In a move that will partially reconnect Malibu and Santa Monica, the Los Angeles Metro has announced it will restore service for bus line 134, which had been suspended since the Palisades Fire began in early January. According to CBS Los Angeles, the line will resume operations this Friday, with four stops along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu at Malibu Pier, Cross Creek Road, Civic Center Way and Malibu Canyon Road between Malibu and Trancas Canyon Road, as well as stops in Santa Monica between the downtown E Line station and the intersection of Ocean and Colorado avenues.
However, there will continue to be a 10-mile stretch on PCH with no stops, including courtesy stops, due to ongoing work in the wake of the wildfire. "Restoring public transportation access to Malibu is a critical step in our community's recovery," Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart told CBS Los Angeles. Riders should also anticipate delays as traffic is being restricted to one lane in each direction with a speed limit of 25 mph within the affected area.
A detailed map and additional service information were provided in a post on Metro Los Angeles' Facebook page. The post explicitly states that Line 134 "will not be stopping to discharge riders or pick them up in the work zone," and encourages wildfire victims to take advantage of modified eligibility requirements for Metro's reduced fare and discount fare programs.
With the partial service restoration, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath described the action as a "crucial step" toward supporting the residents and commuters. The sentiment was echoed by LA County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn, who said, "It is important that as we recover from these fires that we get this service back up and running as soon as possible for our riders that need it," NBC Los Angeles stated.
