Metro is constructing the terminus for its North Hollywood-Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit line at Pasadena City College, an addition that will ease commute times for students and other commuters.
A complete bus station for drop-off and pick-up, along with bus charging infrastructure for the all-electric line, is scheduled to be completed this fall. The full project spans 19 miles, features 22 new bus stations and dedicated lanes, and will connect North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, Eagle Rock, and Pasadena.
“The fact that the line has a terminus at our campus is not only convenient for our students, faculty, and staff, it also represents our commitment to a sustainable future,” said PCC President Dr. José A. Gómez.
The state-of-the-art, zero-emission electric buses, offering all-door boarding and serving passengers at enhanced stations, will improve travel times, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and expand regional transit access to PCC’s Colorado Boulevard campus.
Reliable and efficient east-west transit through Glendale, Burbank, and North Hollywood, opens access for a significant population in Southern California to attend classes or work at Pasadena City College. The line will take travelers to Pasadena and other communities in a region still recovering from the Eaton wildfire.
“We’re rebuilding our community step by step,” said PCC Board President Steve Gibson. “Transportation is a critical component of our rebuilding effort. This new transit line is a positive development for our region.”
The new line will offer a reduced number of stops and use exclusive routes that expedite travel time. A trip that currently requires one or two bus and/or rail transfers and takes 90-120 minutes, will now require one bus or rail, and will take less than an hour from terminus to terminus.
Pasadena sits in the middle of the San Gabriel Valley and the San Fernando Valley, expansive areas that have had very limited connected transit between them until now.
“This project brings together two very important geographies and provides sustainable transportation options for the city’s residents and visitors,” said Pasadena’s Mayor Victor Gordo. “One of the city’s top priorities is moving Pasadena toward a carbon-free future, and this project gets us closer to that goal, providing a streamlined connection to the city’s amazing restaurants and shops while promoting neighborhood connections where people can circulate without cars. I appreciate LA Metro’s vision and dedication to implement this project.”
PCC is home to 40,000 students, as well as faculty and staff. In 2023, the college’s Board of Trustees passed a resolution that recognizes the impact of climate change on the health, safety, and well-being of PCC students, families, and the broader community. It also established clear goals for facilities, fleet electrification, and expanded EV charging capacity to help reduce the college’s environmental impact.
As PCC continues to work toward a zero-carbon future, projects like the new Metro line and station reflect the college’s commitment to sustainability.
The full project is scheduled to be completed before the 2028 Olympics. Having the terminus land at PCC will also provide a global audience an easy and clean option to get to campus.
“We have so much to offer,” said Gómez. “This new line will bring people to us in a way that is consistent with our values. We could not be happier to host this site for future generations to join us on campus.”
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