View source for G Line (Los Angeles Metro)

{{Short description|Bus rapid transit line in Los Angeles, California}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Distinguish|Orange County Line|GTrans}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name            = G Line
| color           = {{rcr|Los Angeles Metro Busway|G}}
| logo            = LACMTA Square G Line.svg
| image           = Metro Liner from the Surfliner.jpg
| caption         = G Line bus traveling on the exclusive busway near Chatsworth, 2013
| other_name      = Orange Line (2005–2020)
| status          = <!-- Only use when the line is not operating normally -->
| owner           = [[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]
| linenumber      = 901
| start           = {{LAMs|Chatsworth}}
| end             = {{LAMs|North Hollywood}}
| stations        = 17
| website         = {{URL|metro.net/riding/guide/g-line}}
| type            = [[Bus rapid transit]]
| system          = [[Los Angeles Metro Busway]]
| depot           = Division 8 (West San Fernando Valley)
| stock           = [[New Flyer Xcelsior]] XE60<br/>[[BYD K series]] K11M
| ridership2      = {{formatnum:4433252}} (2024) {{increase}} {{#expr: ((4433252-4406310) / 4406310)*100 round 1}}%
| open            = {{Start date and age|2005|10|29}}
| linelength      = {{convert|17.7|mi|km|1|abbr=out}}<ref name="FactsGlance">{{Cite web |date=June 2023 |title=Facts At A Glance |url=https://www.metro.net/news/facts-glance/ |publisher=[[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |access-date=June 22, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319120952/https://www.metro.net/about/facts-glance/ |archive-date=March 19, 2023}}</ref>
| character       = At-grade in private right-of-way
| speed           = {{convert|55|mph|abbr=on}} ({{Tooltip|max.|maximum speed}})<br />{{convert|20|mph|abbr=on}} ({{Tooltip|avg.|average speed, including stops}})<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Stanger |first=Richard |date=2007 |title=An Evaluation of Los Angeles's Orange Line Busway |url=http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/assets/Uploads/2007evalLAOrangeLineBusway.pdf |journal=Journal of Public Transportation |volume=10 |issue=1 |pages=103–119 |doi=10.5038/2375-0901.10.1.5 |via=Reconnecting America}}</ref>
| map             = {{switcher
| {{maplink-road|from=G Line (Los Angeles Metro).map}} G Line highlighted in orange <hr />
| Show interactive map
| {{G Line (Los Angeles Metro)|inline=yes}}
| Show route diagram
}}
}}

The '''G Line''' (formerly the '''Orange Line''') is a [[bus rapid transit]] line in [[Los Angeles]], California, operated by the [[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] (Metro). It operates between {{stn|Chatsworth}} and {{stn|North Hollywood}} stations in the [[San Fernando Valley]]. The {{convert|17.7|mi|adj=on}}<ref name="FactsGlance"/> G Line uses a dedicated, exclusive [[right of way]] for the entirety of its route with 17 stations located at approximately {{convert|1|mi|spell=in|adj=on}} intervals; fares are paid via [[Transit Access Pass|TAP cards]] at vending machines on station platforms before boarding to improve performance. It is one of the two lines in the [[Los Angeles Metro Busway]] system and the only one not to serve [[Downtown Los Angeles]] but is also the only line to be entirely in the City of [[Los Angeles]].

The line, which opened on October 29, 2005, follows part of the [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company]]'s former Burbank Branch Line, which provided passenger rail service from 1904 to 1920; it was subsequently used by [[Pacific Electric]] [[Tram|streetcars]] from 1911 to 1952. At North Hollywood station, the G Line connects with the [[B Line (Los Angeles Metro)|B Line]] subway, which offers service to again [[Downtown Los Angeles]] via [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]]. The [[G Line Bikeway]] runs alongside part of the route.

In 2020, the line was renamed from Orange Line to the G Line while retaining the color orange in its square icon as part of a complete renaming of lines by Metro.<ref>{{cite news| title=Ignore Those 'Line A' Signs. Metro's Blue Line Will Reopen As The 'A Line' |publisher=LAist |date=September 25, 2019 | url=https://laist.com/2019/09/25/la_metro_blue_line_will_reopen_as_the_a_line.php| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926084240/https://laist.com/2019/09/25/la_metro_blue_line_will_reopen_as_the_a_line.php |archive-date=September 26, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Scauzillo |first1=Steve |title=Because they're out of colors, LA Metro will rename all its train lines and rapid busways with letters in 2019 |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2018/12/13/because-theyre-out-of-colors-la-metro-will-rename-all-its-train-lines-and-rapid-busways-with-letters-in-2019/ |access-date=December 14, 2018 |agency=Los Angeles Daily News |date=December 13, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Newton |first1=Damien |title=Metro Moves Ahead with Changes to How They Name Rail/BRT |url=https://la.streetsblog.org/2018/11/20/metro-moves-ahead-with-changes-to-how-they-name-railbrt/ |access-date=December 14, 2018 |agency=Streetsblog LA |date=November 20, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=December 2019 |title=Meet the Line Letters: Information for Metro Employees |url=http://libraryarchives.metro.net/DB_Attachments/200106_Line_Letters_Facts.pdf |publisher=LACMTA |access-date=January 7, 2020}}</ref>

==Service description==
Because of its many differences from standard bus service, Metro has branded the G Line as part of the region's network of [[light rail|light]] and [[heavy rail]] lines, and it appears on the same system map as the rail lines. The buses are painted in the silver-and-gray color scheme of [[Los Angeles Metro Rail|Metro Rail]] vehicles. The G Line is rarely referred to by its line number (901), but it sometimes appears on documents and destination signage.

The G Line's icon color, and former Orange Line name, were inspired by the many citrus trees that once blanketed the San Fernando Valley. In the planning stages, the G Line was known as the San Fernando Valley East-West Transitway and later the Metro Rapidway.

===Operation===
G Line buses operate 24 hours a day.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://media.metro.net/documents/7a394b30-751b-43b4-a8a2-f61e08ee174e.pdf |title=Orange line timetable |publisher=Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority |date=June 24, 2018 |access-date=June 24, 2018}}</ref>  At peak hours (between 6&nbsp;am and 7&nbsp;pm eastbound, 5&nbsp;am and 6&nbsp;pm westbound), every other bus is a [[short turn]], only operating between North Hollywood and Canoga station.

===Station list===
[[File:Oxnard & Van Nuys G Line Detour.jpg|thumb|During construction at Van Nuys station, the G Line stops at the local bus stops at Oxnard & Van Nuys.]]

The following is the complete list of stations, from west to east. Each station is located within the city limits of Los Angeles.

{| class="wikitable"
! Stations
! Date Opened
! Neighborhood
<!-- Do not add addresses. They are listed on station pages -->
! Major connections and notes<ref>{{Cite web|title=Metro B Line (Red)|url=https://www.metro.net/riding/guide/B-line/|access-date=2020-07-23|website=www.metro.net|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Metro Parking Lots by Line|url=https://www.metro.net/riding/parking/lotsbyline/|access-date=2020-07-23|website=www.metro.net|language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| {{LAMs|Chatsworth}}
| rowspan="4" |June 30, 2012
| rowspan="2" |[[Chatsworth, Los Angeles|Chatsworth]]
| {{rint|us|amtrak}}&nbsp;{{lnl|Amtrak|Pacific Surfliner}}<br />{{rint|losangeles|metrolink}}&nbsp;{{rcb|Metrolink (California)|Ventura County|inline=route}}<br />[[Park and ride]]: 609 spaces
|-
| {{stl|Los Angeles Metro Busway|Nordhoff}}
|
|-
| {{stl|Los Angeles Metro Busway|Roscoe}}
| rowspan="3" |[[Canoga Park, Los Angeles|Canoga Park]]
|
|-
| {{stl|Los Angeles Metro Busway|Sherman Way}}
| Park and ride: 207 spaces
|-
| {{LAMs|Canoga}}
| December 27, 2006<ref>{{Cite press release |title=New Canoga Station, Park & Ride Lot Opens on Western Terminus of Metro Orange Line |date=December 27, 2006 |url=https://www.metro.net/news_info/2006/metro_225v.htm |website=Metro.net |access-date=October 21, 2015 |archive-date=September 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090920211905/https://www.metro.net/news_info/2006/metro_225v.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| Park and ride: 246 spaces
|-
| {{LAMs|De Soto}}
| rowspan="12" |October 29, 2005
| rowspan="2" |[[Winnetka, Los Angeles|Winnetka]]
|
|-
| {{LAMs|Pierce College}}
| Park and ride: 392 spaces
|-
| {{LAMs|Tampa}}
| rowspan="2" |[[Tarzana, Los Angeles|Tarzana]]
|
|-
| {{LAMs|Reseda}}
| Park and ride: 442 spaces
|-
| {{LAMs|Balboa}}
| [[Lake Balboa, Los Angeles|Lake Balboa]]
| Park and ride: 273 spaces
|-
| {{LAMs|Woodley}}
| rowspan="3" |[[Van Nuys]]
|
|-
| {{LAMs|Sepulveda}}
| Park and ride: 260 spaces<br />{{LACMTA link logo}} ''Future connection to [[Sepulveda Transit Corridor]]''
|-
| <s>{{LAMs|Van Nuys}}</s>
| Station closed until 2027 for construction, temporary street stop on Oxnard St<!-- Park and ride: 307 spaces --><br />{{LACMTA link logo}} ''Future connection to [[East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project]] (2031)''
|-
| {{stl|Los Angeles Metro Busway|Woodman}}
| rowspan="2" |[[Valley Glen, Los Angeles|Valley Glen]]
|
|-
| {{LAMs|Valley College}}
|
|-
| {{stl|Los Angeles Metro Busway|Laurel Canyon}}
| [[Valley Village, Los Angeles|Valley Village]]
|
|-
| {{LAMs|North Hollywood}}
| [[North Hollywood, Los Angeles|North Hollywood]]
| {{LACMTA icon|B}}<br/>Park and ride: 1,085 spaces
|}

===Ridership===
{| class="wikitable" style="border-spacing: 1px; text-align:center; font-size:95%;"
|-
|+ Annual ridership
|-
! style="border-bottom:1px solid black"| Year !! style="border-bottom:1px solid black"| Ridership !!style="border-bottom:1px solid black"|  {{abbr|%±|Percent change}} !! rowspan="18" style="background:#fff;" | <timeline>
ImageSize = width:auto height:250 barincrement:30
PlotArea = left:30 bottom:15 top:11 right:15
AlignBars = justify
Period = from:0 till:10
TimeAxis = orientation:vertical
Colors =
 id:gray  value:gray(0.5)
 id:line1 value:gray(0.9)
 id:line2 value:gray(0.7)

ScaleMajor = start:0 increment:1 gridcolor:line2
ScaleMinor = start:0 increment:1 gridcolor:line1

PlotData=
 color:orange width:22
 bar:2009 from:start till:6.825390
 bar:2010 from:start till:7.087074
 bar:2011 from:start till:7.522082
 bar:2012 from:start till:8.528167
 bar:2013 from:start till:9.164407
 bar:2014 from:start till:8.742210
 bar:2015 from:start till:8.422122
 bar:2016 from:start till:7.754858
 bar:2017 from:start till:7.373450
 bar:2018 from:start till:7.008626
 bar:2019 from:start till:6.714108
 bar:2020 from:start till:3.523695
 bar:2021 from:start till:3.358303
 bar:2022 from:start till:4.162794
 bar:2023 from:start till:4.406310
 bar:2024 from:start till:4.433252
</timeline>
|-
| 2009 || {{Formatnum:6825390}} || — 
|-
| 2010 || {{Formatnum:7087074}} || {{Change|6825390|7087074|disp=out|dec=1}} 
|-
| 2011 || {{Formatnum:7522082}} || {{Change|7087074|7522082|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2012 || {{Formatnum:8528167}} || {{Change|7522082|8528167|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2013 || {{Formatnum:9164407}} || {{Change|8528167|9164407|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2014 || {{Formatnum:8742210}} || {{Change|9164407|8742210|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2015 || {{Formatnum:8422122}} || {{Change|8742210|8422122|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2016 || {{Formatnum:7754858}} || {{Change|8422122|7754858|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2017 || {{Formatnum:7373450}} || {{Change|7754858|7373450|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2018 || {{Formatnum:7008626}} || {{Change|7373450|7008626|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2019 || {{Formatnum:6714108}} || {{Change|7008626|6714108|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2020 || {{Formatnum:3523695}} || {{Change|6714108|3523695|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2021 || {{Formatnum:3358303}} || {{Change|3523695|3358303|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2022 || {{Formatnum:4162794}} || {{Change|3358303|4162794|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2023 || {{Formatnum:4406310}} || {{Change|4162794|4406310|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2024 || {{Formatnum:4433252}} || {{Change|4406310|4433252|disp=out|dec=1}}
|- class="sortbottom"
| colspan="3" style="border-top:1px solid black; font-size:85%; text-align:left" |Source: Metro<ref name="Ridership">{{Cite web |date=February 2020 |title=Metro Ridership |url=http://isotp.metro.net/MetroRidership/IndexAllBus.aspx |access-date=December 1, 2020 |website=Metro.net |publisher=[[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]}}</ref>
|}

==History==
{{Main|History of Los Angeles Metro Rail and Busway}}

The majority of the G Line is built on part of the former [[Southern Pacific Railroad]] [[Coast Line (Union Pacific Railroad)#History|Burbank branch]], part of which saw [[Pacific Electric]] Red Car service (see [[San Fernando Line]] and [[Owensmouth Line]]);<ref name=Curtiss1996 /> passenger service on this segment ended in 1952,{{citation needed|date=January 2021}} but the right-of-way remained undeveloped and was acquired by Metro in 1991.<ref name=Curtiss1996>{{cite news |last1=Curtiss |first1=Aaron |title=Tracks to the Past |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-04-07-me-55841-story.html |access-date=31 January 2021 |agency=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=7 April 1996}}</ref> As the Metro Rail system was being designed in the 1990s, initial plans were to build an extension of the Metro Red Line there, since the purchased right-of-way's eastern terminus was at the site of the planned [[North Hollywood (Los Angeles Metro station)|North Hollywood station]]. However, political developments stymied these plans: community objections to surface transit along the route resulted in a 1991 law mandating that any line along the route be built as a deep-bore tunnel,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Covarrubias |first=Amanda |date=October 18, 2005 |title=Is a Busway the Valley Way? |pages=A1 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-oct-18-me-orangeline18-story.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lopez |first=Steve |date=July 27, 2001 |title=Hahn Tiptoes in Front of Buses, Is Flattened |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jul-27-me-27201-story.html}}</ref> but a 1998 ballot measure driven by perceptions of mismanagement banned the use of county sales tax to fund subway tunneling.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/02/state_could_be_about_to_repeal_ban_on_light_rail_in_the_valley.php |title = State Could be About to Repeal Ban on Light Rail in the Valley |last = Broverman |first = Neal |date= February 4, 2014 |work = LA Curbed | access-date = October 16, 2015}}</ref><ref name="transit-insider.org">{{cite web|url=http://transit-insider.org/master.html?http://transit-insider.org/chandler/page2.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130416032413/http://transit-insider.org/master.html?http://transit-insider.org/chandler/page2.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=April 16, 2013|title=Legal arguments against the busway}}</ref><ref name="PUC130265">{{cite web|url=http://info.sen.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=puc&group=130001-131000&file=130250-130265|title=Public utilities code section 130250-130265|access-date=October 6, 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121212022505/http://info.sen.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=puc&group=130001-131000&file=130250-130265|archive-date=December 12, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Prevented from using the route for rail, Metro proceeded to create its first [[bus rapid transit]] line along the corridor, and despite further lawsuits from area residents,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-mar-13-me-busway13-story.html |title=Valley Busway Opponents Told to Reimburse MTA |author1=Liu, Caitlin |author2=and Times Staff Writers |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=March 13, 2003 }}</ref> the line opened on October 29, 2005, at a final cost of {{US$|324 million|link=yes}} or {{US$|23 million}} per mile (US${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|324000000|2005}} }} and US${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|23000000|2005}} }} in {{inflation year|US}} adjusted for inflation).<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Covarrubias |first1=Amanda  |last2=Liu |first2=Caitlin |others=Times Staff Writers |date=November 3, 2005 |title=Crashes Heighten Busway Concerns |language=en-US |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-nov-03-me-orange3-story.html |access-date=2022-05-09}}</ref>

Then-County Supervisor [[Zev Yaroslavsky]] said they initially mirrored the busway concept based on a similar transit system he, then-Mayor [[Richard Riordan]], and other elected officials toured in [[Curitiba]], [[Brazil]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vimeo.com/107956562|title=Beverly Hills View &#124; Zev Yaroslavsky|date=October 3, 2014}}</ref>

On June 23, 2009 construction began on a {{convert|4|mi|spell=in|adj=on}} extension from Canoga northward along the Southern Pacific trackbed<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metro.net/board/Items/2012/01_January/20120118CONItem44Handout.pdf |title=Item 44 Program Management Project Budget and Schedule Status |publisher=Metro |page=3 |date=January 18, 2012 |access-date=December 26, 2013 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> to the [[Chatsworth station|Metrolink station]] in Chatsworth. Metro's board approved the plan on September 28, 2006, and it was completed in 2012 at a cost of {{US$|215 million}} (US${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|215000000|2012}} }} in {{inflation year|US}} adjusted for inflation).<ref>Guccione, Jean.  [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/1137183541.html?dids=1137183541:1137183541&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+29%2C+2006&author=Jean+Guccione&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=B.1&desc=MTA+Will+Run+Orange+Line+Out+to+Chatsworth "MTA to Run Orange Line Busway to Chatsworth"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923092840/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/1137183541.html?dids=1137183541:1137183541&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+29,+2006&author=Jean+Guccione&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=B.1&desc=MTA+Will+Run+Orange+Line+Out+to+Chatsworth |date=September 23, 2012 }}.  ''Los Angeles Times''.  September 29, 2006.  B1.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071025194254/http://www.latimes.com/media/graphic/2006-09/25638217.gif extension diagram]</ref><ref>[http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_12675188 "Canoga Park-Chatsworth busway construction kickoff Wednesday"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628193224/http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_12675188 |date=June 28, 2011 }}, Sue Doyle, ''Daily News'', Retrieved June 23, 2008</ref> This created two branches at the western end of the line beyond Canoga station; the older branch proceeded outside the busway on city streets to Warner Center. In 2018, this branch was eliminated and replaced with a frequent service local shuttle, leaving the entirety of the Orange Line on the dedicated right-of-way.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thesource.metro.net/2018/02/08/service-council-approves-new-warner-center-circulator-connecting-with-orange-line/|title = Service Council approves new Warner Center circulator connecting with Orange Line|date = February 8, 2018}}</ref>

==Proposed developments==

===Grade separation and crossing gates===
[[Image:Burank-Fulton intersection.jpg|thumb|right|Bus at an unprotected [[level crossing]] at [[Burbank Boulevard]] and Fulton Avenue]]
In the first year that the busway was open, there were ten injury collisions between vehicles and buses, which were heavily covered in the media. Metro noted that the buses had about the same accident rate as other bus lines in the city on a per-mile basis,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/3547699.html|title=Similar bumpy roads for transit in L.A., Houston – Crashes raised safety concerns for light rail here and California's Bus Rapid Transit|date=December 26, 2005}}</ref><ref name="dec8">Liu, Caitlin.  [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/938332601.html?dids=938332601:938332601&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+8%2C+2005&author=Caitlin+Liu&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=B.3&desc=Six+Hurt+in+Latest+Orange+Line+Crash "Six Hurt in Latest Orange Line Crash"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925025944/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/938332601.html?dids=938332601:938332601&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+8,+2005&author=Caitlin+Liu&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=B.3&desc=Six+Hurt+in+Latest+Orange+Line+Crash |date=September 25, 2012 }}.  Los Angeles Times. December 8, 2005.</ref> and has stated that the line's accident rate is "less than half" of Metro's entire fleet of buses.<ref name="oct23">[http://www.latimes.com/news/local/valley/la-me-bus24oct24,1,7924243.story?coll=la-editions-valley LA Times – Orange Line bus crash hurts 17]</ref> They also pointed out that the [[A Line (Los Angeles Metro)|A Line]] also had a significant number of collisions in its early years.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wells|first=John V|title=Train Whistle at Rail Grade Crossings|work=Congressional Testimony|date=July 18, 2000}}</ref>

Under pressure, Metro ordered buses to slow from {{Convert|25|or|30|mph}} to {{Cvt|10|mph}} at intersections.<ref name="slow">Liu, Caitlin and Amanda Covarrubias.  [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/921646751.html?dids=921646751:921646751&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+4%2C+2005&author=Caitlin+Liu+and+Amanda+Covarrubias&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=B.1&desc=Orange+Line+Model+Beset+by+Crashes "Orange Line Model Beset by Crashes"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019131917/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/921646751.html?dids=921646751:921646751&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+4,+2005&author=Caitlin+Liu+and+Amanda+Covarrubias&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=B.1&desc=Orange+Line+Model+Beset+by+Crashes |date=October 19, 2012 }}. Los Angeles Times. November 4, 2005.</ref><ref name="ideas">Liu, Caitlin. [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/928198911.html?dids=928198911:928198911&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+18%2C+2005&author=Caitlin+Liu&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=B.3&desc=Orange+Line+Buses+May+Get+Strobe+Light+Signals "Orange Line Buses May Get Strobe Light Signals"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019131940/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/928198911.html?dids=928198911:928198911&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+18,+2005&author=Caitlin+Liu&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=B.3&desc=Orange+Line+Buses+May+Get+Strobe+Light+Signals |date=October 19, 2012 }}.  Los Angeles Times.  November 18, 2005.</ref> Starting in December 2005, [[Red light camera|red light cameras]] were installed at most intersections.<ref>Liu, Caitlin. [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/941675721.html?dids=941675721:941675721&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+15%2C+2005&author=Caitlin+Liu&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=B.6&desc=After+Crashes%2C+Red-Light+Cameras+to+Be+Installed+at+12+Orange+Line+Crossings "After Crashes, Red-Light Cameras to Be Installed at 12 Orange Line Crossings"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925030001/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/941675721.html?dids=941675721:941675721&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+15,+2005&author=Caitlin+Liu&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=B.6&desc=After+Crashes,+Red-Light+Cameras+to+Be+Installed+at+12+Orange+Line+Crossings |date=September 25, 2012 }} Los Angeles Times.  December 15, 2005.  B1.</ref>

[[File:Aerial_Van_Nuys_station_rendering.jpg|thumb|A rendering of the future elevated Van Nuys station]]

As part of the LA Metro system enhancements approved by voters in 2016 with Measure M, Metro is implementing several major upgrades to the G Line. These include [[Four-quadrant gate|railroad-style four-quadrant crossing gates]] with [[traffic signal preemption]] at all at-grade intersections between North Hollywood station and just east of Van Nuys station, a new elevated Van Nuys station, and bridges over [[Van Nuys Boulevard]], Vesper Street, and [[Sepulveda Boulevard]]. Improved [[Bus priority signal|traffic signal priority]] will also be introduced at all other intersections. All work is being designed to accommodate the future conversion of the busway to light rail.<ref name="metro-rfp-ps85661">{{Cite web |title=LA Metro Solicitation No. PS85661 (G Line BRT Improvements Progressive Design Build) |url=https://business.metro.net/VendorPortal/faces/home/solicitations/openSolicitations?_adf.ctrl-state=3kvtg01z0_4&_afrLoop=28264027852232 |website=LA Metro Vendor Portal}}</ref>

These upgrades aim to reduce the time G Line buses spend waiting at red lights, allow buses to pass through intersections at higher speeds, and cut end-to-end travel time along the route by 29%. The total estimated cost of the project is $283 million.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.metro.net/projects/orangeline/ | title=G Line (Orange) Improvements Project }}</ref>

[[Image:G Line pedestrian crossing with railroad signals.jpg|thumb|Prototype crossing with red lights, gates and "Busway Crossing" crossbucks, the very first in the United States]]

To prepare for the project, Metro built a prototype railroad-style crossing gate system at the Hayvenhurst Avenue pedestrian crossing, the first of its kind on a busway in the United States. The installation was completed in February 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Metro Orange Line Pilot Gate |url=https://pacrail.com/project?pnum=111 |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=Pacific Railway Enterprises, Inc.}}</ref>

Pre-construction work began with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power burying aerial power lines at the busway intersection with Sepulveda Boulevard.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Metro - File #: 2021-0654 |url=https://metro.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5461938&GUID=F82FB84E-81AE-4E3B-B759-E28F60BB807E&G=A5FAA737-A54D-4A6C-B1E8-FF70F765FA94&Options=&Search= |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=metro.legistar.com}}</ref>

As part of construction, Van Nuys station has been closed since February 21, 2025, to allow for the construction of the elevated station and bridges. During this closure, G Line buses are detoured off the busway and onto Oxnard Street between Sepulveda and Woodman stations, with a temporary stop at Oxnard Street and Van Nuys Boulevard. The detour and station closure are expected to remain in effect until December 2027, when the elevated station, bridges, and all intersection priority improvements are scheduled for completion.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hymon |first1=Steve |title=Van Nuys Station to be replaced by temporary stop with G Line Improvements work starting Friday, Feb. 21 |url=https://thesource.metro.net/van-nuys-station-to-be-replaced-by-temporary-stop-with-g-line-improvements-work-starting-friday-feb-21/ |access-date=February 21, 2025 |work=[[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |date=February 14, 2025}}</ref>

=== Capacity enhancements ===
There is concern that the G Line will reach its engineered capacity and has already exceeded its designed capacity during peak periods.<ref>{{cite web|title=Busway so popular, it's nearing capacity|url=http://www.thetransitcoalition.us/newspdf/dn20060610a.pdf|access-date=July 9, 2006|archive-date=October 10, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061010005900/http://www.thetransitcoalition.us/newspdf/dn20060610a.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> 

One way to increase capacity is by platooning, running convoys of two or more buses together, similar to how rail systems operate with multiple cars per train.<ref name="metro-rfp-ps85661" /> 

Another option is using longer vehicles to expand the capacity on each bus. In 2007, Metro purchased a prototype {{Convert|65|ft|adj=mid}} bus, but no additional units were ever ordered. In 2015, California passed a bill permitting {{Convert|82|ft|adj=mid}} [[Bi-articulated bus|bi-articulated buses]] to operate on the G Line busway, surpassing the length of the current allowing {{Convert|60|ft|adj=mid}} [[articulated bus]]es.<ref>{{cite news |last= McGreevy|first= Patrick|date= 2015-10-04|title= L.A. County MTA may use even longer buses in San Fernando Valley|url= https://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-me-pc-gov-brown-on-sales-tax-increase-for-l-a-county-20150917-story.html|work= [[Los Angeles Times]]|location= |access-date=2022-10-19}}</ref> However, Metro has yet to implement this option.

===Conversion to light rail===
In April 2015, a report prepared for Metro estimated that conversion of the G Line to light rail would take two to three years and cost between {{US$|1.2 and 1.7 billion}}. This price would include both upgraded infrastructure and the purchase of rail vehicles. The report noted that if not upgraded in some way shortly, the G Line would soon reach capacity at rush hours.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Nelson|first1=Laura J.|title=Report: Converting Metro's Orange Line to rail could cost $1.7 billion|url=http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-orange-line-rail-20150410-story.html|access-date=May 31, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=April 10, 2015}}</ref> Full conversion to light rail is planned to take place by 2050.<ref name="InMind">{{cite news |last1=Olga |first1=Grigoryants |title=LA's Metro says improvements are in the works for the Orange Line, with light rail in mind |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2018/07/16/las-metro-says-improvements-are-in-the-works-for-the-orange-line-with-light-rail-in-mind/ |access-date=July 17, 2018 |agency=Los Angeles Daily News |date=July 17, 2018}}</ref> Different braking distances of LRT vs. BRT might be an essential concern of safety tests.

==Incidents==
On October 27, 2005, two days before the line's official opening, a motorist driving with a suspended license ran a red light and collided with an eastbound bus at Vesper Avenue. There were no injuries.<ref>Liu, Caitlin.  [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/917884311.html?dids=917884311:917884311&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+28%2C+2005&author=Caitlin+Liu&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=B.3&desc=Car+Hits+Bus+on+Transitway+Test+Run%2C+Raising+Concerns+for+Safety "Car Hits Bus on Transitway Test Run, Raising Concerns for Safety"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019131833/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/917884311.html?dids=917884311:917884311&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+28,+2005&author=Caitlin+Liu&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=B.3&desc=Car+Hits+Bus+on+Transitway+Test+Run,+Raising+Concerns+for+Safety |date=October 19, 2012 }}, ''Los Angeles Times'',  October 28, 2005.</ref>

In November 2005, there were two collision-caused injuries. In the first, a fare inspector on the bus was taken to a hospital for minor injuries after a 65-year-old female driver made an illegal right turn against a red light and struck an Orange Line bus near the crossing at Corbin Avenue in Reseda.<ref name="incident map">{{cite news |url=http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local&id=3597887 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227134012/http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local&id=3597887 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 27, 2013 |title=Car Collides With Orange Line Bus |newspaper=ABC7 |date=November 2, 2005 |access-date=December 26, 2013}}</ref> In the second, one person was seriously injured and 14 others hospitalized after an elderly motorist ran a red light while using a mobile phone.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BUSWAY+SAFETY+CONTROLS+BOOSTED+10+MPH+SPEED+ORDERED+ENTERING...-a0138331937 |title=Busway Safety Controls Boosted 10 MPH Speed Ordered Entering Intersections. |quote=...in the aftermath of Wednesday's collision that sent 15 people to the hospital, one with a severe injury. The collision, one of two Wednesday, was caused by a 78-year-old motorist who ran a red light, possibly while talking on a cell phone. |access-date=June 12, 2012 |archive-date=December 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227061606/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BUSWAY+SAFETY+CONTROLS+BOOSTED+10+MPH+SPEED+ORDERED+ENTERING...-a0138331937 |url-status=dead }}</ref> After the second collision, Metro instructed all buses to slow down at intersections<ref name=slow/> and installed white strobe lights on the sides of the buses to improve visibility. They said they would review any and all ideas to improve safety on the line.<ref name=ideas/>

In October 2006, a delivery truck hit the side of a bus. One person was seriously injured, and 16 received minor injuries.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-oct-24-me-bus24-story.html |first=Stuart |last=Silverstein |title=Orange Line bus crash hurts 17 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |quote=A crowded Orange Line bus collided with a delivery truck in the east San Fernando Valley on Monday afternoon, leaving one person seriously hurt and 16 others apparently with minor injuries, authorities said. |date=October 24, 2006}}</ref>

==Fleet==
[[File:G Line bus charging at North Hollywood station.jpg|thumb|G Line bus using on-route charger at North Hollywood station]]

The G Line has a dedicated fleet of {{Convert|60|ft|adj=on}} [[Articulated bus|articulated]] buses that each have 57 seats—about 50% more than {{Convert|40|ft|adj=on}} non-articulated buses—and have three doors (versus two on non-articulated buses). The G Line uses a [[proof-of-payment]] system whereby fares are paid before boarding. The G Line fleet is stored and maintained at Metro's Division 8 [[Bus garage|depot]] in Chatsworth, which has direct access to the busway.

Prior to 2021, the former G Line fleet used NABI 60-BRT buses which ran on [[compressed natural gas]] (CNG). In 2021, all NABI 60-BRT buses  were replaced with 40 [[New Flyer Xcelsior]] XE60 [[Battery electric bus|battery electric]] articulated buses.<ref name="Sotero 2021">{{Cite web |last=Sotero |first=Dave |date=2021-10-14 |title=Metro announces fully electric bus fleet on the G Line (Orange) |url=https://thesource.metro.net/2021/10/13/metro-announces-fully-electric-bus-fleet-on-the-g-line-orange/ |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=The Source |language=en-US}}</ref> Additional features of the battery electric buses include dual air conditioning units, two additional hub-mounted motors on the middle axle, an active suspension system, USB charging ports at each seat, and public Wi-Fi. They also lack the large cooling fans of the CNG buses, which makes them quieter.<ref name="Sotero 2021" />

Each battery-electric bus has a battery capacity of {{Nowrap|320 [[Kilowatt-hour|kW-hr]]}},<ref name="RolloutPlan21" /> which provides a range of about {{Convert|150|mi|abbr=out}}. There are ten {{Nowrap|150 [[Watt|kW]]}} slow chargers at the bus depot, as well as {{Nowrap|450 and 600 kW}} on-route rapid chargers at the Canoga, Chatsworth, and North Hollywood stations. The on-route chargers, which are manufactured by Siemens to the [[SAE J3105]]-1 standard, add about {{Convert|40|mi|abbr=out}} of range from a seven to ten-minute charge.<ref name=RolloutPlan21/> Both types of chargers have overhead [[Pantograph (transport)|pantographs]] that connect to roof-mounted contacts on the buses. The depot chargers use a one-to-many scheme, whereby 150&nbsp;kW from a single charger is distributed to multiple overhead pantographs.<ref name=RolloutPlan21>{{cite report |url=https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2021-09/LAMetroRolloutPlanADA.pdf#page=22 |title=Final Rollout Plan |date=March 2021 |page=2-3 |publisher=Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Linton|first=Joe|date=2020-01-27|title=Eyes on the Street: Electric Chargers on the G (Orange) Line|url=https://la.streetsblog.org/2020/01/27/eyes-on-the-street-electric-chargers-on-the-g-orange-line/|access-date=2021-02-15|website=Streetsblog Los Angeles|language=en-US}}</ref> The electrification project cost {{US$|80 million}}, including the buses ({{US$|1.15 million}} each), charging equipment, and infrastructure improvements.<ref name="Sotero 2021" />

==Bike path==
{{main|G Line Bikeway}}
[[File:Orange Line Bikeway 2022-08d.jpg|thumb|Bike path near Sepulveda station]]

The G Line Bikeway is an [[Active mobility|active transportation]] [[Cycling infrastructure#Bikeways|bicycle path]] that shares the right-of-way with the G Line busway.

The Bikeway ran alongside [[Van Nuys station (Los Angeles Metro)|Van Nuys station]] before its closure on February 21, 2025, and 1.36 miles (2.19km) of the Bikeway between [[Sepulveda Boulevard]] and Tyrone Avenue were closed along with the station. The Bikeway is planned to be rebuilt along with the construction of the viaduct, but final design has not been finalized or published. During Phase A of construction, the Bikeway detour begins at [[Sepulveda station]], follows Erwin Avenue, Delano Street, and Calvert Street with small north-south sections on Noble and Sylmar Avenues. During Phase B, the detour will become smaller, allowing bike riders to  reconnect to the Bikeway at Kester Avenue. The new Van Nuys station will be built on a viaduct, and the closed section of the Bikeway is planned to open completely in December 2027.<ref>{{cite web |last1=NBC4 Staff |title=G Line Van Nuys Station closing for construction |url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/g-line-van-nuys-station-closing-for-construction/3636943/ |website=NBC4 Los Angeles |publisher=NBCUniversal Media, LLC. |access-date=20 February 2025}}</ref>

==See also==
{{stack|{{portal|Greater Los Angeles|Buses}}}}
*[[List of Los Angeles Metro Busway stations]]
*[[List of Los Angeles bike  paths]]
{{clear}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|G Line (Los Angeles Metro)}}
{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}
*[https://www.metro.net/riding/schedules/?line=901-13159 G Line page at LA Metro]
*[https://www.metro.net/projects/orangeline/ LA Metro: Orange Line Extension] – ''{{convert|4|mi|km}} extension under construction from [[Canoga (Los Angeles Metro station)|Canoga Station]] north to [[Chatsworth (Amtrak station)|Chatsworth Metrolink Station]] (2012).''
*{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120131194549/http://www.transit-insider.org/orangeline/stations.htm Orange Line history]}}
*[http://www.lightrailnow.org/features/f_brt008.htm Light Rail Now: "A Bus by Any Other Name Is Still ... a Train ? "] – ''by The Light Rail Now project.''
*[https://laist.com/news/biking-the-orange-line Biking the Orange Line]

{{Los Angeles Metro Rail and Busway stations navbox}}
{{Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:G Line (Los Angeles Metro)}}
[[Category:G Line (Los Angeles Metro)]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Metro Busway]]
[[Category:Public transportation in the San Fernando Valley|G Line]]
[[Category:Public transportation in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Transportation in the San Fernando Valley]]
[[Category:Rail trails in California]]
[[Category:Proposed railway lines in California]]
[[Category:2005 establishments in California]]
[[Category:Transport infrastructure completed in 2005]]