Shuttles take to streets

A fleet of classic woodies has taken to the streets of Newport Beach, shuttling local residents and visitors alike all over Balboa Peninsula and Coast Highway.

Friday was the launch of the O.C. Cruiser, a privately funded shuttle service launched by attorney Sabrina Dagostino and Dave Muller of the Newport Nautical Museum. Dozens of local dignitaries were on hand to commission the O.C. Cruiser and take a tour with the bus along its first route.

The O.C. Cruiser will offer free rides around the Balboa Peninsula all weekend, and hopes to begin regular service after June 13 when it goes before the Newport Beach City Council for approval. Initially, the O.C. Cruiser plans to serve the Balboa Peninsula and will expand to Mariner’s Mile, Fashion Island and Corona del Mar.

Friday was the public’s first chance to see the inside of the giant red shuttles, which are lined with bamboo ceilings, have woven leather seats and sport a giant brown wrap-around designed to look like a wood panel. A flat-screen television beamed images from surfer Timmy Turner’s film “Second Thoughts” while a stereo played Beach Boys music.

Muller said he felt there was a strong demand for the new service, especially as traffic in the region increases and more cars dot the peninsula.

“I was on the peninsula, and my vocabulary changed while I tried to find a place to park,” Muller joked with the crowd. “This is a chance we have to serve the local community.”

Besides serving the hotels and busy tourist spots such as the Newport Pier and the Balboa Fun Zone, the pair are sealing deals to transport seniors from Oasis Senior Center and junior lifeguards.

“The O.C. Cruiser is specifically tailored to meet the needs of our community,” Newport Beach City Councilman Keith Curry said. “This transit system gives visitors the ability to have mobility.”

The program might also help bring more visitors to the region, said Gary Sherwin, president of the Newport Beach Conference and Visitor’s Bureau. Tourists from Europe and metropolitan areas are used to mass transit systems to get around town, and it can be difficult for those visiting the area.

“They’re pretty much on their own, and this is a great solution to getting people around Newport Beach,” he said.

For more information on routes and pickup times, visit www.occruiser.com.