South Coast Highway Traffic Solutions Coming To Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — If you go out and on the town in Laguna Beach, chances are you've seen Uber and Lyft drivers stopping all along Coast Highway to pick up their fares. Now, after working with rideshare companies, the Laguna Beach Police Department is offering a safer, better way to keep traffic moving and get you home safely.

Officers Shar Hariri and Fred Yeilding, both assigned to the Laguna Beach Police Department Business Liaison Unit, worked with Uber and Lyft to find a solution for traffic and safety concerns, Laguna Beach Police Department Sgt. Jim Cota said.

The LBPD and the rideshare companies, leveraging the geolocation technology on their apps, allow Uber, Lyft, and others to set specific pick up locations. Now, those pickups and drop-offs will take place on side streets with less traffic.

"The change has helped to increase awareness and provide safer ride share pick up locations," Cota said.

Look for designated pick-up and recommended drop-off locations coming to the following areas:

1. 200 Ocean Avenue
2. 200 Laguna Avenue
3. 100 Brooks Street

The officers are working with city staff to develop specific signage identifying the pick-up locations. They are also working with local businesses and encouraging them to inform their patrons about the safe pick up areas.

"The Business Liaison Unit strives to find modern ways of improving public safety by using new technologies to adapt to changing environments," Cota said.

Laguna Beach is the second city on the west coast to have implemented this partnership with these rideshare companies. Let us know how you think it's working!