Overview

An early study conducted by the City of Los Angeles on Metro bus service here in Los Angeles showed that half the time a bus is in service, it is stopped, either at a red traffic signal or at a bus stop to board and/or alight passengers. To help improve bus speeds, the Metro Rapid Demonstration Program was implemented along two key corridors in June 2000. With the implementation of a number of key attributes such as bus signal priority, low-floor buses, and fewer stops, passenger travel times were reduced by as much as 29 percent.

As a result, initial ridership increased by up to 40 percent, with one third of that ridership increase from new riders who had never used public transit. Following the successful implementation of the Metro Rapid Demonstration Program, an expansion program identifying over 20 additional corridors was developed. The Metro Rapid Program now operates within a network of nearly 400 miles of Metro Rapid service, while integrating light and heavy rail transit through Los Angeles County.

Metro Rapid has a number of key attributes that when implemented together, provides fast and frequent bus service. One of the key elements of the program is the bus signal priority system, collaboratively developed by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation and Metro for use in the City of Los Angeles. Comprised of loops and radio transponders, the system can extend the green phase or shorten the red phase of traffic signals, therefore reducing the amount of bus delay at intersections.  The system also provides real-time passenger information at each station.

The second bus signal priority system uses wireless technology and is used in areas outside the City of Los Angeles.

Key Metro Rapid Attributes:

• Simple route layout: Makes the system easier to use and remember routes
• Frequent service: Buses arrive as often as every 3-10 minutes during peak commute times
• Fewer stops: Stops are spaced about ¾ mile apart, like rail lines, at most major transfer points
• Level boarding/alighting: Low-floor buses speed-up dwell times
• Bus priority at traffic signals: this technology reduces traffic delay at intersections by extending the green light or shortening the red light
• Color-coded buses and stops: Metro Rapid's distinctive red color scheme makes it easy to identify Metro Rapid stops and buses
• Enhanced stations: Metro Rapid stations provide transit information, lighting, canopies and "Next Bus" displays