Metro's Orange Line extension set to open

CHATSWORTH, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Orange Line busway from Canoga to Chatsworth opens to the public Saturday. The extension completes the existing line and provides a key transfer point for Metrolink and Amtrak riders.

The opening wasn't supposed to happen for another three and a half years. The 4-mile Orange Line extension from Canoga Park to Chatsworth was not only finished early, but it came in under budget by nearly $62 million.

The Orange Line connection connects the west San Fernando Valley to the Red Line subway in North Hollywood 18 miles away.

The original price to complete the project was $215.6 million. The actual cost to complete was $154 million. The money saved will go toward future transportation projects.

City officials and the media had a chance to preview the extension on Friday before it opens to the public on Saturday.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Sherman Way Station on Canoga Avenue.

According to Metro, with the extension, weekday ridership for the Orange Line will exceed 27,000 passengers.

Measure R, the voter-approved initiative that raised the sales tax in Los Angeles County 1 cent paid for the project.

Free rides will be offered from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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antonio villaraigosa, los angeles news, sid garcia

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