Oxnard, Calif.’s Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) named Vanessa Rauschenberger as its new GM, a position currently held by Steven P. Brown who is retiring from the agency.

Rauschenberger will oversee an organization of 200 employees that operate and maintain a fleet of 87 vehicles on a 15-acre site to provide fixed-route and paratransit public transit services to two million passengers annually across five jurisdictions in western Ventura County.

“I look forward to building on GCTD’s mission to provide high-quality transportation services as a conscientious steward of public resources.  As GCTD continues to strengthen our partnerships with our employees, passengers, and Board, I have confidence we will be able to complete an exciting number of new initiatives to make transit more attractive and inviting,” says Rauschenberger.

Projects on the horizon include the launch of Microtransit for South Oxnard, greater-frequency bus service between Oxnard and Ventura, a Bus Stop Improvement Plan, and transitioning to a zero-emissions fleet.

The third-generation resident of Oxnard is committed to continuing enhancements of GCTD services in her community. “Growing up in Oxnard, I’ve seen our county evolve, and I intend to work to make sure that transit services keep up with changing community needs. I am honored and thankful for the opportunity to lead a public agency, whose mission is dedicated to connecting people to opportunity, and improving the quality of life for so many.” Rauschenberger said.

Rauschenberger has more than 18 years of experience in the transportation industry, including over 11 years at GCTD. As GCTD’s Director of Planning and Marketing, she led the implementation of several new routes, including the recently launched service along Ventura Road in Oxnard, managed the development of numerous service plans, and oversees all grant applications to local, state, and federal agencies. She also spearheaded GCTD’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan — a plan built around employee and passenger input to identify ways to help GCTD support community-wide recovery.