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Program Seeks to Optimize Transit Systems, Relieve Traffic Congestion
Keeping bus lanes clear is crucial to ensuring faster, more reliable service for transit riders and promoting transportation equity in Los Angeles. To support this goal, 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 starting Monday, May 12.
During phase two’s initial 60-day warning period (March – May 2025), motorists illegally parked along bus lines 910 and 950 that serve the J line and line 70 servicing 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. This part of phase two marks a major 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. “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.”
As part of this automated enforcement system, a total of 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 vehicle 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.
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. In addition, for those passengers with disabilities and other access needs, vehicles blocking bus lanes impact their ability to easily enter or exit the bus. With the expansion of automated enforcement, Metro expects significant improvements in on-time performance for buses, 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 servicing Wilshire Blvd. and 212 servicing LA Brea Ave.
“Each day thousands of Angelenos depend on public transit to get to their jobs, schools, healthcare, and other critical destinations” said LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo. “This new program is already bringing results with a more reliable and efficient bus service. I look forward to expanding our partnership with Metro to ensure the benefits of dedicated bus lanes are felt across our transportation system.”
This automated bus lane enforcement technology advances LA Metro’s NextGen Bus Plan and reflects Metro’s ongoing efforts to modernize its operations and provide an equitable, high-quality public transportation system for the diverse communities of Los Angeles.
About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries a million boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 118 bus routes utilizing more than 2,200 low-emission buses.
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