Metro Rapid Demonstration Program Evaluation Report - Operating and Capital Costs
One of the principal advantages of Metro Rapid service is that the net cost, both operating and capital, is considerably lower than other transit mode choices. It balances speedy service with higher capacity and low implementation costs.
Operating Cost
Overall, the annualized (12 month) marginal operating cost of the Metro Rapid demonstration service is approximately $12.7 million with a strong likelihood that $2-3 million of this net increase will be eliminated through refinement of the local and Metro Rapid operating schedules on the two corridors. The overall annual operating cost of Metro Rapid service averages just under $300,000 per mile.
| Corridor | Pre-Rapid | Post-Rapid | Net Change | Percent of Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wilshire-Whittier | ||||
| Lines 18/318 | $10,563,000 | |||
| Lines 20/21/22/320/322 | $14,964,000 | |||
| Line 18 | $8,312,000 | ($2,251,000) | -21.3% | |
| Lines 20/21 | $10,261,000 | ($4,703,000) | -31.4% | |
| Metro Rapid 750 | $14,137,000 | $14,137,000 | N/A | |
| Combined Corridor | $25,527,000 | $32,710,000 | $7,183,000 | 28.1% |
Ventura | ||||
| Lines 424/425/522 | $6,954,000 | |||
| Lines 150/240 | $7,662,000 | $708,000 | 10.2% | |
| Metro Rapid 750 | $4,831,000 | $4,831,000 | N/A | |
| Combined | $6,954,000 | $12,493,000 | $5,539,000 | 79.7% |
| Total Demonstration | $32,481,000 | $45,203,000 | $12,722,000 | 39.2% |
5 Marginal operating cost calculated using FY 2000 unit costs at $35.7769 per total hour, $1.8139 per total mile, and $15,178.56751 annual per peak vehicle.
Capital Cost
One of the principal objectives of the Metro Rapid program is to provide high quality rail emulation service with significantly lower capital investment. The Metro Rapid capital program involved three areas: station development, bus signal priority, and vehicle acquisition. The station program was designed, fabricated and installed at a cost of approximately $100,000 per mile. The bus signal priority system cost was approximately $20,000 per intersection. Buses used to operate the Metro Rapid Program were NABI 40-foot CNG low-floor vehicles from current fleet procurement orders.
| Capital Element | Wilshire-Whittier | Ventura | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Units/Miles | Cost | Units/Miles | Cost | |
| Stations | 25.7 miles | $2,441,000 | 16.7 miles | $1,590,300 |
| Bus Signal Priority | 25.7 miles | $4,569,000 | 16.7 miles | $1,674,000 |
| Total Demonstration | $5,010,000 | $3,264,300 | ||
| Capital Element | Cost Per Mile | Total Units/Miles | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stations | 42.4 miles | $4,031,300 | $95,000 |
| Bus Signal Priority | 42.4 miles | $4,243,000 | $100,000 |
| Total Demonstration | $8,273,300 | $195,000 |