Opinion: L.A. Metro Bus Plan Must Put Riders First

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.