May 9: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

1947:  Pacific Electric Railway launches motor coach service to Woodland Hills and Northridge in the West San Fernando Valley from Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Hollywood.  Daily service buses run eight times a day, Monday through Saturday.

The Woodland Hills service is along Ventura Boulevard to Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Northridge extends north on Reseda Boulevard, and North Hollywood is served via Lankershim Boulevard north to Saticoy Street at Tujunga Avenue.

The North Hollywood route is the first public transportation for residents in that area.  The Northridge and Woodland Hills service areas are the first public transportation in many years.

Actress Dale Evans, star of numerous Western films during the 1940s, was present at the opening day ceremonies.  More information can be found in the May-June, 1947 issue of Pacific Electric Magazine.

2002:  The $2.2 million Alex Baum Bicycle Bridge opens, the newest link in the Los Angeles River Bike Path.

The jointly funded LACMTA and City of Los Angeles project spans the Los Angeles River at Los Feliz Boulevard, and is named after Alexandre Baum, founder and chairman of the Los Angeles Bicycle Advisory Committee.

More information about the bridge and dedication can be found in the May 10, 2002 issue of MyMetro employee news publication.