LA’s MetroRapid BRT network

WMATA announced yesterday the hiring of John Catoe as the new general manager of the agency, filling the post vacated by Richard White and held temporarily by former Ddot boss Dan Tangherlini. Catoe, who will be leaving his post as second-in-command of the Los Angeles transit agency, is expected to bring bus expertise to a region where rubber tire transit has often been ignored. Los Angeles has been a national leader in Bus Rapid Transit, with its successful Orange line and cost-effective Metro Rapid network.

Although no bus, BRT or regular, can take the place of trains, there can be little doubt that WMATA’s bus system leaves much to be desired. While we would be distressed if Mr. Catoe starts replacing streetcar proposals with bus routes, his experience with progressive busing is undoubtedly a good thing. At the very least, Catoe should be able to help WMATA “do buses right”.

BeyondDC is officially excited to see where he takes us.