Emergency shuttle service to operate between Santa Paula and Ojai  during State Route 150 closure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                        

March 18, 2024

Contact:          
Darrin Peschka
Program Manager, Government and Community Relations
Ventura County Transportation Commission
dpeschka@goventura.org
(805) 642-1591, ext. 108

CAMARILLO, Calif. – The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) today announced an emergency shuttle service that will operate between Santa Paula and Ojai to help residents affected by the closure of State Route 150.

The temporary shuttle service will begin Wednesday, March 20, and will operate Monday through Friday. The service will be provided at no cost to passengers.  

The shuttle service is being offered in coordination with the County of Ventura, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Highway Patrol. The shuttle will be operated by MV Transportation, which also operates the Valley Express bus service in Santa Paula, Fillmore and surrounding unincorporated areas.

Southbound morning and afternoon trips will depart Steckel Park/KOA and will make stops at Thomas Aquinas College, The Summit (Topa Lane), Stonegate Road-Mupu Elementary School and Santa Paula City Hall/Veterans Park. The driver will stop by request (flag stop) at Vons at Highways 33 and 150.

Northbound morning trips will depart Santa Paula City Hall/Veterans Park and will make stops at The Summit (Sisar Road), Thomas Aquinas College and Steckel Park/KOA. Northbound afternoon trips will depart either Stonegate Road-Mupu Elementary School or Santa Paula City Hall/Veterans Park. The driver will stop by request (flag stop) at Vons at Highways 33 and 150.

For more information, passengers may call the Regional Transit Information Center at 800-438-1112.

“We know this closure has been incredibly disruptive to residents who rely on State Route 150 to get to work, school and other important destinations every day. We hope this service will provide some relief to residents who now face transportation challenges because of the closure,” said Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere, who is also chair of VCTC. LaVere represents District 1, which includes Ojai Valley, City of Ojai, Upper Ojai Valley and West Lockwood Valley.

“It is a true hardship when our community members suddenly lose access to a route that connects them to essential services. We appreciate the patience and understanding of residents in the area as our agency partners have worked to establish this shuttle service,” said Ventura County Board of Supervisors Chair Kelly Long, who is also a VCTC commissioner. Long represents District 3, which includes the City of Santa Paula, the City of Fillmore, Piru and East Lockwood Valley.

VCTC Executive Director Martin Erickson said, “The Ventura County Transportation Commission recognizes the critical role of public transit in emergency situations such as the State Route 150 closure. We are grateful to the assistance provided by our county leaders, Caltrans and the CHP that makes this shuttle service possible.”

Through traffic on State Route 150 has been blocked since early February due to a mudslide that covered a large portion of the road. Caltrans and emergency contractors are working to stabilize and clear the mudslide.

About the Ventura County Transportation Commission

The Ventura County Transportation Commission is the regional transportation planning agency committed to keeping Ventura County moving. Program information is available at goventura.org.