LOS ANGELES: Citing the need for commuting...

LOS ANGELES: Citing the need for commuting alternatives since the Northridge quake, the City Council on Tuesday moved up the start date to Monday for a shuttle service between Metrolink trains at Union Station and businesses in Hollywood.

The so-called Hollywood Connection, designed for several hundred people a day to travel by trains and shuttle buses rather than cars, was set to begin in March. But Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg, whose district includes Hollywood, won unanimous approval for a proposal to begin the service immediately.

BEVERLY HILLS: In deference to the lingering recession, the image-conscious city has reluctantly agreed to allow taxis up to 7 years old to cruise streets. The city’s municipal code had prohibited taxis more than 5 years old.

Mayor Maxwell Salter complained at a recent hearing that Los Angeles-area cabs are a disgrace compared to taxis in Japan and Europe.

But city staff argued that Beverly Hills cabs are not to be confused with Los Angeles city taxis, which can be up to 9 years old.

MEETINGS NEXT WEEK

* Beverly Hills: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. 450 Crescent Drive. (310) 285-2400.

* Culver City: 7 p.m. Monday. Interim City Hall, Trailer No. 1, 4095 Overland Ave. (310) 202-5851.

* Los Angeles: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. 200 N. Spring St. (213) 485-3126.

* Malibu: no meeting. (310) 456-2489.

* Santa Monica: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. 1685 Main St. (310) 393-9975.

* West Hollywood: no meeting. (310) 854-7460.