Some Metro Orange Line buses will be moving a little faster through select intersections this week as authorities test a system for improving travel times along the line.
A Metro study released last year found that buses could safely increase their speed to 35 mph through some intersections. Orange Line buses have been restricted to 10 mph through intersections since shortly after the route opened in 2005, in response to collisions with vehicles — most driven by people who ran red lights or ignored traffic signs, according to Metro.
Metro began a weeklong test Monday of increasing Orange Line speeds through certain intersections to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the move. As a result, buses could potentially arrive at stations as much as five minutes early, so passengers are being urged to plan ahead.
The testing will be done from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Friday.
After the testing period, Metro officials will evaluate the results and determine if the increased speeds can be made permanent, and schedules adjusted.
— Wire reports