The Ventura County Transportation Commission will consider a possible increase in the cost of VISTA bus fares at its Friday, November 5, 2010 meeting. The proposed fare increase would impact intercity bus service within Ventura County, VISTA’s Heritage Valley Dial-A-Ride service, and VISTA’s premium monthly pass.

Fares for VISTA transit services have remained largely unchanged since VISTA began intercity bus service in 1994. Since that time, both annual ridership and annual operating costs have increased significantly. Compounding the situation is actual and forecast reductions in federal and state transit funding.

“Across the past few years, VISTA’s operating costs have increased in large part due to contractor costs,” noted Darren Kettle, VCTC Executive Director. “While a fare increase is the recommended solution (to help offset increased costs), the Commission encourages the public to weigh in on this matter before taking action at its November 5 meeting.”

Persons unable to attend Friday’s Commission meeting (slated for 10 am at Camarillo City Hall) are encouraged to contact VCTC by phone (800) 438-1112 or via email (VISTAcomments@goventura.org).