Getting to the Fair By Train

In hopes of getting Simi and San Fernando Valley residents on board for the Ventura County Fair, Metrolink trains will provide passenger service to the fair again this year.

Three trains will run this weekend and Aug. 15-16. Stops will be made at stations in Chatsworth, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo and Oxnard with the final stop in Ventura directly across from the fairgrounds.

Michael Paluszak, general manager of the fair, said he was happy that Metrolink’s last train out of Ventura is at 10 p.m., allowing commuters to see the fireworks and evening concerts.

Round-trip tickets are $10 from Chatsworth, $8 from Simi Valley and Moorpark and $6 from Camarillo and Oxnard. For more information, call 1-800-438-1112.

Below is a schedule of arrivals and departures:

NORTHBOUND

Chatsworth: 9:10 a.m. 11:10 a.m. 1:10 p.m.

Simi Valley: 9:28 a.m. 11:25 a.m. 1:27 p.m.

Moorpark: 9:42 a.m. 11:41 a.m. 1:42 p.m.

Camarillo: 9:55 a.m. 11:56 a.m. 1:56 p.m.

Oxnard: 10:17 a.m.* 12:11 p.m.* 2:14 p.m.*

Ventura: 10:30 a.m. 12:25 p.m. 2:45 p.m.

*

SOUTHBOUND

Ventura: 3:30 p.m. 5:50 p.m. 10 p.m.

Oxnard: 3:45 p.m.* 6:05 p.m.* 10:15 p.m.

Camarillo: 4:06 p.m.* 6:21 p.m.* 10:30 p.m.*

Moorpark: 4:20 p.m.* 6:33 p.m.* 10:42 p.m.*

Simi Valley: 4:39 p.m.* 6:49 p.m.* 11 p.m.*

Chatsworth: 4:55 p.m. 7:15 p.m. 11:20 p.m.

*

*These trains can depart up to 10 minutes ahead of schedule

Source: Ventura County Transportation Commission

*

By Bus

East county residents can take the bus to the Ventura County Fair on Saturdays.

While the Ventura County Transportation Commission already operates intercity service on weekdays, the Saturday Ventura Freeway service will debut this week.

Saturday service along Highway 126 began last year.

“We know Highway 101 bus riders are looking forward to having Saturday service available for their employment and recreational needs throughout the year,” said county transportation chairwoman Nancy Grasmehr. “We thought a terrific way to debut the new Saturday service was to visit the fair.”

Saturday fares cost $1 for a one-way trip. Children under 5 ride free.

Ventura County Supervisor Frank Schillo pushed to get the service started.

“As a Thousand Oaks resident, I’ve always wanted to travel to the fair without using my car,” he said. “Now I can skip the parking hassle and enjoy the trip.”

Morning stops at the Seaside Park fairgrounds on the Ventura Freeway bus will be at 7:55, 8:55, 10:30 and 11:30. Afternoon stops will be at 1:55, 2:55, 4:20, 5:20 and 6:55.

Morning stops on the Highway 126 bus will be at 8:48 and 10:48. Afternoon stops will be at 12:48, 2:48 and 4:48.

Riders should call 1-800-438-1112 for more information about schedules.