Metro ExpressLanes

The Metro ExpressLanes project is a transport project in Los Angeles that debuted in 2012 to 'improve traffic flow and provide enhanced travel options on I-10 and I-110 in Los Angeles County'. It includes a range of infrastructure developments on the Harbor Transitway and the El Monte Busway. The existing high-occupancy lanes on these transitways were converted to high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes. Associated works included a major upgrade to El Monte bus station, expansion of Metrolink's Pomona Station, the creation of a new transit station at Union Station and increased park and ride capacity and bike lockers at many transit stations. In addition, new vanpool vehicles and buses will be purchased. The project was delivered by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the California Department of Transportation, and others. The budget was $290 million and construction, which began in 2011, was completed in February 2013. Some transit improvements for the Metro Silver Line are still being worked on.^[1]

Scheme elements

The Metro ExpressLanes project includes:^[1]

• Conversion of the HOV lanes on the El Monte Busway HOV lanes on Interstate 10 between Interstate 605 and Alameda Street (which is near Union Station) to high-occupancy toll lanes
• Conversion of the HOV lanes on the Harbor Transitway on Interstate 110 between Harbor Gateway Transit Center and Adams Blvd in Downtown Los Angeles to high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes
• Implementation of the Metro Silver Line
• Expansion of the El Monte bus station with a new 'bicycle station'
• The creation of a new transit station at Patsaouras Plaza for Union Station
• Harbor Transitway Park & Ride Upgrades
• Expansion of Metrolink's Pomona Station
• More bicycle lockers at the Harbor Gateway Transit Center
• New Bus Maintenance Facility in Downtown Los Angeles
• Enhanced Bus priority at traffic signals in Downtown Los Angeles
• 100 New Metro Vanpools
• 59 new alternative fuel expansion buses and operating subsidy during a demonstration period.
• Express Park

Gallery

• 

  Southbound platform with bollards installed. They were installed early September 2012.

• 

  Eastbound Metro Local line 108 & Metro Limited line: 358 bus stop at Slauson Silver Line Station. The stop was added as part of the Metro Express Lanes Project. A westbound stop was not constructed.

• 

  Station security cameras and digital message signs for the Metro Silver Line currently being installed at the station. This is part of the Metro Express Lanes Project.

• 

  Landscaping improvements were made at the Harbor Gateway Transit Center.

• 

  The new "switchable" FasTrak transponder used in the Metro ExpressLanes; the driver indicates the number of occupants in the vehicle using the switch, which the toll system detects and automatically computes the toll (or lack of a toll) for.

• 

  Union Station (El Monte Busway & Alameda) Metro Silver Line Stop. As part of the Metro express Lanes projects, this current bus stop will be moved next to the Patsouras Transit Plaza and the Silver Line will have a new station stop. The new busway station is being planned to be completed by 2015.

References

External links

• Official website
• Los Angeles County Congestion Reduction Demonstration National Evaluation Plan — (U.S. Department of Transportation)