City Council OKs Test Shuttle Program

Despite vocal objections from one member, the Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday launched a pioneering $10.6-million shuttle program to be tested in Central Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

By a 13-1 vote, the council approved the Smart Shuttle program, which will provide taxis and vans of various sizes to run on routes that can be adjusted to accommodate passengers.

But Councilman Nate Holden, head of the council’s Transportation Committee and the lone vote against the program, called it a “waste of $10.6 million,” adding “I don’t know who dreamed up this idea but it’s a lousy, lousy idea.”

Holden argued that the city already spends millions of dollars on “dial-a-ride” shuttles, taxi coupon programs and commuter buses and should instead spend the money on street paving. Funding will come from a transit tax measure approved by voters.

But James Okazaki, head of the city’s transit programs, said the “dail-a-ride” shuttles and the coupon programs are limited to disabled or elderly residents, while the Smart Shuttle will be available for all residents.

Unlike regular buses, he said the Smart Shuttle buses and vans will run on “flexible routes,” using a high-tech tracking device will allow dispatchers to locate and reroute the shuttles to pick up additional passengers along the way.

The program is scheduled to begin in the fall in the west and northeast Valley, in South-Central Los Angeles and the MacArthur Park area.