The Orange Line, a bus rapid transit line running through Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley, has been a success. To those calling for an expensive conversion to rail, several experts say, why bother?
Dating from 2005, L.A.'s Orange Line now serves more than 25,000 riders a day. Patrick Sisson writes, "In its 12 years of service, the Orange Line has carried more than 74 million passengers and proven there's an audience and ridership in the region. It's so successful that it's often crowded at rush hour, leading Metro to explore an upgrade."
Calls for a light rail replacement have encountered pushback from many experts. "The push to lay down track and replace a successful bus line begs another question: Can a bus line, even with all the right support, ever be enough?"
Juan Matute, associate director of UCLA's Lewis Center and the Institute of Transportation Studies, says the Orange Line has succeeded on many levels. "'The Orange Line has been an extremely cost effective transportation amenity,' [Matute] says. 'You could build five Orange Lines for the cost of a light rail corridor.'"
Rail advocates argue that the conversion will spur efficiency gains. It'll also cost an estimated $1.4 billion. Sisson writes, "If the bus line were treated like rail, instead of being replaced by rail, the transit authority could accomplish many of the same efficiency gains at a much lower cost."
FULL STORY: Can the Valley’s Orange Line—the nation’s most successful BRT—get any respect?
Funding for Two Transit Projects Approved for the Valley in Los Angeles
Local funding for a new light rail line and upgrades to the G Line (née Orange Line) bus rapid transit route have been approved for the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles May Upgrade Orange Line BRT to Rail
The San Fernando Valley's Orange Line bus rapid transit enjoys solid ridership. For an area of the city especially under-served by trains, investing in light rail might be a viable option.
Controversial BRT Plans Revised in Los Angeles
The proposed changes to plans for a bus rapid transit route on Colorado Boulevard are an attempt to compromise between competing community concerns.
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Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
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