VAN NUYS : Shuttle May Carry Children Past Tracks
The Metropolitan Transit Authority may divert one of its commuter buses to help Van Nuys school children safely avoid a railroad crossing used as a short cut, an official said Monday.
Mark Dierking, MTA project manager, said he will consult with the operator of the DASH shuttle assigned to the Van Nuys Metrolink Station to determine if the route can be extended to provide school rides for students who cross the tracks south of Blythe Street.
“I feel real confident that we’re going to get this thing done because it’s just a minor alteration of one of the routes we have out there,” Dierking said.
Dierking said his proposal could begin as early as the fall semester and would allow children to ride free or for 25 cents each way.
The short cut, located at the end of Willis Avenue between Raymer and Blythe streets, is used by about 50 students daily on their way to and from Valerio Street Elementary and Fulton Junior High schools.
The site has no crossing arms.
Community leaders have been pressuring Metrolink since mid-April to fence off the crossing or provide transportation for students. Francisco Oaxaca, Metrolink public affairs manager who promised his assistance, asked Dierking if the MTA could help provide ideas. The MTA is one of five county agencies that operate Metrolink.
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