Local News in Brief : Alternative Bus Line Wins Court Ruling

A fledgling transit agency that uses private bus companies to operate two former Southern California Rapid Transit District lines in the San Gabriel Valley can continue service until a legal challenge to the agency is decided, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled Wednesday.

Judge Eli Chernow set an April 3 trial date to determine the legality of the Foothill Transit Zone, an alternative transit agency formed by 20 San Gabriel Valley cities and the county to provide lower-cost, expanded service for the area.

Officials from the United Transportation Union and the Amalgamated Transit Union, which together represent about 7,000 RTD drivers and mechanics, allege that the “privatization” would be an illegal dismantling of the RTD and threaten union jobs.

Over the objections of the unions, Chernow allowed Foothill to continue plans to add up to three additional RTD lines in June, which could entail the transit zone ordering 47 additional buses for $7.7 million.