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L.A. Metro Debuts Bus Service; Valley-Westside Express Saves Time
Los Angeles Metro’s new Valley-Westside Express bus service, launched Dec. 15, uses the recently completed network of carpool lanes on I-405 to provide frequent, nonstop bus service between the Sepulveda Metro Orange Line Station in Van Nuys and Westwood—saving riders at least 20 minutes each way compared with current bus service on local streets. Metro will operate approximately every 15 minutes during peak morning and afternoon periods, using 45-foot advanced composite buses from North American Bus Industries.
“My back-to-basics agenda is about focusing our resources where they can make the greatest impact, and the new Valley-Westside Express is targeted at one of L.A.’s most notorious choke points,” said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Chair Eric Garcetti. “It will not only cut 40 minutes of commute time for its riders, it’ll reduce the number of cars on the 405 to reduce congestion for us all.”
In addition to the nonstop freeway component of the service, the new line will provide needed bus service to and from Arleta in the northern portion of the San Fernando Valley, making all Rapid stops along the way. The buses will also stop at the Van Nuys Metro Orange Line Station.
Metro will monitor usage of the new line and is prepared to increase service frequencies based on demand. The agency also plans to extend the line south from Westwood to the new Sepulveda Expo Line Phase 2 station when it opens in 2016.
“The Valley-Westside Express creates a critical north-south linkage to key transit services in both sides of the Sepulveda Pass, creating a closely integrated network of fast, frequent Metro service,” said Sheila Kuehl, Los Angeles County supervisor and Metro board member. “It offers a better way to connect UCLA, Warner Center, and other economic centers, institutions, businesses, and residential neighborhoods in both the [San Fernando] Valley and Westside.”
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Riding with one of Los Angeles Metro’s new Valley-Westside Express buses are Los Angeles City Council Member Paul Krekorian, left, and Michael Cano, chair, San Fernando Valley Service Council. Metro Chief Executive Officer Art Leahy, and Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles mayor and Metro Board chair, also participated in launch ceremonies. |
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