Penny Haseltine packed her sunscreen, snacks and $6 for her round-trip bus ride from Lancaster to Santa Monica Beach and back, calling it her mini vacation.
“I’ve been riding for probably about 10 years, maybe 12 years,” Haseltine said.
It’s a service the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works has provided for 40 years, and the Beach Bus is already rolling out this summer.
Haseltine said she enjoys the 70-mile commute to the beach, and for $6 round trip, she says it’s a great way to escape the summer heat a few times a week, and it’s good for her mental health.
The Beach Bus also offers rides from East Los Angeles, Duarte, Altadena, La Cañada-Flintridge and Castaic. For seniors it is only $4 round trip.
Steve Burger, director of transportation for the LA County Public Works Department, said it is cost-effective and stress-free for passengers.
“It allows them to get there sustainably, without traffic, without parking problems,” Burger said.
Many of the Antelope Valley riders are retirees. Susie Holliday said she enjoys the camaraderie. “We talk to each other. We go there and sometimes we all hang out,” Holliday said.
Reservations for the Beach Bus are recommended, maximum 10 days in advance, but no later than 10am the day before your trip.
Jeff Nguyen
