A major objective of the Los Angeles Metro Rapid program is to provide high quality rail emulation service at a reasonable capital cost. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation, conducted the Metro Rapid Demonstration Program—a BRT full-deployment feasibility project—along two major arterials: Wilshire-Whittier and Ventura. The Metro Rapid program along these arterials was implemented in June 2000.

A critical element of the Metro Rapid Program is the Transit Priority System (TSP). This system serves to improve on-time performance, provide real-time next bus arrival information to passengers waiting at bus shelters, and assist fleet management by recording travel time for each bus run. The traffic signals along the BRT routes were outfitted with the TSP technology to allow priority movement of BRT buses. At selected bus shelters along the roadside, highly visible dynamic message signs were installed to provide riders with the arrival time of the next bus.

The TSP system was deployed at approximately 211 intersections, covering 42.4 miles along both Metro Rapid lines. The total cost for the system was $4,243,000 which equates to approximately $20,000 per intersection, or $100,000 per mile.