Visit parks via free shuttles

Visiting the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area has just gotten easier-and less expensive.

The Santa Monica Mountains ParkLINK shuttle service will be free through July and a special event on Sat., July 1 at Malibu Creek State Park from 10:30 a.m. to noon will kick off the program.

According to Charles Taylor, a spokesperson for the National Park Service, the ParkLINK shuttle service is in the second year of a three-year pilot program.

"The real idea behind this is that we want people to get into the park and enjoy more than one site at a time," Taylor said. "We're extending the reach of the park."

Four buses will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. The airconditioned buses can be boarded at many areas along the park route, including Backbone Trail, Corral Canyon, Malibu Creek, Malibu Lagoon, Malibu Village (Cross Creek), Paramount Ranch, Peter Strauss Ranch, Tapia Park, Zuma and Westward beaches and Solstice Canyon. Several of the stops have free parking for motorists and the shuttle can be taken from the park to the beach to shopping areas in Malibu.

Several dignitaries are scheduled to speak at a brief ceremony, including U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman, Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, National Park Service Superintendent Woody Smeck, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Executive Director Joe Edmiston and State Park Superintendent Ron Shaffer.

The event will also feature entertainment. John Sherman will perform on a Native American flute and a variety of exhibits and activities will be available for children.

Taylor said the shuttle service provides triple bike racks and storage space. A bicyclist could take a one-way trip into the mountains and return home via bus.

Each bus can accommodate 20 people, and there's room for coolers, strollers, boogie boards and surfboards. The buses also feature two wheelchair lifts and tiedowns. Park information is provided on each bus. Pets are not allowed.

The shuttle will link with the MTA 161 and the Orange Line beginning Sat., July 1. The service honors Metropolitan Transportation Authority transfers.

For further information, call the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area at (888) 734-2323.