At Spectrumotion we believe that once you try one of the ridesharing modes below, you will never go back to driving alone. We believe it so strongly, we are willing to give you a free trial period as an incentive to get started! We’ll even deliver your pass to you at your work site within 24 hours.
TELECOMMUTING
What is Telecommuting?
Telecommuting—also known as working from home (WFH), or working remotely—is a work arrangement in which the employee works outside the traditional office setting. This can mean working from home, or at a location close to home such as coffee shops, libraries, or co-working spaces.
Based on an agreement between the employer and the employee, telecommute can be full-time, or part-time WFH and part-time in the office.
Benefits of Telecommuting
Employees who telecommute often have greater freedom over their work hours and location. Commute time is reduced and sometimes eliminated, saving both time and money, particularly for employees who would otherwise commute from a far distance to the office.
Employers often see more productive employees who are are likely to be happier in their jobs. Employers can also see a decease in overhead costs and turnover.
TAKE THE TRAIN
The Irvine Train Station is located right in the heart of the Irvine Spectrum Area featuring Metrolink and Amtrak service. Commuters can ride the train to work and to many Southern California destinations. By riding the train, you’ll save overall commute time as trains are not subject to automobile traffic. The time you actually spend on the train can be spent reading, planning your day, or getting some additional sleep. You decide. As for cost, when you compare the cost of the train to the actual cost of driving (gas, insurance, maintenance, depreciation), you’ll save money too.
If you’re still not sure, Spectrumotion will give you a Free Metrolink Pass so you can try it out. And don’t forget about our Emergency Ride Home Program. You won’t have a car at work but Spectruomotion will never leave you stranded in an emergency.
Train Schedules
Metrolink operates trains to and from the Irvine Station on the Orange County Line (service from Oceanside to Los Angeles) and the Inland Empire/Orange County Line (service from San Bernardino to Oceanside). Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner also serves the Irvine Station. (service from San Diego to Los Angeles and beyond).
Connecting Bus Service
Shuttle service from the Irvine Station to most Irvine Spectrum Area destinations is provided by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the City of Irvine's iShuttle and Irvine Connect. Buses are generally timed to meet all trains and the service is free to Metrolink riders with a minimal charge for Amtrak riders. Scroll down to the Riding the Bus section for more information and schedules.
CARPOOLING
Spectrumotion Service Area
In the Irvine Spectrum Area, finding someone to carpool with couldn’t be easier. Commuters come from Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Bernardino Counties.
As a carpooler, you are eligible for our Emergency Ride Home Program. You will never be stranded at work if you don’t have a car and an emergency arises. As always, don’t hesitate to call us if you need assistance at 949-727-4273.
To find a carpool partner, use one of the tools on our Commute Tools page.
Carpooling Benefits
Carpooling is by far the most common form of ridesharing. You will save money by sharing the cost of your commute, less car maintenance, and possible auto insurance savings. Check to see how much you can save with this Commute Cost Calculator.
Save time by using carpool lanes, and reduce your daily stress by sharing the driving duties. There may even be preferential parking for carpools at your worksite. And let’s not forget about the benefit to the planet! That’s reason enough to get involved in carpooling.
RIDING THE BUS
About Irvine Spectrum Buses
The Irvine Spectrum Area is served by a variety of bus routes that you can use to commute to work. Metrolink and Amtrak train riders arriving at the Irvine Train Station also have a variety of routes to deliver them to their work sites. Riding the bus is one of the least costly methods of ridesharing. You will save on gas, auto maintenance and possibly the expense of owning a car altogether. Spectrumotion wants to make commuting by bus as easy as possible. Bus riders are eligible for our Emergency Ride Home Program. We’ll also give you a 30-Day OCTA Bus Pass (must be a new rider) so you can give the bus a try.
Irvine Spectrum Bus Schedules
Click on the routes below for specific schedules on the direct routes serving the Irvine Spectrum Area. Service from other locations is available by transferring routes. You can also go directly to the OCTA website or the City of Irvine’s iShuttle website for all their routes, schedules and fare information.
OCTA Route 86 – Daily service from Costa Mesa and Mission Viejo.
OCTA Route 206 – Monday through Friday *peak service from Santa Ana and Lake Forest.
OCTA Route 480 – Monday through Friday *Station Link service from Irvine Station to Lake Forest.
iShuttle Route 403D – Monday through Friday*
*Station Link service is generally timed to meet Metrolink trains at the Irvine Station.
*Peak Service operates during commute hours in the morning and afternoon with no mid-day service.
City of Irvine's Irvine Connect
Free shuttle service from the Irvine station to the city's North end. Runs every 20 minutes from 6 A.m. to 8 P.M. on weekdays; and 8 A.M to 10 P.M. on the weekends. Real-time tracking.
VANPOOLING
About Irvine Spectrum Vanpool
A vanpool is generally defined as a group of 5 or more commuters who commute to work in a leased or company owned van. Van passengers can be from various companies or all be employed by the same company. There is a pre-determined fare which covers all the costs of the van including the cost of the vehicle, gas, tolls (if any), insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance. It is considered most cost-effective for one-way commutes of 15 miles or more. Vans are normally provided by leasing companies that specialize in vanpooling and the leases can be canceled without penalty with 30 days notice. Vanpoolers meet and board their van at a pre-designated time and location.
Finding a Vanpool
Are you interested in joining a vanpool? Or do you have a group of fellow commuters who are interested in starting a new vanpool? Simply contact us and we’ll see if there’s an existing van that you can join, or walk you through setting up a brand-new van.
Also, check out our Incentives to sign up for your Free Second Month of Vanpooling and don’t forget that our Emergency Ride Home Program is available to all vanpoolers.
Vanpool Benefits
The benefits of vanpooling mirror those of most other rideshare modes. Vanpooling saves time and money over driving alone. Vans can use the carpool lanes and all the costs associated with commuting are shared with a large group. Some commuters actually eliminate the need for a second or third family vehicle by vanpooling. The time you spend commuting can be used for other activities and since you won’t be driving, your stress level is reduced. For commuters who do volunteer to drive, the vehicle is available for their personal use evenings and weekends.
RIDING YOUR BIKE
About Biking to the Irvine Spectrum
The Irvine Spectrum Area has one of the best bike lane and trail systems in Southern California, making it the ideal location for commuting to work on your bike. Besides saving on the cost of your commute, you’ll also get the benefit of a great workout. Many Irvine employers recognize that biking is becoming a much more popular rideshare mode, and have added shower and locker room facilities along with bike racks for the convenience of their Irvine employees.
Spectrumotion wants to help too. Our Emergency Ride Home Program ensures that if you need to get home quickly in an emergency, you won’t be stranded at work. Cyclists can also use the program in the case of inclement weather. Finally, if you commute from a long distance and still want to include some cycling, bikes are allowed on most public transit modes including OCTA buses and Metrolink trains. For example, you could ride your bike to the Fullerton Transportation Center and take Metrolink to the Irvine station.
Of course, whenever you are riding your bike, safety should be a consideration. Use the helpful guidelines below to ensure a safe bike commute.
- Most importantly, be familiar with and follow all applicable laws. The California Vehicle Code is a good place to start. There may also be local area requirements that you need to be aware of.
- Choose the safest route to and from your worksite. Use the Bikeways Map to select a route that is most comfortable for you.
- Wear a helmet. Helmets are required for anyone under the age of 18.
- Make yourself visible. Wear bright colored and reflective clothing. Make sure your bike is equipped with a headlight and a variety of reflectors.
- Ride with a buddy if possible. There is safety in numbers.
- Protect your bike from theft. Bike lockers are available at the Irvine Station. When using a rack, be sure to secure both tires and the frame to the rack. Do not leave easily removed items on your bike.
- Carry a repair toolkit. You can make minor bike repairs on the road.
CONTACT US
Interested in Irvine Spectrum area commute options for you, your company or tenants? Fill out the form below. We're happy to help save you time and money!
