GCTD looks back at the last 50 years with gratitude and appreciation for the generations of riders we have served. Now, we look ahead to the next 50 years with excitement and optimism as we embark on several new projects that will continue to improve mobility, achieve clean air, and promote economic vitality. Through the test of time, our one constant remains – to serve and connect our community to opportunity, one ride at a time!
We have proudly served the residents of Ventura County for 50 years. Through this video, we wanted to share our journey and share the stories of our passengers.
Help us remember the good times! We are proud to have been a part of your life for the past five decades. Did you make a good friend on the bus? Meet your spouse? We want to hear it!
GCTD was founded in 1973 as “South Coast Area Transit” when the cities of Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme and San Buenaventura executed a Joint Powers Agreement that created “SCAT” to develop and operate local and intercity public transportation in western Ventura County.
South Coast Area Transit is renamed to Gold Coast Transit to better reflect its location along California’s “gold coast”, a nickname often used to describe Ventura County.
In October 2013, Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill AB 664, which formed the Gold Coast Transit District. The district legislation was initiated in response to Senate Bill SB 716, which required that all TDA funds in Ventura County be used solely for public transit purposes. Formation of a transit district allows GCTD’s Board of Directors and staff greater flexibility in implementing service improvements by looking beyond jurisdictional borders in order to efficiently and effectively meet the public’s transit needs. The agency officially became a district on July 1, 2014.
In 2019 the District moved into new headquarters located at 1901 Auto Center Drive in Oxnard CA. The New Operations and Maintenance Facility will allow GCTD to continue to meet the growing transit needs of the community.
In 2023, GCTD proudly celebrated a monumental milestone—our 50th Anniversary. This significant year marked not only a half-century of dedicated service and evolution but also the commencement of an exciting new chapter in our journey. With a forward-looking approach, our Board approved a comprehensive three-year strategic plan in July, aimed at enhancing our service quality, ensuring safety, broadening our financial base, increasing employee engagement, and boosting our community involvement. Our new Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan are the results of extensive collaboration and reflect our core values of professionalism, respect, efficiency, and reliability. Together, we look forward to continuing to serve and connect our community with the same high standards as we have for the past 50 years.
GCTD was founded in 1973 as “South Coast Area Transit” when the cities of Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme and San Buenaventura executed a Joint Powers Agreement that created “SCAT” to develop and operate local and intercity public transportation in western Ventura County.
South Coast Area Transit is renamed to Gold Coast Transit to better reflect its location along California’s “gold coast”, a nickname often used to describe Ventura County.
In October 2013, Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill AB 664, which formed the Gold Coast Transit District. The district legislation was initiated in response to Senate Bill SB 716, which required that all TDA funds in Ventura County be used solely for public transit purposes. Formation of a transit district allows GCTD’s Board of Directors and staff greater flexibility in implementing service improvements by looking beyond jurisdictional borders in order to efficiently and effectively meet the public’s transit needs. The agency officially became a district on July 1, 2014.
In 2019 the District moved into new headquarters located at 1901 Auto Center Drive in Oxnard CA. The New Operations and Maintenance Facility will allow GCTD to continue to meet the growing transit needs of the community.
In 2023, GCTD proudly celebrated a monumental milestone—our 50th Anniversary. This significant year marked not only a half-century of dedicated service and evolution but also the commencement of an exciting new chapter in our journey. With a forward-looking approach, our Board approved a comprehensive three-year strategic plan in July, aimed at enhancing our service quality, ensuring safety, broadening our financial base, increasing employee engagement, and boosting our community involvement. Our new Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan are the results of extensive collaboration and reflect our core values of professionalism, respect, efficiency, and reliability. Together, we look forward to continuing to serve and connect our community with the same high standards as we have for the past 50 years.
Please share your experience riding with us these last 50 years. A selection of stories will be featured on our website, social media, newsletter and other publications commemorating this milestone. Thank you!
GCTD recently received a $12.1 million FTA grant to fund the first phase of GCTD’s zero-emissions roll out plan. Learn more here.
GCTD has recently expanded its mobility options to offer additional origin-to-destination services, including ACCESS ZONES and Late Night Safe Rides. This summer, GCTD will introduce GO NOW Microtransit, a new on-demand, shared-ride service within a specific zone in South Oxnard for a low cost of $2.00 per ride.
GCTD added mobile ticketing in 2016 with the launch of the Token Transit app. Since then, GCTD has added the countywide pass, VCbuspass, in both the mobile version and contactless tap card.
As we strive for improvement, GCTD is developing an agency-wide Strategic Plan to guide the organization into the future and to ensure our work is defined by a shared understanding of GCTD’s priorities and goals. The plan will include the following major tasks: (1) Organizational Needs Assesment; (2) Facilitated workshop with GCTD’s Board and staff; (3) Development of a Board-approved Strategic Plan.
