Transit Growth, Parking Upgrades Drive Pasadena Department of Transportation’s $50 Million Budget Proposal

The Pasadena Department of Transportation will present a $50.04 million budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 to the city’s Municipal Services Committee on Tuesday, focusing on expanded transit services and parking infrastructure improvements.

The budget workshop, scheduled for 4 p.m. at Pasadena City Hall, will outline the department’s financial plans across five divisions, with nearly 90% of funding directed toward parking and transit services.

“The department has significantly expanded its transit operations in the past year,” said a statement in the department’s report accompanying the budget proposal documents.

Among the department’s recent accomplishments was the operation of two additional Metro routes, which expanded Pasadena Transit service by more than 30%. The system provided nearly 1.4 million rides during fiscal year 2025.

The FY2026 budget reflects several changes from the previous year, including increases in personnel costs due to labor agreement adjustments and pension increases. Despite adding $1.2 million in additional transit costs, the department projects a net decrease in services and supplies expenditures.

Department officials have requested two enhancements to the budget: a new Associate Planner position at $135,207 and two Administrative Interns at a combined cost of $76,054.

For the upcoming fiscal year, the department plans several major initiatives, including the installation of parking meters in the Playhouse District, improvements to Shoppers Lane parking lots, and beginning construction of a Transit Operations facility.

The department also secured $2.8 million in grant funding during the past fiscal year, which will support various transportation infrastructure projects planned for 2026.

The Municipal Services Committee meeting on May 13 will be open to the public. It will be held in the City Council Chamber at City Hall.