Councilmember Raman Introduces Motion To Enhance The City’s Public Transportation Network Through Transit Signal Prioritization

For Immediate Release: October 8 2024

Today, Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman introduced a motion, co-presented by Councilmembers Paul Krekorian, Bob Blumenfield, and Imelda Padilla, to develop a plan to modify traffic signal timing citywide in order to prioritize the City’s buses and trains, which is an important step towards building a better and more reliable public transportation network. Currently, buses and trains that run “at-grade” – along or across surface streets without gates – often have to wait at signals as if they were ordinary vehicles, causing significant delays for transit users and making it difficult for Metro to time service at transfer locations. This legislation aims to address this issue by upgrading existing traffic signals to prioritize public transit along at-grade fixed guideway or separated transit lines in the City of Los Angeles like the G (Orange) Line, and E (Expo) Line, as well as develop a “Transit First Policy” to guide citywide Transit Signal Priority.

“The time has come for the City of Los Angeles to strongly commit to a ‘Transit First Policy’ that improves our public transit sector and provides Angelenos with a reliable alternative to private vehicles,” said Councilmember Nithya Raman. “By prioritizing our transit vehicles through signalized intersections, we can honor our implicit agreement with transit riders – that we will get you where you need to go as fast as possible.”

“When Angelenos voted for Measure R and Measure M they sent a message for better transit service. They deserve to see those investments yield results across our city,” said Council President Emeritus and Metro Board Director Paul Krekorian. “We’re preparing to welcome the world to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Taking advantage of better technology to increase the speed and reliability of our transportation system is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.”

“Governor Newsom’s Climate Action Counts initiative asks Californians to green their rides and increase transit use. Los Angeles can support this effort through reducing traffic signal delays for Metro buses and trains. This includes the G (Orange) Line, where travel times across the San Fernando Valley would be significantly reduced if buses did not stop at red lights along the 18-mile route,” said Councilmember Bob Blumenfield. “This motion advances the City’s climate change and equity goals, and brings the goal of a car-free Olympics closer to reality.”

“As we work to create a transit system that meets the needs of our city, I’m thrilled that this motion gives our buses and at-grade trains the green light to move forward,” said Councilmember Imelda Padilla. “Both the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail and the G Line cross many intersections, and this work will ensure transit remains a fast, reliable option for riders. I fully support efforts to improve mobility for Angelenos through better service, and I’m confident LADOT and Metro will collaborate to make it happen.”

“Public transit must be fast, intuitive, and reliable to be a viable option for everyone in LA,” said Marissa Ayala, Policy and Advocacy Manager, ACT-LA. “Signal priority is a common-sense policy to help our system move smoothly, meet our climate goals, and prevent transit riders from a standstill. Every day, a million Angelenos ride buses and trains, and deserve reliable service to get where they need to go. ACT-LA is excited to support this motion that brings LADOT and Metro together to modernize traffic signals for frequent and reliable public transit.

“We thank Councilmember Raman for introducing this motion for Transit Signal Priority,” said Eli Lipmen, Executive Director of MoveLA. “With seven mega-events happening in LA from now until 2028, we need to take a transit-first approach for our infrastructure, especially with rail and BRT service which depends upon a reliable connection to work seamlessly. Transit Signal Priority means that we can all get home to our families a few minutes early or arrive at a meeting on-time instead of calling in to say we are late because of traffic. It is time to give our rail and Bus Rapid Transit riders the priority they deserve.”

Today’s legislation directs the Department of Transportation (LADOT) to provide several report backs including: guidelines to establish automatic signals for at-grade fixed guideway or separated transit; a draft policy proposal, implementation plan, and timeline to modify signal timing citywide for at-grade fixed guideway or separated transit lines; and, a “Transit First Policy” to guide future decisions. Lastly, the motion directs LADOT to evaluate the changes’ effects on transit speed.

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