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Residents press council to stabilize Ojai trolley service; council discusses parking, bike path options
Summary
Public commenters said the Ojai trolley lacks drivers and that the city should fund recruitment and better working conditions. Council also directed staff to prepare a parking concept review and to research the county bike-trail transfer and options to extend the Ojai bike path to Soul Park.
Several Ojai residents used the June 17 public‑comment period to press the council for near‑term action on local transportation: they said the Ojai trolley is understaffed and urged the city to improve pay and recruitment to keep service reliable.
One commenter described the trolley having just three drivers and urged immediate steps to recruit and improve working conditions so seniors, students and low‑income residents do not lose access. Council members responded that the city’s stated intention is to expand — not remove — the trolley service, and that staff would investigate hiring and funding options.
Separately, council members discussed broader transportation and parking priorities. Council directed staff to prepare a concept‑review agenda item on parking that would catalog existing public lots and opportunities (including school district lots and private sites), wayfinding, alternate transportation modes, and potential operations or partnerships. City staff said a concept review would present a menu of parking‑related topics for council direction and could include partnerships with Ventura County.
The council also discussed the Ojai Bike Trail and potential extension to Soul Park. Staff said discussions with the county could include the city assuming maintenance of the trail in exchange for other terms and noted a bridge over the river has historically been a cost obstacle for a full bike‑path extension; council asked staff to assess potential negotiations and maintenance costs, and to return options.
