Post by jeisenbe on May 18, 2013 8:49:19 GMT -8
Zev Yaroslavsky has realized that the Orange Line has a problem with rush hour overcrowding:
zev.lacounty.gov/news/orange-crush
"...the line is constrained at intersections with north-south roadways, which are managed by the city of Los Angeles’ Department of Transportation.
"“Running buses every 4 minutes during rush hour is the best we can do under the current traffic configuration,” Hillmer said. “The city is reluctant to go below the 4-minute frequency level.”
"Jonathan Hui, a spokesman for the city agency, said it allows buses to pass through the intersections every two minutes, but they only get special priority—early or longer green lights—every four minutes. That preferential treatment is important to keep the line moving swiftly."
As I commented at The Source, the solution it for LADOT to give buses signal priority every time. The buses only need a green for 20 seconds to get thru the intersection. Even with a bus in both directions every 2 minutes at peak times (every 1 minute combined), the leaves 30 to 40 seconds for a green light for the cross-traffic, similar to the situation at intersections with major cross-arterials like Burkbank Blvd and Victory Blvd.
This would double the current max capacity of the line, letting it carry over 3000 people per hour per direction (assuming 100 people per 60-foot bus), as much as a 3-car light rail line running every 10 or 12 minutes.
When it comes down to it, the problem is that LADOT is not willing to risk slightly inconveniencing car drivers.
zev.lacounty.gov/news/orange-crush
"...the line is constrained at intersections with north-south roadways, which are managed by the city of Los Angeles’ Department of Transportation.
"“Running buses every 4 minutes during rush hour is the best we can do under the current traffic configuration,” Hillmer said. “The city is reluctant to go below the 4-minute frequency level.”
"Jonathan Hui, a spokesman for the city agency, said it allows buses to pass through the intersections every two minutes, but they only get special priority—early or longer green lights—every four minutes. That preferential treatment is important to keep the line moving swiftly."
As I commented at The Source, the solution it for LADOT to give buses signal priority every time. The buses only need a green for 20 seconds to get thru the intersection. Even with a bus in both directions every 2 minutes at peak times (every 1 minute combined), the leaves 30 to 40 seconds for a green light for the cross-traffic, similar to the situation at intersections with major cross-arterials like Burkbank Blvd and Victory Blvd.
This would double the current max capacity of the line, letting it carry over 3000 people per hour per direction (assuming 100 people per 60-foot bus), as much as a 3-car light rail line running every 10 or 12 minutes.
When it comes down to it, the problem is that LADOT is not willing to risk slightly inconveniencing car drivers.