The program aims to curb the problem of parked vehicles obstructing bus lanes, which can delay bus services and affect the overall reliability of Metro’s extensive bus network.
Photo: LA Metro
3 min to read
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), in partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), is expanding the bus lane enforcement pilot program and will begin ticketing along additional high-traffic routes.
During phase two’s initial 60-day warning period (March – May 2025), motorists illegally parked along bus lines 910 and 950, which serve the J line, and line 70, which serves Olive St./Grand Ave., received notices by mail warning that future violations would result in fines. Motorists who illegally park in those bus lanes will now face a penalty starting at $293, with fines increasing for repeat offenders.
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This part of phase two marks a significant milestone in Metro's efforts to reduce congestion and ensure smooth and timely bus operations.
“We’re excited to take this important step forward in ensuring that our bus services remain reliable for commuters,” said Stephanie Wiggins, Metro CEO, in a press release announcing the program's expansion. “By addressing the issue of unauthorized vehicles in bus lanes, we can keep buses moving smoothly, reduce delays, and provide a better transit experience for all riders. Phase two builds on the success of the first phase, continuing our commitment to make public transportation faster, safer, and more efficient for the people of Los Angeles.”
Leveraging Tech
As part of this automated enforcement system, 100 cameras have been installed on select Metro buses operating along these key routes.
The dual-camera systems can detect vehicles illegally occupying bus-only lanes. The first camera captures the presence of a car in the bus lane, while the second records the vehicle's license plate number. Then, a traffic officer with LADOT will review the evidence and verify the accuracy of the image before issuing a ticket.
Tickets will include details of the violation, including time, location, and images or video evidence.
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The program aims to curb the problem of parked vehicles obstructing bus lanes, which can delay bus services and affect the overall reliability of Metro’s extensive bus network.
As part of this automated enforcement system, 100 cameras have been installed on select Metro buses operating along these key routes.
Photo: LA Metro
The Impact of Blocked Bus Lanes
In addition, for passengers with disabilities and other access needs, vehicles blocking bus lanes impact their ability to enter or exit the bus easily. With the expansion of automated enforcement, Metro expects significant improvements in bus on-time performance, contributing to better public transit service citywide.
Since phase one ticketing began this past February, LADOT has issued citations to more than 10,000 illegally parked vehicles disrupting service along bus lines 720, which serves Wilshire Blvd., and 212, which serves LA Brea Ave.
The automated bus lane enforcement technology advances LA Metro’s NextGen Bus Plan and reflects the agency’s ongoing efforts to modernize its operations and provide an equitable, high-quality public transportation system for the diverse communities of Los Angeles, the agency said in a press release.
The Plan is CTA's formal response to an FTA Special Directive issued in December and details how the agency will significantly expand the law enforcement surge it launched.
On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.
During a safety blitz, Metra employees will visit one of the railroad’s 243 stations during the morning rush hour, distributing educational materials on train and grade-crossing safety, answering questions, and listening to riders’ safety concerns.
Operated in partnership with Tech Valley Security, trained CDTA Ambassadors will be on select routes and will rotate throughout CDTA’s route network. Their presence is intended to provide customers with an approachable, visible resource focused on assistance and engagement.
Customers have always been able to report concerns through the CATS Customer Service line or the “Report a Problem to CATS” feature in the CATS-Pass mobile app; however, CATS has also integrated a Text-a-Tip line, giving riders multiple, easy-to-use channels to get support.
