Bus-Only Lane Proposal Meets Opposition in L.A.

The proposal would create bus-only lanes on Wilshire Boulevard during the morning and evening rush hours, a project with a $31.5 million price tag that would be paid mainly by federal grants.

"The Bus Riders Union and other proponents tout the Wilshire "bus rapid transit" project as a boon to public health and the environment that would improve the reliability of service, shorten transit times and encourage more drivers to get out of their cars and take the bus.

But high-rise residents of Westwood's "condo canyon" are pushing to exempt a nearly mile-long stretch of Wilshire between Comstock and Selby avenues because, they contend, the bus-only lane would cause huge backups for motorists in an area where traffic already moves smoothly. The condo dwellers say a bus-only lane would also interfere with residents or delivery people seeking to leave or enter buildings' driveways or parking garages."