The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) is announcing the launch of DASH Pacoima that will begin on Saturday, May 3.
This new route will provide convenient and sustainable transportation for the Pacoima community, connecting residents to essential destinations such as grocery stores, schools, workplaces, parks and major transit hubs, including Metro bus and rail lines and the existing DASH Panorama City route.
“With this brand new route, residents will now have access to a more reliable, cleaner and sustainable all-electric local bus service that also promotes greater access for all to visit the San Fernando Valley in the coming years,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “The new DASH Pacoima route represents our continued investments in the San Fernando Valley for healthy and climate resilient infrastructure.”
DASH Pacoima was made possible through a partnership with Greening Together Collaborative and nonprofit Pacoima Beautiful. The route is part of a broader effort to improve transit access while promoting environmental sustainability in the region.
“This is an exciting moment for Pacoima and for LADOT,” said LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo. “This new DASH route will provide a key connection to neighborhood amenities and our wider transportation network that is accessible and affordable. It is just one more example of our commitment to investing in our communities and ensuring that all Angelenos have access to safe and reliable transportation.”
DASH Pacoima will be fully served by battery-electric buses, a major step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in the neighborhood. A joint application to the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) grant program funded the purchase of 14 battery-electric buses and the installation of new charging infrastructure at LADOT’s North Region Bus Yard, ensuring that Pacoima residents benefit from a cleaner and greener transit option.
“The launch of DASH Pacoima is a huge step toward transportation equity for Arleta, Panorama City and Pacoima. This all-electric route 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,” said Councilmember Imelda Padilla.
“I’m proud to support projects that prioritize both our planet and people. Thank you to Pacoima Beautiful, the Greening Together Collaborative and LADOT for making this happen. This partnership shows what’s possible when local government and grassroots organizations come together to put community needs first. And with DASH Pacoima sharing the Van Nuys corridor with the future East San Fernando Valley Light Rail, we’re laying the groundwork for a truly connected and sustainable future across the valley.”
Councilmember Monica Rodriguez added, “Closing the service gaps and expanding access to safe, reliable public transportation remains a priority, which is why I secured funding to deliver this second DASH route to our community with targeted stops near schools, and key destinations, to ensure residents – especially students, families and seniors – have the convenience of an affordable transit system that prioritizes their needs in Pacoima.”
To celebrate the launch of the new DASH Pacoima route, rides will be free from May 3 through May 31. This fare-free period is intended to encourage the community to explore and embrace the new neighborhood transit option.
As a transit rider, I applaud Councilmember Monica Rodriguez for expanding the DASH bus in council district 7. I also urge council member Imelda Padilla to do the same for council district 6. Sun Valley Metrolink Station is underutilized and there needs more buses to and from the Sun Valley Metrolink Station, for example.
I reached out to Councilmember Imelda Padilla urging her to turn the Metrolink station into a transit hub, which will make it easier for people to take the Metrolink train.
Sun Valley needs better transportation and accessibility for all transit riders, too. I hope that council member Padilla will follow Councilmember Rodriguez lead.
I am a transit rider and I appreciate councilwoman Monica Rodriguez for expanding the DASH service in our community in Pacoima connecting Arleta, Panorama City and Lakeview Terrace.
I support expanding the DASH bus service in the northeast San Fernando Valley. I think it will greatly improve our way of life and accessibility for many people in our community.
I also think it would be a great idea to expand the DASH bus service to the Sun Valley Metrolink Station and turn the station into a transit hub to make it easier for people to take the train.
I look forward to working with my elected representatives to expand this service in our community.