Pasadena Transit Expands Service, Adds Two New Bus Routes

Pasadena Transit will expand its bus network from six to eight routes beginning Sunday, December 15, marking the system’s first route expansion in over two decades.

As part of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority NextGen Bus Plan, the expansion integrates two Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus lines into Pasadena’s network while reducing base fares from $1.75 to $0.75.

“The last time Pasadena added a bus route to its system was in 2003, so this is an exciting moment for us. Adding these two routes into our system allows us to coordinate schedules with our existing routes to better meet the needs of our residents and visitors,” said Director of Transportation Joaquin Siques for the City of Pasadena.

Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority Lines 177 and 256 will become Pasadena Transit Routes 53 and 33 respectively.

Route 53 will connect California Institute of Technology, Northwest Pasadena, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory via Fair Oaks Avenue, Mountain Street, and the 210 freeway. Route 33 will link Highland Park A (Gold) Line Station, Northwest Pasadena, and the Sierra Madre Villa A (Gold) Line Station via Washington Boulevard.

The integration brings service improvements, particularly for Route 33, where frequency will increase from every 50 minutes to every 35 minutes. Along Washington Boulevard, coordinated scheduling between Routes 31/32/33 will provide bus service every 18 minutes between Fair Oaks Avenue and Altadena Drive.

While routes and bus stops will remain unchanged, they will be branded for Pasadena Transit and will no longer be part of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus network, according to the City announcement.

Passengers will benefit from Pasadena Transit’s lower fares, with Transit Access Pass Cards accepted as payment. Transfers between Pasadena Transit routes are free for 2.5 hours. For those transferring from other transit services including Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus and rail, the transfer fee is $0.25, while transfers from Pasadena Transit to Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority services cost $0.50. Discounted fares are available for seniors, persons with disabilities, and youth.

The transition also includes schedule updates for Pasadena Transit Routes 31/32, 40 and 51/52. Real-time arrival information is available at www.PasadenaTransit.net or through Pasadena Transit Customer Service at (626) 744-4055. Additional information can be found at www.metro.net or through Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority Customer Service Center at 323.GO.METRO.