Panel Seeks Funds to Keep VISTA Running

More than $1.1 million in federal money given to Simi Valley to buy fuel-efficient buses would instead be used to keep a countywide bus system running for a third year, under a deal to be considered Friday.

The Ventura County Transportation Commission has already spent its share of special air-quality money given by the federal government.

But transportation officials want to extend operation of VISTA buses beyond June, when the program is scheduled to end after two years. The commission would repay Simi Valley when more federal money becomes available.

VISTA--Ventura Intercity Service Transit Authority--is a bus service that provides public transit between major Ventura County cities.

Ridership figures on the intercity bus lines have not been made available by county transportation officials.

Carlos Hernandez, commission manager of transportation planning, said the loan proposal is still in the conceptual stage and would require approval of a commission subcommittee made up of local officials.

“Technically, the decision still has to be made,” he said.

Transportation commission members will be asked Friday to approve the loan in principle and direct attorneys from both sides to work out the details.

Simi Valley officials could not be reached for comment.