With increasing traffic on its streets, the city of Thousand Oaks wants to encourage new riders to use its transportation system and to keep current users happy.

The city wants to hear from residents who use Thousand Oaks Transit (TOT) about how it can be improved. A 24-question survey is being mailed to local agencies whose clients use local transit. It’s also posted on the city’s website. City staff will be riding the buses to speak directly with passengers.

“We’re going to collect as much input as we can and then come up with recommendations for the city council to consider,” said project manager Grahame Watts. “The council has long recognized the need to keep services up-to-date and current.” In operation since 1984, the city’s transit system is due for some updating, said Watts, including a marketing campaign. The city also hopes to create connections with neighboring cities to make it as easy as possible for residents to get to their destinations.

More than 130,000 riders use TOT, with about a 13 percent increase in ridership since 2,000, according to Watts.

TOT operates six buses, all owned by the city, with capacity for 25 passengers each. Drivers are provided through a contract with MV Transportation.

Four regular bus routes serve Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks and Westlake, making stops at major destinations, including The Oaks mall, Janss Marketplace, Civic Arts Plaza, teen and senior centers, and the high schools. Service runs weekdays between 6 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Fares range from 25 cents for lowincome seniors to $1 adult fare.

The annual transit budget is $1.3 million, paid for by a combination of state and federal transportation agencies, including the Ventura County Transportation Commission.

The program has evolved over the years to include handicappedaccessible improvements, upgrading of bus stops with new shelters, encouraging bicyclists by adding bike racks and new vehicles.

Watts expects recommendations to be completed and brought before the city council by December.

To access the survey, visit www.toaks.org/TOTSurvey.asp or call (805) 449-2453.