides an interesting example of how transportation innovation can help a bedroom community transform over time to an edge city with a strong regional economy