Smart Shuttles Add Hours, Destinations

With nearly three months of operation under its belt and more information about commuter patterns in the area, the West Valley Smart Shuttle program has added hours and neighborhoods to its schedule.

The changes went into effect Monday and include an additional three hours of service on weekdays, from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., expansion of its area to include portions of Reseda, Tarzana and Encino and, for the first time, Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Three shuttle access points also will be added at the Reseda Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library, the Reseda Recreation Center and Reseda High School.

Officials said the changes grew out of service request calls from and to areas not included in the original plan.

“We’re learning a lot about where people are going and where they want to go, and we’re changing to accommodate that,” said Aaron Hanson, director of service development for the West Valley program.

The 16-vehicle fleet of 18-passenger vans travel established routes, but also can pick up and drop off passengers at any point within the service area, Hanson said.

Most weekdays riders may board a shuttle at specific stops or call for door-to-door service. But from 7 to 10 p.m. and all day Saturday the shuttles may only be used by request. The cost ranges from $1 to $3 depending on time of day and destination.

The shuttle program, which was launched in September, serves more than 1,350 passengers per day, officials said. It now spans 43 square miles, in Chatsworth, Northridge, portions of Granada Hills, Canoga Park, Winnetka, parts of Reseda, Woodland Hills, Warner Center and parts of Tarzana and Encino.

The two-year pilot program is one of four throughout the city funded by a grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

For a service request or more information, call (888) 804-8333.