The Ventura County Transportation Commission approved a contract with Camarillo-based Roadrunner for the operation of its popular VISTA intercommunity bus service on Friday. The 11-month pact ensures the agency’s public service will operate through at least June 30, 2013.

“I am very pleased to announce that Ventura County residents will enjoy the same routes and hours, same fares, and many of the same drivers that our customers have come to value across the past several years,” noted VCTC Board Chair John Zaragoza. “Our new partner, Roadrunner, has worked aggressively across the past few weeks to make this happen, including organizing a fleet of newly refurbished vehicles. Maintaining quality intercommunity bus service has been our cornerstone goal.”

To support the new program, VCTC has introduced both a monthly pass offering unlimited rides as well as a discount-rate 10-ride ticket. VISTA bus riders will continue to enjoy free transfers between VISTA and each of the county’s other public bus services.

VCTC will continue to update its website (www.goventura.org) to reflect program developments, as well as distribute Rider Alerts onboard its vehicles. VCTC staff will be out in the field during the first week of August to ensure a smooth service transition.

Details regarding VISTA routes and schedule times are available at www.goventura.org or by calling 800-438-1112.