The Los Angeles County Metro Authority (or LA Metro) debuted a new 14-mile bus rapid transit (BRT) system in the San Fernando Valley in October 2005, using a former rail right-of-way. The LA Metro Orange Line was the first BRT system employed in the United States (the first in the world being that of Bogota, Colombia). Linking the western part of the San Fernando Valley with the North Hollywood Red Line metro station, the Orange Line is run on exclusive bus paths, so as to mimic the efficiency of rail systems. A 4-mile-extension in June 2012 increased the line’s reach and popularity. Bus paths have the advantage over rail systems when it comes to maintaining route flexibility: it is much easier and less expensive to create new routes or change current routes. Bus rapid transit systems also use pre-board payment methods, and multi-entry doors to improve efficiency. The Orange Line is… Read More