Abstract:
The response of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) to the Northridge earthquake is discussed. By an hour after the earthquake, the LACMTA had established an emergency command center. Staff gathered at the center to share information and to start identifying response strategies. Following a previously developed emergency plan, the LACMTA personnel knew what to do. By Tuesday, the day after the earthquake, all bus and rail service was in operation. Approximately 75 detours were in place within 24 hours of the earthquake. Daily updates and press releases were used to help communicate with residents and travelers. The single largest key to success was probably LACMTA's close coordination and communication with other agencies, including the governor's office, Caltrans, the City of Los Angeles, law enforcement agencies, and the other transit agencies in the area.
Supplemental Notes:
The preparation of these proceedings was funded in part through grants from the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration, United States Department of Transportation. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
