Low-cost bus service connecting foothill communities with Santa Monica Beach was available Wednesday as the seasonal Beach Bus program returned for the summer.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced the return of the program, which is intended to provide affordable beach access for residents living farther inland.
“With the Beach Bus, families from across Los Angeles County can affordably access cooler weather and one of our region’s most precious resources,” Barger said in a statement. “I’m proud to bring back this program for another summer to connect the foothill communities to our beaches.”
The service provides direct transportation from communities in the San Gabriel and Crescenta valleys to Santa Monica, with round-trip fares set at $3 for adults and children. Seniors 60 and older and riders with disabilities can travel for $1.50 round trip.
Service from La Crescenta and La Cañada Flintridge began Tuesday and will operate Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 7.
An Altadena route is scheduled to begin Thursday and will operate Thursdays and Saturdays through Labor Day.
Service from Charter Oak and Duarte is scheduled to begin June 23 and will operate Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 7.
All routes depart for Santa Monica during the morning and return from the beach at 3:30 p.m.
Officials encouraged riders to reserve seats in advance through LAGoBus.com. Reservations can be made up to 10 days before travel and no later than 10 a.m. the day before departure.