'Superbus' stops at the Valley

The MTA's new "superbus" made its debut today -- and many called it the shape of things to come:

"This region is expected to grow about 30% in the next 25 years, so we simply have no choice but to build and provide more efficient, convenient, reliable alternatives to the single-passenger automobile, and this new 65-foot Metro liner does just that," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Metro will evaluate the bus’ performance, including its maneuverability, passenger capacity, passenger acceptance, and operating range, during its one-year demonstration period. (CNS) (More below)

The longest compressed-natural-gas-powered bus in North America began picking up passengers today on the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Orange Line. The 65-foot articulated bus is 5 feet longer than the other Orange Line buses and provides room for 66 seated passengers. When fully loaded with seated and standing passengers, the bus can accommodate up to 100 riders. "The bus is going to help us alleviate some of the need to add more buses during the peak commuting hours," said Santa Monica City Councilwoman and Metro Board Chairwoman Pam O’Connor. "Due to the overwhelming success of the Metro Orange Line, the riders have said 'Super-size us,’ and Metro has listened." The Orange Line crosses the San Fernando Valley, going from Woodland Hills to North Hollywood. The line recently logged its 10 millionth boarding since it opened in 2005, and ridership nearly doubled since the first month of operation. If the one-year demonstration proves successful, more 65-foot Metro liners will be placed on the line, O’Connor said.

Comments

[Helene Thames]

That bus is an accident waiting to happen. Why did they change the design? Do they want more accidents on the Orange Line? Black buses - that look like roads - should not be allowed on our roads. Horrible.

[Greg]

Let's just hope these stay on the Orange Line, and off city streets. The current articulated kidney mashers are scary enough to be anywhere near. But you know what - if the next, next generation of buses gets long enough, they could just park one at Fairfax and Wilshire - exit through the rear to La Brea. Riders would get exercise: the MTA would save on gas and labor.