Food on the Fly May Ground 1987’s Beach Bus

Agoura Hills youths had an appetite for the beach this summer.

But many youngsters who flocked aboard city-sponsored beach buses apparently did not have an appetite for the food they carried, according to city officials.

Food fights aboard the chartered buses marred the low-cost transportation service that ended its 2 1/2-month run on Aug. 30, city officials said Wednesday.

The incidents have given officials food for thought--and they’re thinking about canceling next summer’s beach bus.

“The rowdyism very well could endanger the program next year,” Agoura Hills City Manager Michael Huse said.

Food flinging got so far out of hand at one point that the city ordered bus drivers to read warning statements at the beginning of each of the four daily round trips, Huse said.

He said Agoura Hills City Council members will investigate hiring guards to ride on the buses next year if the service is resumed.

Rated Success Otherwise

Aside from the flying food, however, this year’s beach service was a success, Huse said.

He said 12,820 riders took the 50-cent trips, up from last year’s 10,000 riders. Increased revenue cut the city’s per-rider subsidy from $2.20 in 1985 to $1.32 this year.

The city’s $16,938 cost was borne by Agoura Hills’ share of a countywide sales tax for transportation.

The bus route was established last year to keep young residents from hitchhiking or driving their own cars over dangerous mountain roads to the beach. Los Angeles County runs a similar beach bus from Calabasas. Westlake Village started such a service this summer.