Earmarking funds for the transit service
Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks secured a $400,000 state transportation grant that pays for 80 percent of the shuttle’s operation, but an additional $100,000 from local sources is required.
Earlier this year, the Oak Park school district picked up $50,000 of the $100,000 bill and the MAC contributed $25,000. The council had hoped Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District would also contribute $25,000.
But directors of Rancho Simi, which maintains parks in Oak Park, voted 3-2 against earmarking funds for the transit service.
Officials hope the bus service will remain free for users and the money provided by the MAC and school district will be enough to cover expenses this fiscal year.
According to David Fleisch, director of the Ventura County transportation department, several residents requested additional stops in Agoura Hills, but Agoura isn’t contributing to the cost of operation.
County officials said they are working to develop a seamless public transportation system in the Conejo Valley. As part of that network, the Oak Park shuttle could establish a new route along Lindero Canyon Road to connect with the Thousand Oaks Transit system on Thousand Oaks Boulevard.