Cohort XXXI Gets on the Bus
January 22, 2026
Sandra Jennings, Workforce/Placement Instructor at Ventura Adult and Continuing Education
Friday’s @vcleadershipacademy session focused on transportation, and Cohort 31 had the opportunity to experience it firsthand by riding Gold Coast Transit District buses to several locations across the county.
As I reflect on the day, two words stand out: choice and essential.
We learned that public transportation providers make complex decisions every day—where to place stops, how to allocate limited resources, and how to balance ridership goals with equitable access. These decisions aren’t simple, and there’s rarely a solution that meets every community’s needs.
The importance of access became especially clear during our visit to the Nyeland Acres Community Center, where we learned about the impactful work of Nyeland Promise. In communities without walkable infrastructure, reliable public transportation isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. It connects people to jobs, education, healthcare, and critical services.
We also gained insight into the federal, state, and local policies that shape the transit systems so many people rely on—often in ways riders never see but feel every day.
Grateful for the speakers who shared their knowledge and for the opportunity to better understand the vital role transportation plays in access, equity, and public service across Ventura County.
