MOORPARK : Bus System Renewed for Another Year

Moorpark’s one-bus transit system has been renewed for another year, and the service may be expanded, officials said last week.

“There have been preliminary talks about offering Saturday service and providing transfer connections that would allow youngsters to get to the beach,” said Ron Carter, vice president of Antelope Valley Bus Co., which runs the system for the city.

The city of Moorpark renewed the company’s contract July 1 to operate the two-year-old system, said Jerry Bartrand, Antelope Valley’s general manager.

The city receives $85,000 annually in state gas tax funds to provide the service, which operates from 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The bus covers a 10-mile circular route that includes City Hall, Moorpark College and Moorpark High.

Carter said his company and city officials have discussed offering a beach route that would connect with another bus system that the company operates between Newbury Park and Ventura.

Craig Phillips, a city administrative assistant, said ridership averages about 150 a week.

The small buses carry 25 passengers but will soon accommodate only 23 when wheelchair access is provided.

To increase patronage, the line is offering passes for unlimited rides good through Aug. 31 for $12, he said. The normal fare is 50 cents.