New free shuttle between Bob Hope Airport and North Hollywood Metro station

Just in time for the holidays, a free shuttle service has started between Bob Hope Airport in Burbank and the North Hollywood Metro Station.

The service, which began last week, will continue until at least the end of January during a trial period. “We want to evaluate and make sure people are using it,” airport spokeswoman Lucy Burghdorf said.

How it works: Signs marking the shuttle stop have been put up at the Metro station, the last stop on the Red Line, which is near the intersection of Lankershim and Chandler boulevards in North Hollywood, officials said. The trip, which uses SuperShuttle vans, takes about 20 to 30 minutes each way.

Passengers can reserve a shuttle from the Metro station by calling (818) 556-6600; for service without a reservation, call (818) 558-3179 and a van should appear in about 20 minutes, officials said. In the other direction, passengers can request a ride to the Metro station from the shuttle island in front of the airport. The shuttles are available during airport business hours from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Tested: When I called the (818) 558-3179 number, SuperShuttle dispatchers appeared unfamiliar with the new service, but persevere -- it’s free, and it’s up and running. When I was able to talk to a supervisor, she recognized the service.

Other options: This is the second free shuttle route offered by the airport. In July, shuttles started running from the Metrolink station in downtown Burbank. (Use the same phone numbers above to make a reservation or request a van without a reservation). Metrolink and Amtrak also provide service to Bob Hope Airport, which in August won approval for a $120 million transit center to be completed in December 2012.

Contact: For more information about the new route, check out the news release on the airport’s website.