(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) – Simi Valley is preparing for a transportation overhaul in 2025 with the launch of a microtransit service designed to make local travel more flexible and accessible. While the program has generated excitement, questions about its scope, particularly its service hours, are fueling a broader conversation about its purpose and priorities.
Funded by a $7 million state grant, the microtransit initiative will offer on-demand, curb-to-curb service within designated zones. Residents will be able to book rides through a smartphone app or by phone, making it a promising alternative to traditional fixed-route buses.
Deputy Public Works Director Ben Gonzales explained the program’s primary goal: to provide transportation for residents who lack other options. “This service is about accessibility,” he said. “It’s designed to bridge gaps in our current transit system and meet essential travel needs, especially for those without reliable transportation.”
Several local residents have shared a similar sentiment, pushing back against the idea that the service should cater to Simi Valley nightlife. Some have argued, “The real purpose is to serve people who can’t afford other transportation or have no other way to get around,” voiced one comment. “It’s working in Moorpark, and we shouldn’t strain this opportunity with rides home from the local bar. For nightlife, there’s Lyft or Uber.”
The proposed hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. have drawn criticism, particularly from those who believe the service could do more to support Simi Valley’s struggling evening economy. Restaurants, entertainment venues, and retail businesses often see peak activity from 5 to 11 p.m., and some worry that excluding evening hours could limit the service’s impact.
Mayor Fred Thomas has expressed optimism about the program but acknowledges the community’s concerns. “Microtransit has the potential to be transformative,” he said. “We need to balance serving those who need it most with exploring ways to expand access.”
Moorpark’s success with a similar program offers lessons for Simi Valley. By focusing on essential needs such as door-to-door service for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and others with limited mobility, Moorpark has demonstrated how microtransit can thrive without overextending its initial scope.
Simi Valley plans to start with a fleet of three nine-passenger electric vans, using portable chargers until permanent infrastructure is ready. The service will cost riders between $4 and $5 per trip—higher than fixed-route bus fares but affordable compared to private ride-hailing options.
A public meeting on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Simi Valley Library (2969 Tapo Canyon Road) will give residents a chance to share feedback and help shape the service. Gonzales emphasized the importance of community involvement. “This service is for everyone in Simi Valley, and we want it to reflect their needs,” he said.
The microtransit service represents a significant step forward for Simi Valley Transit, but its long-term success will depend on careful management of priorities. For now, its primary focus remains on providing critical transportation for those who need it most. As the service evolves, community input will play a key role in determining whether expanded hours or additional features become feasible.
For more information, contact Simi Valley Transit at (805) 583-6456 or visit www.simivalley.org.
