New Shuttle Service Ready to Roll Today

It’s time to get on the bus.

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation will launch its Smart Shuttle service in the northeast Valley today, offering riders flexible schedules and destinations.

Transportation officials, Los Angeles City Council members and state Assembly members will be on hand at 9 a.m. for the shuttle’s inaugural run from the Metrolink commuter rail station at 2100 Frank Modugno Drive at Hubbard Street.

Smart Shuttle buses and vans will service Metrolink, Amtrak and MTA stations as well as other locations in Sun Valley, Arleta, Pacoima, Panorama City, San Fernando and Van Nuys, said Phil Aker, a spokesman for the city transportation department.

The service will operate from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends, Aker said. Fares will range from $1 to $2.

The shuttle will combine aspects of bus and taxi service, Aker said. Riders can pay $1 for service from one stop to another or pay $2 for curb-to-curb service.

The two-year program, one of four throughout the city, will be paid for through a grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Aker said.

The shuttle service will be operated by San Gabriel Transportation, Aker said.

The company was selected because it submitted a business plan showing that after two years the service would pay for itself and not rely on public funds to operate.