Pasadena Transit Unveils Five-Year Service Enhancement Plan

[At the time of this writing, the Northwest Commission is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, January 14. Due to exigent conditions in the city, it is possible the meeting may be postponed.] 

The City of Pasadena Department of Transportation has unveiled its first major transit plan update since 2019, proposing significant changes to increase ridership and improve customer experience across its transit network. 

The Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP), scheduled to be presented by City Planner Britt Card at Tuesday’s Northwest Commission meeting, responds to shifting post-pandemic travel patterns. 

Data shows weekend trips in Pasadena’s transit service area have increased 4.5% since 2019, with weekend afternoon and evening hours specifically seeing a 35% increase in trips. 

Customer feedback, gathered through over 1,300 surveys, highlighted strengths in fare costs, payment ease, and driver service, while identifying needs for improved on-time performance, extended hours, and increased frequency. The plan addresses these concerns through three main goals: reflecting new travel patterns, integrating with Metro NextGen, and improving customer experience. 

Major changes include the December 2024 integration of former Metro Lines 177 and 256 into the Pasadena network, elimination of Routes 32 and 60, and creation of new Route 710 connecting Jet Propulsion Laboratory to Huntington Hospital. The plan also proposes implementing “clock-face” frequencies for easier transfers, adding holiday service to match Metro schedules, and preparing for the upcoming North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit line. 

The plan particularly emphasizes improving access for Northwest Pasadena residents to the Rose Bowl and Brookside Park, including safety improvements on key corridors and addressing freeway infrastructure barriers. Bus stop amenities will also be enhanced throughout the system. 

For Dial-A-Ride services, a pilot program will offer same-day service with an expanded coverage area including parts of South Pasadena, Arcadia, Sierra Madre and Glendale. Fares would increase from 75 cents to $1.00 for regular service and $2.00 for same-day service. 

The draft plan’s development follows a detailed timeline: fall 2023 on-board surveys, winter 2024 existing conditions review, spring 2024 priority public workshops, and fall 2024 recommendation feedback workshops, with final recommendations expected in early 2025. 

The public can provide feedback through an online survey at bit.ly/PasadenaSRTP. The Northwest Commission meeting was held at 6:30 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson Community Center.

Public comments can be made in person by submitting a speaker card before public comment begins, or via email to jwhitmore@cityofpasadena.net at least 30 minutes before the meeting starts.