Overview
Recent studies of public bus transportation in Los Angeles have shown that half the time a bus is in service it is stopped, either at a traffic signal or at a bus stop to board patrons. To improve bus speeds, the Metro Rapid Program was implemented in June 2000. Through system integration of bus signal priority, low floor buses, headway rather than timetable-based schedules, and fewer stops, passenger travel times have been reduced by as much as 29%. As a result, ridership has increased by 40% in the two demonstration corridors, with one-third of the ridership increase from new riders who have never before ridden transit. Following the successful implementation of the Metro Rapid demonstration program, an expansion program identifying 26 additional corridors was developed. When completed in 2008, the Metro Rapid Program will operate a network of 450 miles of Metro Rapid service, complementing light and heavy rail transit throughout Los Angeles County.
Metro Rapid has seven attributes which, when implemented as one program, provide fast, frequent, bus service. One of the key elements of the program is the bus signal priority system, developed by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation in collaboration with Metro. This system, comprised of loops and radio transponders, is capable of extending the green phase or shortening of the red phase of traffic signals. Buses requesting priority are granted priority depending on the scheduled headway of the previous Metro Rapid bus detected at the intersection. The system also provides real-time passenger information signs at each station.
Key Metro Rapid Attributes:
- Simple route layout: Makes it easy to find, use and remember
- Frequent service: Buses arrive as often as every 3-10 minutes during peak commuting times
- Fewer stops: Stops spaced about a ¾ mile apart, like rail lines, at most major transfer points
- Level boarding: Low-floor buses speed-up dwell times
- Bus priority at traffic signals: New technology reduces traffic delay by extending the green light or shortening the red light to help Metro Rapid get through intersections
- Color-coded buses and stops: Metro Rapid’s distinctive red paint makes it easy to identify Metro Rapid stops and buses
- Enhanced stations: Metro Rapid stations provide information, lighting, canopies and “Next Trip” displays