Metro Express Bus Links San Fernando, San Gabriel Valleys

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — There's finally an option for public transportation between the Valley and Pasadena.

An express bus line that provides a direct connection between North Hollywood and Pasadena begins operating Tuesday, providing what Metro officials say is a much-needed public transit link between the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys.

The NoHo-Pasadena Express, or Line 501, will operate seven days a week. Up until now, existing connections have only operated during weekday peak hours, with no service on Saturdays and Sundays.

The express line will operate from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, and from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Buses will arrive every 15 minutes during peak hours, with frequency going down to every 30 minutes during off-peak hours.

The express line's six stops pass through North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena, and will use the Ventura (134) Freeway's carpool lanes. Travel times across the entire length of the route are expected to be about 55 minutes at peak traffic times and 30 minutes during off-peak periods.

"This new express bus fills the missing link in Metro's existing transit network," Metro board Chair Mark Ridley-Thomas said.

Metro riders will get a more direct route between the "two valleys" and no longer have to take a detour to downtown Los Angeles, according to Ridley-Thomas.

Initial ridership is anticipated at about 1,750 per day, but will be reviewed after six months to decide whether any changes should be made. The new line is expected to cost $1.2 million during the initial half-year pilot period.