Gov. Brown signs legislation backing light rail in San Fernando Valley

Yesterday, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation that supports the installation of above-ground rail transit along the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (LACMTA) Orange Line in the greater San Fernando Valley.

Business groups have been advocating to bring light rail to the valley for years. LACMTA currently operates dedicated bus service on the Orange Line, which is overcrowded, according to the Valley Industry & Commerce Association (VICA), a nonprofit business advocacy group.

"Conversion to light rail is the best option for the Orange Line, with its significantly higher ridership potential and low cost relative to heavy rail and underground subways," said VICA Chairman Coby King in a prepared statement.