Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press council on failing trolley service after missed medical rides
Summary
Multiple residents told the council the Ojai trolley frequently misses runs and leaves riders stranded, including missed medical appointments; staff said several drivers are in preemployment checks and that hiring would shift service away from contract drivers.
Several Ojai residents told the City Council Wednesday that the local trolley service has deteriorated, leaving older and transit‑dependent riders stranded and missing medical appointments.
Mariah Mault said she missed two appointments because the trolley did not run, including an important medical visit she had to reschedule for February after repeated calls to a supervisor went unanswered. Other commenters, including longtime residents, described inconsistent routes, missed morning runs and a lack of staffing continuity.
City transit staff (Mr. Vattis) said the city has several drivers enrolled in the trolley benefits program, and three fully licensed drivers are in preemployment background checks. Staff said once onboarding completes the city expects to reduce reliance on contract drivers and improve reliability. Council asked staff to collect specific dates and follow up with commenters to investigate the missed trips.
Quotes
"I missed two appointments because the trolley wasn't running when it should have," said Mariah Mault, adding she called supervisors multiple times without response.
"The service is not what it used to be ... sometimes it doesn't show up at all," longtime resident Cameron Ransom said, urging expansion into Oakview and Miramonte to better serve older and working‑class riders.
What's next: Staff will report back with dates of missed service and continue recruitment and onboarding of drivers; council indicated it will monitor performance and request follow‑up.
