Service type express bus Fuel type CNG | Routes 8 | |
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Locale Los Angeles County, California Operator Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) | ||
Metro Express is a network of express bus routes in Los Angeles County, California, operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Metro Express buses typically operate like a local or limited stop route at the origin of their run, then enter a freeway where they make no or very limited stops, followed by another section of local or limited stops at the destination of the run. Routes that run to and from downtown are identified by numbers in the 400's and routes that run in other areas are identified by numbers in the 500's. Most runs use buses painted in the poppy-orange Metro Local livery.
Contents
History
Metro created a separate brand for its express routes in 2003 as the agency introduced a new branding, including separate paint scheme for buses. Metro had proposed giving Metro Express buses a crisp blue color (referred to by Metro as "Business Blue"). Buses in this color scheme rolled out on two new "premium express" lines (routes 450X and 577X) that would operate between major transportation hubs or activity centers with very few stops and no local operations. It was a service concept Metro planned to expand to other lines, but ridership was disappointing. Metro eventually abandoned the "premium express" concept, integrating line 450X into the Silver Line and making route 577X a more traditional Metro Express route.
Fares
Metro Express routes charge a premium fare (which is a different fare structure from most other Metro routes). During the local/limited stop portion of their run passengers are charged the standard Metro Local base fare, but once the bus enters the express portion of the run all passengers are expected to have paid the express fare. Metro 1-Day passes are accepted as full fare, but all other pass holders must pay for an upgraded 1 zone pass or pay the additional premium charge at the time of boarding.
As of December 15, 2014 the fares for the Metro Express routes are: