LA, Home of North America's Largest Natural Gas Bus

Ever feel like you're cramped in a bus of 100 people? Imagine a bus where 100 could fit comfortably.

As reported last week, the Orange Line in the Valley got a new bus to play with today. The gigantic 65-foot bus that will be in service for a one year pilot began taking passengers back and forth between the NoHo Arts District and Woodland Hills late this morning.

To alleviate the high usage of the 2-year old transit way (they just recorded their 10 millionth boarding), Metro decided to try out the NABI 65-foot articulated bus specially made for the Metro Orange Line. "The vehicle is the first-of-its-kind, designed exclusively to operate on the Orange Line, and will be the highest capacity articulated compressed natural gas bus now in operation in North America," says Metro.

The extra 5-feet over the usual high capacity buses increases the seated passenger load to 66, a 16 percent increase. Add in standing passengers and you're look at a capacity of 100 people total. Happy riding!

More pictures after the jump.