New buses to ease overcrowding

WHITTIER - The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved the purchase of two natural gas-powered shuttle buses for the Sunshine Shuttle Service in South Whittier.The buses are expected to be built and in operation by 2012. The Sunshine Shuttle Service connects to transit lines operated by Metro, the cities of Norwalk and Montebello, and the county's Los Nietos Shuttle. The new, larger buses, at a cost of $440,000 each, are funded from Prop A Local Return Transit Programs and grants from Metro and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. "The Sunshine Shuttle is a very popular public transit option for residents in South Whittier who are able to access local and regional destinations and services, including schools, community centers, parks and libraries," supervisor Don Knabe said. "The shuttles have been experiencing significant over-crowding, leaving passengers unable to board during peak morning and afternoon rush hours. These new clean-fueled buses will help everyone who wants one get a seat on the bus."

********** Published: November 11, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 30