Silver Streak (bus)

The express Silver Streak was introduced in 2007 in response to overcrowding on Line 480, Foothill's most popular line. The new service used higher-capacity vehicles and eliminated the many deviations and minor stops on Line 480. It was designed to appeal to discretionary riders.[1] The route is also referred to as Line 707.[2] Silver Streak was introduced with onboard wi-fi on the NABI articulated buses.

With the introduction of the Silver Streak, the 'Local Plus Service' on Lines 482, 486, 488, 492, and 494 was converted to local service only, and terminated at El Monte Bus Station; with Line 480 terminating at Westfield West Covina. Passengers were then asked to transfer to Silver Streak, 481 or Metro service to continue to Downtown Los Angeles.

On-board wi-fi was discontinued in 2009 due to low usage and to cut costs. Ridership of the Silver Streak fell since the introduction of the Metro Silver Line in 2009.

In October 2012 the rebuilt and expanded El Monte Bus Station opened, and a joint fare program was introduced on the Silver Streak/Silver Line. This allowed the same ticket to be used on either service between the bus station and Downtown LA.

Metro and Foothill Transit passengers can now ride either the Metro J Line or Foothill's Silver Streak using each other's pass between Downtown Los Angeles and El Monte Station. The program is not eligible outside this range. The joint agreement range of the Silver 2 Silver bus program is only between El Monte Station and Downtown Los Angeles. The one-way fare is $2.75 for trips of any length, in contrast to the regular Foothill fare of $1.25. A discounted fare of $1.15 for seniors, the disabled, and Medicare card holders applies. Fares were free from the start of service until April 1, 2007.

60-foot NABI 60-BRT articulated buses are used on this route, like the ones used on the Metro G Line, some Metro Local, and some Metro Rapid routes.[3] Each 60-foot NABI articulated bus has a "Spirit of..." label on both sides. The labels represent a city, community, or large area served by that route. 42-foot NABI BRT buses (F1700-F1724) are used during late night and early morning hours and on weekends, with 40-foot NABI buses (F1500-1509) used when the NABI BRT buses are not available.