LOS ANGELES METRO RAPID PROGRAM

摘要

Los Angeles public bus transportation has slowed significantly over the past decade. Recent studies indicate that half the time a bus is in service it is stopped, either at a traffic signal or a bus stop to board patrons. To improve bus speeds, the Los Angeles Metro Rapid Program was implemented in June 2000. Six months following implementation, the program was deemed a success. Operating speed, service quality, ridership, and customer response all exceeded objectives, with very little or no negative impact on the rest of the transportation system and other travel modes. Through system integration of bus signal priority, low-floor buses, headway rather than timetable-based schedules, fewer stops, and joint active management of service operation, passenger travel times have been reduced by as much as 29%. As a result, ridership has increased by 25% on the two demonstration corridors, with one-third of the ridership increase from new riders who have never before ridden transit. Based on the program's success, a comprehensive expansion plan is currently being developed that involves expansion of the Metro Rapid network as well as introduction of additional attributes, including exclusive bus lanes, high capacity buses, fare prepayment, and multiple-door boarding and alighting. When complete, the program will operate as an extension of the MTA's existing rail service and provide fast, reliable bus service throughout Los Angeles County.