Residents of Pacoima and surrounding areas in the San Fernando Valley have a new, greener way to travel with the launch of the all-electric DASH bus route that started service over the weekend. NBC Los Angeles reports the Department of Transportation introduced this zero-emission transit option on Saturday, providing an affordable and sustainable means of moving through the neighborhood. The new line, known as DASH Pacoima, operates with a fleet of 14 fully electric battery-powered buses underwritten by the Transformative Climate Communities grant program.
Councilwoman Imelda Padilla highlighted the importance of the new route in her statement to NBC Los Angeles, saying, "The launch of DASH Pacoima is a huge step toward transportation equity for Arleta, Panorama City and Pacoima," adding that it "connects residents to where they need to go -- schools, jobs, parks, and grocery stores -- while cutting emissions and improving air quality in communities that have borne the brunt of pollution for far too long." To celebrate the route's inauguration, free rides were offered through May 31, further incentivizing community members to embrace this eco-friendly mode of transportation, however it should be noted that, DASH rides are already among the most accessible in terms of cost, priced at $0.50 with cash and $0.35 with a TAP card when the promotional period ends, as per information from the LA Department of Transportation.
LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo shared her excitement with NBC Los Angeles on the eve of the launch, explaining that "this new DASH route will provide a key connection to neighborhood amenities and our wider transportation network that is accessible and affordable," and is indicative of LADOT's commitment to "investing in our communities and ensuring that all Angelenos have access to safe and reliable transportation." Mayor Karen Bass also reflects on the wider initiative to promote sustainability in Los Angeles, highlighting the installation of more than 17,000 new EV chargers since taking office, marking an 86% increase, and reiterating the city's leading position in charging infrastructure across the country, according to the Mayor's office release.
In the coming years, the route is expected to play a significant role in conjunction with other transit developments, including the anticipated East San Fernando Valley Light Rail that will share the Van Nuys corridor, bolstering connectivity throughout the Valley as the region prepares for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
