TRAFFIC SIGNAL PRIORITY FOR METRO RAPID BUSES: THE LOS ANGELES EXPERIENCE

The City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), has successfully implemented an advanced Transit Priority System (TPS) project for buses along two major transit corridors in the Los Angeles Region. The TPS Project was developed by LADOT, and has received nationwide media attention. The TPS project is a critical element of the Metro Rapid Bus Demonstration Program that was jointly developed by LADOT and MTA. The initial phase of the Metro Rapid Bus was deployed on June 24, 2000, when the Metro Red Line subway was extended to the North Hollywood Stations in the San Fernando Valley. The purpose of the Metro Rapid Bus Demonstration Program is to offer rail-type frequent and high quality transit services connecting the terminus of the Red Line to major destinations in the outlining areas. The TPS project serves to improve the on-time performance of the Metro Rapid Bus by adjusting the signal timing at intersections for uses as their approach is detected. The TPS is also used to provide real-time next bus arrival information to passengers waiting at bus stations and assist bus fleet management by recording the travel time for each bus run. The Metro Rapid Bus program features limited stops and new low-floor clean-air buses.