Metro Board Approves Orange Line Upgrades

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority board has approved improvements to the Orange Line busway in the San Fernando Valley. The authority, also known as Metro, operates the busway between North Hollywood and Chatsworth. The line opened in 2005. Improvements to the Orange Line include gates at 35 street crossings and above-ground stations at Van Nuys Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard. The project is expected to cost between $320 million and $393 million, which will be funded primarily by Measure M, the half-cent sales tax increase approved by voters in 2016, and the gas tax increase that went into effect last year. Installing the gates at the street crossing would improve safety and reduce travel times by allowing the buses to go through the intersections at higher speeds, a Metro staff report said. “However, it is important to note that changes in bus operations such as operating at increased headways and in two-vehicle platoons would need to be further evaluated and approved by Metro Operations in order to minimize the frequency of gate activation and delays to cross traffic without reducing overall passenger capacity on the (Orange Line),” the report said. Work on the improvements is expected to begin next year and be completed by 2025.