Eric Richardson [Flickr]

Councilmembers Jose Huizar and Jan Perry introduce the new DASH Central City East on Thursday morning.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Councilmembers Jan Perry and Jose Huizar joined LADOT staff and representatives from Little Tokyo and Central City East on Thursday morning to kick off service on the new DASH Central City East. The looping route fills a hole in Downtown DASH service, offering extra connectivity for the east side of Downtown.

After enduring the sweltering sun during short speeches, those gathered loaded into the bus for a loop around the neighborhood. The Midnight Mission's Orlando Ward was the first passenger to complete a trip on the new route, getting off at 6th and San Pedro. "Thanks for putting a stop at my front door," he told those onboard.

The new service follows years of work by residents in Central City East, including Los Angeles Town Crier Don Garza, and the business community. Its operation was made possible by the elimination of the City Hall Shuttle, which freed up the bus that will now operate on the Central City East route.

The 2.3 mile route starts at 2nd/Central, heading south before turning right onto 5th, left onto San Pedro, right onto 7th, right onto Main, right onto 6th, left onto Los Angeles and right onto 2nd.

Stops are at Central/2nd, Central/3rd, 5th/Central, San Pedro/5th, San Pedro/6th, 7th/San Julian, 7th/Maple, 7th/Los Angeles, Main/6th, Los Angeles/6th, Los Angeles/5th, Los Angeles/4th, Los Angeles/3rd, Los Angeles/2nd and 2nd/San Pedro.

Buses run every twenty minutes, with the schedule calculating a 17 minute round trip and 3 minute layover for the driver.

Service is free until next Friday (September 12th), and is then 25 cents. The bus operates from 6:30am to 6:30pm.