A 7.7 mile bus-only lane that would travel along Wilshire blvd during rush hour was approved by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, it was reported.
The board voted unanimously to approve the $31.5 million project, which would replace existing lanes during rush hour with bus-only lanes nearest the curbs on Wilshire blvd between South Park View Street near MacArthur Park and Centinela Avenue on the Westside, according to the LA Times.
Officials claim the project would reduce bus travel times by as much as 12 minutes but increase travel times for motorists who commute in the other lanes, according to the Times.
However, the board removed a mile-long section of the route in Westwood between Comstock and Selby avenues. Several residents expressed concern the project would lead to heavy traffic congestion in the area and make it difficult for vehicles to get in and out of driveways.
Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, an MTA board member, said the exception wouldn't effect the project as traffic already moves well in the area.
"That one-mile stretch won't hurt the project at all. The interests of bus riders are not being hurt here," Yaroslavsky said in the LA Times.
The dedicated lanes would operate on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
