L.A.'s Bus Rapid Transit system, explained

Curious about Bus Rapid Transit? We've had the BRT system in L.A. for a while now, but I've actually never used it because the lines aren't near me.

Now, StreetFilms has put together a short video about the BRT system in L.A.!

Watch it to find out how it differs from both buses and trains -- and to hear about some of the reasons why BRT systems are put in instead of rail, and about the future of transit in L.A.

L.A. City Council member Wendy Greuel and Rex Gephardt, Metro's Regional Transit Planning  Director, both make an appearance and talk about how politics and money weigh into the decisionmaking process for public transportation. This BRT film's hopefully the first of many to come from StreetFilms about de-car-ing in L.A.

Comments

[Milt Kaplan]

This video is just great! But the words from a movie come to mind. "We have the best transportation system in the world." Now that was thrown away, what do we do? Well, we could make slick videos and we talk about what could be, until the people change their thinking and allow things to happen. The ,mind set of "not in my backyard" has hurt the process. Until we start to think about the city as a whole, nothing will take place. Talk is cheap.

[Donald Stanwood]

The Orange Line would be a more impressive showcase for BRT if the route had signal gate crossings, like rail. As it is, the buses stop at numerous intersections as well as stations. Surely that can't be anyone's idea of "rapid" transit.

[ErinD]

I've always wondered how much time it takes via the BRT. How fast is it really from start to finish? I'm curious to know before I actually try it out!

[Dan W]

Eventually, the Orange Line will need to be upgraded to light-rail. But as a BRT line, it did help get the Valley to start thinking of itself differently.

BRT is not a an adequate substitute for rail, but it is an affordable way to get the process going.

Now if the Sepulveda light-rail project is built from LAX to Van Nuys Metrolink, to eventually Sylmar, that will really transform the area too.