This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Transit in LA's walkable neighborhoods more likely to succeed, report suggests
Transit that serves walkable communities, such as the Culver City to downtown Santa Monica Expo Line extension, has the best chance for attracting riders, a new report says.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
Listen
0:50
Transit in LA's walkable neighborhoods more likely to succeed, report suggests
As ridership on buses and trains declines as part of a nationwide trend, a new report offers some lessons for transit agencies like Los Angeles' hoping to attract more customers.
Dropping ridership is particularly troubling in L.A. County, where the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is spending billions of dollars to build new trains and transportation projects.
In November, Metro will ask voters to approve a sales tax increase that would live on indefinitely to fund billions more in transportation projects and services.
The report released Tuesday by the New York-based think tank Transit Center looked at ways transportation agencies can get the most return for their investments in transportation.
"I think the most important lesson for Los Angeles from this report is investing in transit in walkable neighborhoods," said Stephen Higashide, one of the report's authors.
The study of transit users nationwide found about 80 percent of the most frequent riders reached transit on foot.
Higashide said transit agencies that want more riders should prioritize projects serving walkable neighborhoods, such as Hollywood and downtown L.A., with more frequent and faster transit options, rather than build out to non-urban, further flung areas where most people drive and park.
Sponsored message
He said future development around stations could also encourage higher ridership, with denser, more walkable neighborhoods favoring higher transit use.
The study also showed bus shelters are important because they improve the waiting experience for riders by offering information on routes and arrival times and comfort.
"We find that bus shelters have a significant impact on transit riders satisfaction," said Higashide.
A KPCC investigation earlier this year found the city of L.A. has lagged in installing hundreds of bus shelters that were contracted for over the last 15 years.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
