June 29: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

Written by Kenn Bicknell

2003: Metro Rapid lines begin service on Florence Avenue and on Van Nuys Boulevard.

The openings mean that six Metro Rapid lines are now in operation, a true 65-mile network that facilitates connecting to other Metro bus lines and Metro Rail.

The Florence Metro Rapid (Line 711) is 10.3 miles long, running along Florence Avenue between Garfield Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard. It services the communities of South Los Angeles, Bell Gardens, Bell, and Huntington Park.

The Van Nuys Metro Rapid (Line 761) is 21.4 miles long, running from Foothill Boulevard along Van Nuys Boulevard, Ventura Boulevard, and the I-405 San Diego Freeway to Wilshire Boulevard in West Los Angeles. It services the communities of Pacoima, Panorama City, Lakeview Terrace, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, and Westwood.

Metro Rapid service is projected to save passengers up to 30% in travel time compared to traditional local bus service. More information can be found in the Spring-Summer, 2003 issue of Metro Quarterly public information publication.

2005: Metro launches Express 450X buses, linking the Artesia Transit Center to downtown Los Angeles.