The crash was reported around 4:30 a.m. on Lankershim Boulevard near the 101 Freeway, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
In a statement, Metro said the bus struck a pole but did not provide information about what caused the crash. Video from the scene showed significant damage to the front portion of the bus and shattered glass on the sidewalk.
At least seven people were injured. Six were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries and one declined transport, LAFD officials said.
A passenger who was on his way to see a friend said things were fine when the driver suddenly crashed into a pole.
"I had to climb out the top... It was bad. Really bad... My neck is killing me, my face is killing me," said Nicholas Tate.
DEVELOPING: We will add more details to this report as they become available.