(pdf here)
As many of you know, Metro is in the midst of restructuring its bus system — an effort called the NextGen Bus Study.
Above is an update being provided to Metro’s Service Councils this month. It’s still some time until changes are released (which will be followed by public hearings), but this is a good chance to learn more about bus service concepts that are being developed and the policy choices on serving the various markets in L.A. County.
Categories: Policy & Funding, Projects
I only hope you guys do better with the reroutes than NYC NTA did with the Staten Island to Manhattan express bus reroutes. It’s been a month and there’s still overcrowding and seriously late or cancelled trips.
Although as a former kid Angeleno back when Metro was the RTD, I’ll be somewhat sad if people on Crenshaw can’t take 117 down Century to Watts Towers or 210 to Hollywood/Highland or South Bay Galleria.
This whole study is flawed. Using existing data of those that ride the bus does not and will not bring in more riders. Big problem in DTLA!!!!! Bad signage. Detours with no information, other than website where many people don’t have mobile phones, etc. Customer service is not 24/7 especially late at night when one needs it the most. Service stops to early to be reliable. Then we have the multi-agency uncoordinated problem with different fares. Metro cuts service to be picked up by others, hence increase in fare. We cannot micromanage, we need a coordinated transit system including all modes of transportation. Safety, reliable service, clean vehicles, not being hassled.
While I agree that longer trips should be the focus of the planning and a good _network_ to facilitate it:
if they are really sincere about “So how do we attract more short distance non-commute trips?”
I have the million dollar answer. Instead of selling 2 hours of travel ONE way. Just sell two hours of travel.
People can make “short trips to the grocery store for milk” with one fare rather than two.
The reason why non-riders subsidize transit trips is to reduce car traffic, which causes traffic and emissions. It is not a problem if people walk or bike for short trips, instead of taking transit. Metro should focus on longer trips.
JB it depends on the community served. In communities with low-income, elderly, etc., short trips are vital to accessing resources and walking/biking is not an option. It can also help to alleviate traffic in hub locations.