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Ojai council approves temporary contractor for trolley drivers to maintain Sunday service
Summary
Council approved a one‑year agreements for a local contractor to supply on‑call drivers and backfill absences so the city can continue seven‑day trolley service while recruitment and a benefits package are pursued.
The Ojai City Council on Oct. 8 voted to approve a one‑year, as‑needed driver contractor agreement so the city can maintain trolley service seven days a week and reduce service interruptions when regular drivers are unavailable.
Council members and staff said the contract is a stopgap to ensure continuity while the city continues an active recruitment drive and develops a benefits package for its own drivers. City staff described the contractor as a Ventura County firm with roughly 60 regional drivers who currently work part time and can supply on‑call coverage, including weekend shifts the city has struggled to staff.
"If someone calls in sick on the weekend, we have an on‑call driver so there is no hiccup," Transit staff said during the discussion, describing the contract as a practical step to avoid Sunday service interruptions and long gaps during the day.
Supporters noted the contractor’s pay is “commensurate” with city drivers and that adding benefits for city employees — an item coming back to council — could improve recruitment. Opponents and some council members expressed concern about optics and the long‑term future of running transit in‑house, urging clear direction that the city intends to keep the system under local control whenever feasible.
The contract was described by staff as compatible with continuing recruitment and training for in‑house drivers; staff also said the city is exploring partnerships (for example, with Gold Coast) as a longer‑term option if the council directs that course.
The council approved the contract by roll call: three yes votes, one no and one abstention. Staff said the agreement is for up to one year and will be used only as needed; the contract includes on‑call coverage for weekends and training/ride‑along requirements so contract drivers meet the city’s operational expectations.
The council directed staff to bring a follow‑up report at the next meeting on progress with recruitment, the status of the benefits proposal and details of how the contractor will be integrated on a day‑to‑day basis.
Ending: Staff said the contractor will be used immediately to prevent service gaps; council members signaled continued interest in recruiting and retaining city drivers and in later reviewing whether alternative operating models (including a regional operator) make sense.
