The practice of consolidating bus stops—or stop thinning—is a controversial method to speed up buses. Los Angeles Metro is considering consolidation as part of its ongoing Strategic Bus Network Plan.
"As part of its big bus service re-organization, now called the Strategic Bus Network Plan (SBNP), Metro is proposing 'stop thinning,'" reports Joe Linton. Stop thinning, as Linton describes it, "basically means eliminating numerous bus stops that are too close to each other."
Linton goes on to describe both sides of the debate about the value of stop thinning. On one side, he cites Jarrett Walker, who wrote, "if you can get people to gather at fewer stops, you get a faster service," in a 2009 post on the subject. On the other side, Linton cites a recent article by D.J. Waldie that offers a thoughtful and thorough critique of the SBNP's early, draft form.
Linton concludes the article by describing a few of the very few bus stop thinning precedents, such as efforts in San Francisco, Long Beach, and Santa Monica, and offering his opinion on the matter.
FULL STORY: Open Thread: Metro Considering Bus Stop Thinning In Network Plan
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.
Transit Needs Improvements Sooner Rather Than Later
The Los Angeles transit system is losing riders, but L.A. Metro has been slow to implement changes that could keep people using it.
Many Lives, One Space on an L.A. Bus
A reporter rides the bus in Los Angeles and discovers the interesting, complicated, and sometimes heartbreaking stories that riders bring on board.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions