Tuesday, January 23, 2007

EmX Bus Plus: They call me mini me

Lane Transit District--

LTD is evaluating a new bus system known as "Bus Plus" to begin in 2007, and is scheduled for implementation in 2008. The idea behind the new Bus Plus system is to create several crosstown bus routes that would offer some of the amenities of bus rapid transit that may include:
#a simple route lay out with neighborhood connectors
#frequent service. Buses arriving every 15 minutes during peak weekday commute times
#fewer stops
#low lower level boarding
#parity traffic signals
#enhanced bus stops which would include transit information, lighting in shelters.

The reason for the new bus line according to LTD, is "... recent studies of public bus transportation in Los Angeles have shown that half the time a bus is in service is stopped, either at a traffic signal or at a bus stop to board patrons." [just like uncoordinated traffic signals and roundabouts slow vehicle traffic] LTD says that one of the key elements of the program is these bus signal priority system which is capable of extending the green phase or shortening the red praise of traffic signals.
personally, I think the idea of the smaller buses is a good idea. I also agree that having some control over the traffic lights is also a good and inexpensive way to decrease travel time. I disagree however with the idea of light rail on rubber wheels in this area due to the expense and lack of flexibility (Referring to the current EmX system) of the system itself.
More tomorrow...

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

For all the money they spent on new roads and overweight busses, we could have had a real light rail, elevated train. And they wouldn't damage the pot holes we drive on that are called roads.

Bobkatt said...

You gotta love this one from the Register Guard.
A pleasure ride to check out Lane Transit District's new rapid transit bus ended with a mad dash down East 11th Avenue for Craig Parsons, whose two young children were left behind at a campus area station during Monday's rush hour.
What was even more surprising to Parsons was that the EmX driver would not pull over, despite the cries of nearly everyone on board the bus.
"I am really disappointed, it's a ridiculous policy for a bus," he said. "It's a new system, and it's probably been drilled into these drivers not to stop for any reason. But I would understand that there would be some exceptions ... leaving a 2-year-old behind at a station would be a good reason."

Robin said...

thanks BobKat. your right :-)
and good timing for today article.