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.
Snohomish County Transit System Adds New BRT Line in Major Restructuring
The Community Transit network is making a slew of changes, including several new bus rapid transit lines.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions