Park-and-Ride Facility Opens at New Site

Park-and-ride facilities in the San Fernando Valley have proven so successful, that the city’s Department of Transportation has opened a new one in Encino, on the southeast corner of Balboa and Victory boulevards.

Jointly funded by the department and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the new park-and-ride officially opened Monday.

City officials estimated that demand for parking at the Valley’s park-and-ride located at the corner of Hayvenhurst Avenue and Magnolia Boulevard is now at three times its capacity.

“That one is beyond being crowded,” said Philip M. Aker, supervising transportation planner for the transportation department.

Two department of transportation bus routes will serve the new facility--Commuter Express line 573, which goes from the Valley to Westwood and Century City, and Commuter Express line 574, which travels to Los Angeles International Airport and El Segundo.

“I believe that this is something that is needed to help in our continued fight against air pollution and traffic congestion,” said Cheryl Weaver, an aide to Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski.

“This will be a great success and an asset to our community.”

There is room for 150 cars in the new facility, which will be overseen by a parking attendant during weekday operating hours from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“I hope that providing these parking facilities will encourage people to take transit,” said Tom Connor, general manager of the department.

In addition to auto parking, the facility has lockers for 20 bicycles. Electric vehicle chargers are also available.

“I think that one of the great uses for electric vehicles in the future is the short trip to connect you with transit,” Connor said.

For information on fares and departure times, contact the department at (800) COMMUTE.