Metro Rapid
Metro Rapid is a local express bus service with bus rapid transit (BRT) characteristics in Los Angeles County, California.
| Founded | June 24, 2000 |
|---|---|
| Locale | Los Angeles County, California |
| Service type | bus service, bus rapid transit |
| Operator | Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Big Blue Bus Culver CityBus Torrance Transit |
| Website | https://www.metro.net/ |
At its peak, Metro had dozens of Rapid routes, but as of December 2021, the system has been largely discontinued. Just three Metro operated Rapid routes remain, along with four routes operated by Big Blue Bus, one by Culver CityBus and one by Torrance Transit.
To reduce travel times, buses are equipped with a special transmitter that send a signal to traffic lights, which cause them to favor the bus by holding green lights longer and shortening red lights. Metro Rapid buses also stop less frequently than other routes, with Rapid stops located only at major intersections and transfer points. The frequency of Metro Rapid buses is increased as well, as more buses on a line translates to less wait time at each station. All Metro Rapid buses are low-floor CNG buses for faster boarding and alighting and distinguished by their prominent red color.