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September
6,
2005 |
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Official
Opening Date for Metro Orange Line set for Oct. 29
Heralding
a new era in transit service for the San Fernando Valley, Metro plans to
officially open the Metro Orange Line Saturday, Oct. 29 to free public
rides and festive community celebrations. The
new 14-mile transitway will start across the street from the terminus of
the Metro Red Line subway in North Hollywood and pass through the
communities of Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Encino, and Tarzana to Warner
Center in Woodland Hills, offering Valley commuters a time and
money-saving commuting alternative to the 101 Freeway. “The
opening of the Metro Orange Line represents a milestone for the citizens
of the San Fernando Valley, who have waited decades for an innovative
transportation solution to help relieve some of the most congested
freeway corridors in the country,” said Antonio Villaraigosa, Mayor of
the City of Los Angeles and Chairman of the Metro Board of Directors.
“With gasoline prices spiking to $3 and more per gallon, the Orange
Line will arrive just in time to help Valley commuters save money and
commute time. I urge all Angelenos to join me in riding the Metro Orange
Line and the entire Metro Bus and Rail System whenever possible.” The
public will get their first opportunity to ride the new line for free
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 29-30, where opening weekend service will be
frequent. “I
and many San Fernando Valley citizens have dedicated the better part of
the last seven years to bringing this transit project to a successful
conclusion,” said Zev Yaroslavsky, Los Angeles County Supervisor.
“This is an L.A. solution to an L.A. traffic problem. When the Orange
Line succeeds — as I know it will — it will serve as a region-wide
model that offers commuters a quick, reliable, flexible and inexpensive
alternative to gridlock.” On
Saturday, community celebrations are planned between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
at several stations along the route including the North Hollywood, Van
Nuys, Balboa, Pierce College, and Warner Center stations. No community
events are scheduled on Sunday. The
opening of the transitway will mark the debut of the 60-foot Metro
Liner, a custom-built, articulated bus that can seat up to 57
passengers. These advanced, aerodynamically designed vehicles provide
quick and easy boarding, a roomy interior, full accessibility and
automated station announcement system. “The
Metro Orange Line will bring quicker, more efficient bus service to
Valley commuters and easier access to the expansive, countywide Metro
Bus and Rail system," said Roger Snoble, CEO of Metro. “We
encourage everyone to jump on-board and experience the Valley’s new
shortcut for themselves.” The
Orange Line, the first of its kind transitway project in Southern
California, began construction in January 2003 and incorporates a host
of innovative construction and design features, from advanced traffic
light signal priority system to artistically designed transit stations,
park & ride lots with more than 3,000 parking spaces, bicycle and
pedestrian paths and California native landscaping. Ridership
on the line is expected to reach an average of 22,000 boardings per day
by 2020, providing access to business and education centers, arts and
theater venues, neighborhoods, entertainment, attractions and the
natural environment. Following
free rides opening weekend, Metro Orange Line fares will be $1.25 for
one-way trips, or $3 for a Metro Day Pass that allows unlimited local
access on both the Metro Bus and Rail System from the time of purchase
until 3 a.m the next day. Weekly and monthly transit passes are $14 and
$52, respectively. One-way and day pass fares can be purchased at
station ticket vending machines. Monthly passes can be purchased on
Metro’s web site at www.metro.net
and at various retail outlets. For
more information on the Metro Orange Line, visit www.metro.net/orangeline. Metro-125 |
