MTA Adds Buses on Busiest Routes

Riders on Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus routes in the San Fernando Valley might have slightly better luck finding a seat thanks to expanded morning and afternoon weekday rush-hour service on several area lines.

As part of an effort to expand service on its most well-used lines, the MTA announced Thursday that 40 buses have been added to 25 of its most heavily traveled routes, including seven that run through the Valley.

The MTA is adding nine additional buses on the Valley lines during morning rush hours and 12 more during afternoon peak ridership periods.

MTA Chief Executive Officer Franklin White said in a press release that without the extra buses, about 20 riders would have to stand on every bus on the overcrowded lines.

But, he said, the new buses would only provide seats for four additional passengers per bus, reducing the number who have to stand to 16.

“We’re adding service in the Valley because we understand there are lines out there that need it,” said MTA spokesman Bill Heard. “We realize that we have transit-dependent riders out there.” The expanded service will cost the MTA $4.5 million countywide.

Affected routes in the San Fernando Valley include line 94, which runs from downtown Los Angeles to Sylmar; lines 152, 165 and 164, which run from Canoga Park to Burbank; line 166, which runs from Canoga Park to Northridge, Arleta and Lake View Terrace; line 180, which runs from Hollywood to Glendale, Pasadena and Altadena; and line 560, which runs from Van Nuys to Westwood and Los Angeles International Airport.