Sherman Oaks, CA – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) released the following statement commemorating the 20th anniversary of Metro’s Orange Line (officially renamed the “G” Line by Metro in 2020). The Orange Line is an 18-mile bus rapid transit system in the San Fernando Valley running between Metro’s North Hollywood and Chatsworth stations along a dedicated right-of-way which formerly hosted LA’s famed “Red Car” Trolly.
“Metro’s Orange line has been a tremendous success, with strong year-over-year system ridership growth far exceeding its pre-construction projections; the Orange Line has proven an invaluable asset for Valley commuters.” said Congressman Brad Sherman.
“It is fitting that as we reach this important milestone in the San Fernando Valley, Metro is now weighing another. Having come to the end of a long environmental review process, the Metro Board is now weighing the five remaining alternatives for rail service from the Westside to the Valley through the Sepulveda Pass, with direct connection to the Orange Line itself.
There is no infrastructure project under Metro’s consideration with more potential to expand transit access, to reduce traffic congestion, and to return hours to the lives of commuters that would otherwise be lost sitting in gridlock on the 405-freeway.
I have consistently supported public transit through the Sepulveda Pass since coming to Congress, and I will continue to fight for the federal dollars needed to complete the Sepulveda Pass Project.”
The Orange line has rapidly become one of the nation’s most successful Bus Rapid Transit Lines, accommodating millions of boardings in the past two decades, according to LA Metro. The system helps to reduce traffic on the 101 Freeway and connects Valley residents to multiple public transportation systems, including the Metro Red Line and Amtrak.
Congressman Sherman worked to secure federal funds for construction and safety improvements to the Orange Line, which carries thousands of daily riders along a dedicated busway from Warner Center in Woodland Hills to the North Hollywood Red Line Station. Those projects also included a bicycle and pedestrian path, as well as the Warner Center Transit Hub. The Orange Line originally opened on October 29, 2005. In 2012, the Orange Line was extended from the Warner Center area to the Chatsworth Metrolink Station.
