OXNARD : Trolley Plan Linking Tourist Sites OKd

The Oxnard City Council has approved plans by the Greater Oxnard & Harbors Tourism Bureau to establish a trolley system linking the city’s top three attractions: Channel Islands Harbor, downtown’s Heritage Square and the Oxnard Factory Outlet mall.

The purpose of the trolley system--which would be similar to the one instituted last year in Ventura--would be to encourage tourists visiting one city attraction to see others.

Carol Lavender, the tourism bureau’s executive director, said she has spoken to businesses in all three areas and that they support the trolley plan. The tourism bureau would have to find someone to operate the trolley system.

Since trolley systems rarely cover their operating costs, Oxnard officials would also need to look for federal funding or other ways to pay for the service, according to a city report.