L.A. Metro Taps Engineering Firm HDR for Final Design of North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit Project

LA Metro, or the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, has selected HDR, Inc., a large engineering firm headquartered in Nebraska, to provide the final design for the North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor Project. 

The 18-mile route will link key destinations across Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Eagle Rock, and Pasadena.

Construction is expected to begin this year, with revenue service scheduled for 2027. The project will employ electric buses, with new charging equipment planned for each end of the line.

The $267 million project, approved as a Proposed Project by Metro’s Board of Directors in May 2021, is expected to significantly reduce travel times for riders. It will connect the North Hollywood Metro B (Red)/G (Orange) Line Station to Pasadena City College.

“The North Hollywood to Pasadena Transit Corridor will significantly reduce travel times for riders on this corridor, improving access to jobs, healthcare and more,” HDR Principal Engineer Mark Christoffels, who is leading the firm’s work, said.

The new BRT line is anticipated to cut travel times by 34 to 44 percent compared to existing transit services. It will utilize dedicated lanes for most of the route.

HDR’s scope of work includes a variety of design services, such as civil and roadway, station, and traffic design. The firm will also manage coordination among multiple stakeholders and agencies.

“This Bus Rapid Transit will provide better transit options to busy neighborhoods in need of improved mobility options and I’m looking forward to seeing the new service in operation a few years from now,” Matt Tucker, HDR Global Transit Director, said.

The corridor will serve notable locations including the North Hollywood Arts District, Burbank Media District, Downtown Burbank, Glendale Galleria, and Old Pasadena. It aims to meet the corridor’s growth by providing faster and more reliable service.

Metro is utilizing a construction manager/general contractor approach for project delivery. HDR has assigned dedicated teams to each jurisdiction to accelerate progress and minimize potential delays.

The project represents a significant investment in connecting the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys through high-quality bus rapid transit.