Buses will run more efficiently on major routes under the new plan. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors recently approved the NextGen Bus Plan, an effort to redesign and reimagine the entire bus system to better meet the needs of riders. Approved changes will begin in December and will be phased in over the next year with a focus on fast, frequent reliable service on key corridors.

“Angelenos deserve a world-class transportation network, anchored by a convenient bus system that takes us where we need to go,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who serves as chairman of the Metro Board. “The NextGen Bus Plan steers us in the right direction – toward dedicated bus lanes, higher ridership and faster, more reliable service – and builds on our historic investments in public transit designed to ease traffic, reduce emissions and help get Angelenos out of our cars.”

When NextGen is fully implemented, there will be more frequent, all-day bus service on more routes, shorter wait times for buses and more reliable service. The plan calls for buses to arrive every five to 10 minutes for 83% of current riders, compared to 48% previously.

NextGen aims to adjust bus routes and maximizes service on key corridors with the highest demand. The best local and rapid bus lines will be combined to offer more overall frequency. NextGen changes will be coordinated with the agency’s launch of new on-demand Metro Micro service beginning in December. 

For information, visit metro.net/nextgen.