Thousand Oaks Council to Discuss Transportation

The Thousand Oaks City Council will host a workshop Tuesday to discuss existing transportation services and new proposals such as establishing a shuttle bus between shopping areas.

The workshop is an opportunity for council members to examine the city’s network of transportation programs, suggest possible improvements--and weigh possible fee hikes.

In addition to being a member of VISTA, the county’s intercity bus service, the city operates Thousand Oaks Transit, a bus service within city boundaries, and is part of Dial-A-Ride, a subsidized taxi service for seniors in Thousand Oaks and the surrounding unincorporated areas.

City officials are recommending that the council raise fares in the taxi program from $1.50 to $2 on weekdays. The fares are now $2 on weekends.

City officials are also asking the council to consider raising rates for Thousand Oaks Transit from 75 cents to $1 for adults, and 40 cents to 50 cents for seniors and the disabled. The higher fares would be more in line with other county bus services, according to a city report.

The City Council will also discuss two studies it commissioned, one a proposed trolley system linking The Oaks mall with the Janss Marketplace shopping center and other Moorpark Road businesses, the other on a plan for a multiuse transportation center to serve as the city’s transit hub.