Dial-a-Ride door-to-door transit service in Agoura Hills will expand in July, the City Council said Wednesday, as it authorized several pilot programs for the city-sponsored vans.

The council voted 5-0 to approve city staff recommendations to enlarge the transit service's options July 1.

The changes will add destination sites in Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks, such as The Oaks and Janss Marketplace shopping centers, Department of Motor Vehicles, Auto Mall and medical facilities.

The service also will increase its daily trips to adjacent cities and attempt to appeal to a wider spectrum of passengers. The service has been targeted at older people and those with disabilities.

Officials said they also expect that by autumn, there could be daily service to the San Fernando Valley, including such locations as Kaiser Permanente medical center, commercial areas and a connection to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Orange Line.

Also later this year, Dial-a-Ride plans to initiate a "Ladyface Loop" after-school service that will link Lindero Canyon Middle School, Agoura Hills Recreation Center, Agoura Hills Library, Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center and Agoura High School, officials said.

Councilman Dan Kuperberg asked city staff members to examine the feasibility of adding A.E. Wright Middle School to the loop route.

Kuperberg said "getting people out of their cars and using public transit" is a hurdle that needs to be addressed. "I don't know how you're going to get certain (age) levels to use the service." Amy Brink, the city's director of community services, said the staff will develop a marketing plan to attract teens, adults, families and seniors and tell them of the new capabilities.

"This is one of my favorite programs and one of the most worthwhile, and not just for the disabled. I've used it many times," said Councilman Harry Schwarz.

"With the cost of gas so high, it just makes so much sense," said Councilman Denis Weber.

The changes follow a decision by Ventura County officials to stop using the Agoura Hills system to serve as Oak Park's Dial-a-Ride provider. That decision will make additional capacity available in Agoura Hills, said Louis A. Celaya, assistant to the city manager.

The county contracted with Thousand Oaks Cab Co. to take over stops in Oak Park after June 30. Still, Oak Park residents who are members of Agoura Hills' Senior Program will be able to continue using the Agoura Hills Dial-a-Ride system to go to and from the Agoura Hills Community Center, according to officials.

Also, Dial-a-Ride will continue to take Agoura Hills residents from their homes to destinations in Oak Park.

Some residents said they welcome the changes.

"I'm quite happy to hear about the new services," said Agoura Hills resident Hilda A. Cutler. "From time to time, they will come in handy."

Officials did not indicate the cost of the expanded service. Fares currently range from $1 per one-way trip in Agoura Hills to $3 per one-way trip to Thousand Oaks.