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Ojai council hears widespread public concern over trolley service; staff says hiring, new trolleys will restore Sunday runs
Summary
Dozens of residents told the City Council the Ojai trolley’s reduced hours and driver shortages are disrupting medical trips, church and daily life. Staff and councilors said the city is recruiting drivers, took delivery of two trolleys and is exploring contracted drivers to restore Sunday service.
Dozens of Ojai residents urged the City Council to restore and stabilize the town’s trolley service, saying the system’s suspended Sunday runs and frequent service gaps have left seniors, people with disabilities and daily riders without reliable transportation.
At a lengthy public-comments segment, riders and former drivers described missed trips to medical appointments and church, problems with stops that no longer pull into senior parks, and uncertainty when drivers take unscheduled breaks. “The trolley, which is handicap accessible, is extremely important in my life,” said Winnie Major, a longtime rider, describing how she now lacks Sunday service to get to church.
Council and staff said the trolley’s problems stem mainly from a shortage of qualified drivers. Interim Transit Supervisor Alameda told the council the city is actively…
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