Bus service between Malibu and Santa Monica that was previously suspended due to the Palisades Fire will be partially restored Friday after nearly two months.
LA Metro will have buses running on the 134 Line for the first time since service was suspended on Jan. 7.
Line 134 will operate closed-door service, bypassing a 10-mile work zone on Pacific Coast Highway between Temescal Canyon Road and Rambla Vista, Metro says.
Stops will be available at Malibu Pier, Cross Creek Road, Civic Center Way, Malibu Canyon Road, as well as in Santa Monica between the Downtown Santa Monica E Line Station and Ocean Avenue/Colorado Avenue.
“Resuming service on Line 134 is a crucial step toward supporting the residents and commuters who depend on this route from Malibu to Santa Monica,” said Metro Board Member and L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. “We are committed to restoring essential connectivity and getting back to normal service as quickly as recovery conditions allow.”
The Palisades Fire ignited last month in a remote area of the Santa Monica Mountains, quickly spreading due to high winds and dry conditions. The blaze forced evacuations and damaged infrastructure, including key transit routes. Recent rains triggered mudslides and debris flow, further complicating recovery efforts.
“January’s wildfires devastated the L.A. area and disrupted the connectivity of communities in and around the fire zones, which makes this partial restoration of service an important part of the recovery,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins.
While the restored service aims to reconnect Malibu and Santa Monica, Metro officials caution that operations are not yet back to normal. Delays are expected due to one-lane traffic and a 25 mph speed limit within the work zone.
Schedules will be reviewed and adjusted as needed, they said.
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart praised the effort, noting the importance of public transportation in the community’s recovery.
“This modified service strikes a careful balance of safety and ensuring residents, workers, and business patrons have a safe and reliable way to travel through the area,” he said.
Metro says riders should plan for potential delays and remain patient as recovery efforts continue.
For more information about Metro schedules, timelines and recovery efforts, click here.
