Construction at Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit Sites Expected to Wrap Up in November

Construction at four Pasadena station sites for Metro’s North Hollywood-to-Pasadena bus rapid transit project is expected to be completed in November, according to a city report.

Metro representatives will update the Pasadena City Council’s Municipal Services Committee on the project Tuesday.

Construction began in April, and all four station areas are currently active construction sites, according to the city and Metro.

The stations are located at Holly Street and Arroyo Parkway, Colorado Boulevard and Los Robles Avenue, Colorado Boulevard and Lake Avenue, and Hill Street between Colorado Boulevard and Green Street.

The stations are part of a planned 19-mile route connecting North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, Eagle Rock and Pasadena. Metro’s current project website says the route will have 22 enhanced stations, although the Pasadena staff report lists 20.

Metro says the project is designed to provide faster and more reliable bus service connecting the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys. Zero-emission electric buses will operate primarily in dedicated lanes and offer all-door boarding.

The project will also feature transit-signal priority and stations equipped with seating, shaded canopies and real-time bus-arrival information. Metro estimates an end-to-end travel time of approximately 66 minutes, representing a 44% reduction compared with existing transit options.

Construction at individual locations is expected to last approximately four to six weeks, although schedules are subject to change. Work may produce noise, lane reductions and adjustments for pedestrians near active construction sites.

Metro’s environmental review was completed and certified by its Board of Directors in 2022. The agency says construction along the full corridor is expected to continue through late 2027, with passenger service scheduled to begin before the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The update is listed as an informational item, meaning city staff members are not asking the committee to approve a specific recommendation. The committee may nevertheless take action within its authority following the presentation and discussion.

The Municipal Services Committee will meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday in Council Chambers, 100 N. Garfield Ave.