City Council OKs Dodger Stadium shuttle service from Union Station

The Los Angeles City Council today unanimously approved spending $70,000 to cover the costs of a shuttle from Union Station to Dodger Stadium. The shuttle service will be free to fans.

The shuttle buses will operate for every game, starting after the All-Star break next month and extending through the end of the season, with service starting 90 minutes before game time. The Dodgers plan to launch a marketing campaign by the next homestand in newspapers, on broadcasts, on the team website and at the ballpark.

While the city agreed to use $70,000 in available funds already earmarked for bus services, Councilman Bill Rosendahl wondered during a committee hearing why the Dodgers would not pick up any of the cost.

“We’re not in the public transit business,” Dodgers Senior Vice President Howard Sunkin said. “Government is in the public transit business.”

The service is considered a pilot program, with shuttles beyond this year depending on available funding and on how many riders use the service this year.

 Bill.shaikin@latimes.com