Santa Clarita Transit is now offering rides to Santa Monica via the 2009 Summer Beach Bus.

The bus will travel to the beach on Wednesdays and Saturdays through Sept. 7, and on Labor Day as well.

The Summer Beach Bus has two departure locations in the Santa Clarita Valley to take community members from the canyons to the sea and back again.

The bus departs from Val Verde Park, 30300 Arlington Street, at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 5 p.m..

The bus leaves from the McBean Transfer Station, 24375 Valencia Boulevard, at 8:55 a.m., and returns at 4:50 p.m.

"The city has seen a strong response from residents requesting transit that travels to the ocean," Mayor Frank Ferry said. "Driving to the beach can be a hectic experience and the Summer Beach Bus lets riders sit back and relax on the way to the beach for less than what it would normally cost in gas to make the same trip."

A round-trip to enjoy the Santa Monica surf, sand and surroundings on the Summer Beach Bus is $4 for all children and adults, and $2 for persons with disabilities and senior citizens 60 years of age and older.

Children under the age of 12 will not be permitted on the bus without a parent or guardian.