Rising fuel prices catch up with SP transportation systems

August 15, 2008
Santa Paula City Council

Rising fuel prices have caught up with Santa Paula’s transportation systems, the VISTA bus and personalized Dial-a-Ride services.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesRising fuel prices have caught up with Santa Paula’s transportation systems, the VISTA bus and personalized Dial-a-Ride services. The City Council approved the new contract with the Ventura County Transportation Commission - with a cost share increase of about 11 percent - without comment at the July 28 meeting. Santa Paula splits the service cost with Fillmore/City of Ventura and Ventura County.According to Jon Turner, interim public works director/city engineer, Santa Paula’s proposed share for Fiscal Year 2008/2009 is $453,086. Last year’s share was $408,613. Turner reported that the additional cost is “primarily because of increased operational costs from fuel, and the contract operator’s annual cost of living adjustment.”Funding for the service is culled from Transportation Development Act/Local Transportation Funds the city receives through VCTC. “The balance of these funds is then available for street maintenance,” an amount that will be approximately $562,687 this year.
The funds must be spent to meet public transit needs before they can be spent on road maintenance, Turner’s report noted. In order to continue to receive the balance for same, “Santa Paula must continue to meet its transit needs.”VISTA Highway 126 service stops in Fillmore and at two locations in Santa Paula, and provides transport to Wells Center, the County Government Center, Ventura College, St. Bonaventure High School, Ventura County Medical Center, Ventura Pier and the Pacific View Mall. One-way fares are $1, 50˘ for seniors and those with disabilities, and free for children 5 and under.Dial-a-Ride offers localized service, and trip reservations can be made up to a week in advance. The fare is $1.50, and includes one transfer to VISTA. The Ventura County Transportation Commission also offers Smart Card Passport and Dial-a-Ride monthly transport fares.



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