In his blog Human Transit, transit planning consultant Jarrett Walker discusses the ways in which Paris has improved its public transportation system. Much of it is centered on bus-only lanes, which is an encouraging sight for us as we fight to implement bus-only lanes along Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles. The bus-only lanes in Paris are a whole different level of bus-only lane: these lanes are blocked off by a solid median curb that prevents motorists from driving into the lane, thus making bus-only lanes a permanent fixture all day, not just during rush hour.

Walker addresses one of the paradoxes of bus only lanes and why they're so hard to implement in auto-centric cities like Los Angeles:

"If buses are moving well, and carrying more people than the car lanes, the bus lane looks empty most of the time. Only a failing or obstructed bus lane looks like it's full of buses. That's why bus lanes such a hard sell in cities run by motorists who want to do the green thing but still form their impressions from behind the wheel."

Bus lanes in Paris are used by more than just buses. Taxis and all two-wheeled vehicles like motorcycles and bikes are permitted to use the lane. There are also separate bike lanes and plenty of parking for two-wheeled vehicles. This gives plenty of opportunity for the people of Paris to use alternative forms of transportation and decrease dependency on the automobile.

The Wilshire Bus-Only Lane will be a step in the direction that Paris took. Hopefully like Paris someday LA will also have bus/bike only lanes across all of LA County. Only in this way we too can reclaim our streets.

To support the fight in LA, go to our Take Action Now! page to find out how to submit your written comment to the MTA.