Work continues this week on the Orange Line busway extension from the Chatsworth Metrolink station to the Canoga station. The above photo shows asphalt that was torn up in the Canoga station parking lot to make room for the busway and station platforms. Here’s the latest construction update.
The parking lot remains open, but only the Vanowen entrance is in use. Metro is targeting summer 2012 as the completion date for the project, which is being funded by Measure R.
What a shame…should have been a light rail line.
Yes, it would have been a great light rail line, but a dedicated busway is better than nothing at least.
Hopefully if Measure R 2.0 ever comes into existence The Orange Line conversion should be one of the its top priorities.
@Joe:
I don’t think anyone doubts that. But then again, Valley residents getting their fair share would be radical departure from long-established policy.
Or a subway would have been nice for the whole Orange Line.
@Joe, actually, it was originally supposed to be a heavy rail extension of the Red Line. That didn’t work out too well, though, and we got stuck with BRT ):
It’s a BRT because there was a monumental amount of kvetching from SFV residents and businesses about the construction and cost that would have been needed for either a Light Rail or heavy rail line.
The biggest issues with the orange line are that, because its not a rail line, its overcrowded and can be a rough ride on some sections, does not have level boarding, and also the lack of crossing gates at intersections and no signal preemption makes what could be a 30 minute ride to cross the valley more of a 45 minute ride. A very big difference. A red line extension could have actually worked well because, contrary to popular belief, it is in fact possible to run third rail HRT at-grade similar to the way the CTA trains in Chicago run in their at-grade sections. Maybe this can be done in the future and also connect to a 134 project east of NoHo that would go to Pasadena because its time us valley residents get our share of quality mass transit. Also, any news on the van nuys/sepulveda pass corridor?
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I Don’t mind taking the Orange Line for a few miles. but man is it Slow……..
This Line and the Gold Line and Blue Line all need Crossing gates, stopping traffic and having REAL priority at intersections.