March 20: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

2001:  Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and local officials mark the opening of 27 new Metro Rapid bus stations on Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley.

Nine of the stations on Line 750 include a canopy for weather protection and a variable message sign.  The other 18 stations have two marker poles and the Metro Rapid “tear drop” sign.

With the variable message sign, passengers are informed of the bus’ exact arrival time.  It is the first use of such a real-time feature by any bus operation in the Los Angeles area.  The unique color and signage of the station match those of the Metro Rapid buses.  Suisman Urban Design developed the design and color scheme especially for the LACMTA.

Similar stations will be built over the next several months on Line 720, serving Wilshire/Whittier.  Metro Rapid stations are located about a mile apart.

More information can be found in the March 20, 2001 issue of Metro’s MyMetro employee news digest.

 

 

2002:  Representatives of local transit agencies get a full briefing on LACMTA’s plans for a universal fare system that will use regional passes and “Smart Card” technology to achieve seamless travel throughout Los Angeles County.

More information on the technology and plans for deployment can be found in the March 20, 2002 issue of MyMetro employee news publication.