Signal priority is a way to create faster, more regular bus service by adjusting length of stoplights for buses.
The signal priority system reportedly used in Los Angeles County should be a model for cities that want to speed up their public transit around the country, argues Kyle Ryan writes in Active Transportation Alliance. "Seventeen years ago, when Los Angeles County decided to give its buses priority at traffic signals, the buses experienced huge gains in speed and reliability," Ryan writes. The system senses buses coming to a stoplight and can adjust the length of red and green lights.
Cities like Chicago could use this type of system, not only to speed up public transit commutes, but also to space out buses more evenly. "Buses are dispatched every 3-10 minutes and can be instructed to slow down or speed up to avoid bunching with other buses," Ryan argues. This system means less waiting time at bus stops and shorter commute time, making transit more equitable for those not moving in cars.
FULL STORY: Los Angeles ‘signals’ the way to better bus service
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.