LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Service changes go into effect today on DASH's Downtown D and Downtown E bus routes as part of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation's New Service Plan.
The Downtown E route will have extended service on Seventh Street to Alvarado Street and the Metro Westlake/MacArthur Park B (Red) Line Station. The E route's deviation on Sixth Street was eliminated.
``A few months back I introduced a motion requesting LADOT to help us deploy additional DASH E buses into our district, and today I am very excited to share that the city is providing expanded DASH E service from Downtown LA into MacArthur Park,'' said Councilman Gil Cedillo.
``Our senior citizens, students, and families deserve improved services to enhance their mobility and this is one step towards the right direction to help meet our transit needs in our communities that rely heavily on these services. It is critical that our communities have access to clean, reliable, and affordable transportation.''
The Downtown D route also is changing, now operating along Broadway south of Olympic Boulevard and ending service at Grand Avenue and Washington Boulevard, LADOT General Manager Seleta Reynolds said.
The route previously ran along Hill Street, Pico Boulevard, Grand Avenue and Olive Street south of Olympic. People will still be able to access the Los Angeles Trade Technical College and the Grand/LATTC Metro A (Blue) Line Station.
``The expansion of DASH routes in Downtown LA comes at an opportune time as the city begins its reopening efforts,'' said Councilman Kevin de Leon. ``Expanded routes will mean better service for more public transit users and keeps LA transit goals moving in the right direction.''
The changes are part of the LADOT New Service Plan that was approved by the City Council in 2018.
``Easy, affordable, and safe transportation options for Angelenos are key to our region's long-term recovery including investments in public transit,'' Reynolds said. ``These changes to DASH Routes D and E are just the start of our planned transit service expansion and will provide better and faster service to current and future riders.''
The largest expansion of service began in 2019, with increased weekend service on all DASH routes and evening service until 9 p.m. on downtown routes. LADOT also introduced LAnow, an on demand, shared-ride service on the Westside.
The next service expansion will occur on July 31, when DASH introduces a new route serving Sylmar, operating between the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station and Mission College. That new route will be in operation from 6 am.-7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends.