Meet FRAN, a ten-vehicle fleet of all-electric micro-transit vehicles transporting residents and visitors around Anaheim’s Center City for free!
FRAN, an acronym for Free Rides Around the Neighborhood, launched in January, 2019 in partnership with Anaheim Resort Transportation. The complimentary on-demand rides drive riders around the busy downtown Anaheim area, dubbed Center City.
How Does FRAN work?
It couldn’t be simpler to get a ride! Using the CTRCity Anaheim mobile app (available in the App Store or Google Play), you can request a car. If you happen to be downtown already, you can also hop on by hailing a car.
FRAN is complimentary, but I strongly believe that tipping makes you a good neighbor.
FRAN Locations
Hopping around Center City for the day? Take FRAN to explore these locations.
1. The Circle Stop (Anaheim ICE / Harbor Lofts / RARE / Wells Fargo)
2. Center Street Stop (GOOD FOOD / St. Joseph’s Disney Travel / MiX)
3. Carnegie Plaza Stop (Ctr St / Anaheim West Tower / MUZEO)
4. Kraemer Stop (Kraemer Building / Community Center)
5. City Hall Stop (City Hall / River Arena)
6. Electrica Stop (Electrica – COMING SOON / Little People’s Park)
7. Farmer’s Park Stop (Packard Building / Farmer’s Park/ Greenhouse)
8. Packing House Stop
9. MAKE Stop
10 Leisuretown Stop (Leisuretown – COMING SOON / Tony’s Deli)
At an event for IPW, an international travel show, I had an opportunity to chat with representatives for FRAN and got an amazing update.
A new stop for summer will pick up at Pearson Park near the ampitheatre, in time for summertime events. FRAN will also expand to offer residential pick-ups within a mile radius.
Where to take FRAN?
There is so much happening in Downtown Anaheim, and so many places FRAN can take you. The historic citrus packing plant turned food hall at the Packing House is a stylish must for any foodie.
Photo Credit: JMArnesonPhotography
Anaheim’s craft beer scene is thriving, and stops like Unsung Brewing Co. at the MAKE Building make it clear why.
Center Street is one of my places in town. Grab tacos from Pour Vida Latin Flavor or play free video games at Lag Bar. If you’re looking for more geek-friendly activities in town, check out my Geek’s Guide to Anaheim.
Riding FRAN with Kids
FRAN is a great option for the whole family. However, there are some considerations for transporting kids.
- Children must be 14 years old to ride without an adult.
- Booster seats are available for children over 40 pounds.
- There are not infant seats available.
Who was Fran?
The transportation system was aptly named for its acronym, but also for a person of significance in Anaheim. Fran vehicles are decked out in bright orange with the silhouette of Francisca Avila Rimpau.
Francisca, daughter of Francisco Avila, was the mayor of Pueblo de Los Angeles before California gained statehood. She married German immigrant Theodore Rimpau and the couple later moved to Anaheim.
Their family built a name for themselves as real estate developers, educators, and people of prominence in Anaheim. A sheep farmer in today’s Fullerton area, the Rimpau family achieved great prosperity and high social standing thanks to their community involvement.
Each of the FRAN vehicles bears the name of one of Francisca’s daughters or granddaughters.
FRAN brings convenience to a blossoming section of town that is ideal for travelers and residents alike.
For more information about FRAN, you can check out RideFRAN.com.
