A bold proposal to overhaul the region’s bus system will require leaders and government officials who will commit to putting the needs of riders front and center.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has released a proposal, NextGen, to revamp its bus system. The $1 billion plan would include upgrades for more frequent, fast, and accessible bus service and add bus-only lanes and other infrastructure improvements.
If the plan is approved, hard decisions will be on the horizon, and the needs of riders should stay at the forefront, argues the Los Angeles Times Editorial Board. In addition, officials will need to shift their transportation priorities away from big, expensive rail projects and instead focus on providing better bus service for a system that now is not adequately serving bus riders.
"The NextGen bus plan is a worthy start. To truly improve bus riders’ experience, Metro’s board — which is made up of local elected leaders — and city governments will have to put the interests of those riders first. That means giving buses priority over cars. It means paying for better bus service and not ignoring buses for flashier rail projects," says the Times Editorial Board.
FULL STORY: Editorial: Metro’s new bus plan is useless without the political will to see it through
NextGen Bus Plan Approved in Los Angeles
Major changes are coming to the Metro bus system in the nation's second largest city. After three years of planning and public feedback, the Metro board has approved the NextGen bus plan.
The Environmental Costs of Slow, Empty Buses
Flagging ridership on Metro buses in Los Angeles redoubles the need to speed buses up with dedicated lanes, hopefully recovering lost riders and finding some news ones along the way, too.
From April to May in L.A.: From a Green New Deal to Transit Service Cuts
Can Los Angeles convince drivers to cut the number of automobile trips in half while also transit frequency on several light rail lines?
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
Poor Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Put Residents at Risk
Failing infrastructure, poor water and air quality, and predatory owners endanger the health of manufactured home residents, many of whom are elderly and low-income.
How Complete Streets Stands to Lose in the FY26 ‘Skinny Budget’
The President’s proposed budget could cut key resources for active transportation, public transit, and road safety programs.
Dairy Queen and Rural Third Places
Dozens of Dairy Queen restaurants across Texas are closing, taking a critical community space with them.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions