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An image showing a busy city street with palm trees and commercial buildings in Pasadena, California. Several cars are on the road, and a sleek, modern Metro bus is prominently featured in the foreground. The text at the bottom reads 'North Hollywood to Pasadena' in bold, colorful letters, promoting a transportation route between the two cities.

October 4, 2024

North Hollywood to Pasadena Transit Corridor: Enhancing Connectivity and Sustainability

The North Hollywood (NoHo) to Pasadena Transit Corridor Project is set to revolutionize public transportation in Los Angeles County by introducing an 18-mile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line. This ambitious project aims to bridge the gap between the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys, serving the communities of North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, Eagle Rock, and Pasadena.

Project Objectives and Benefits:
The primary objective of the project is to provide a premium transit option that surpasses the current bus services in terms of speed, reliability, and convenience. The BRT system is projected to attract both existing and new riders by offering a compelling alternative to personal vehicles. This shift to public transportation is expected to yield several benefits:

  • Reduced Travel Time: The BRT system is expected to provide significantly faster travel times compared to existing transit options. For instance, the current travel time from North Hollywood to Pasadena by transit is approximately two hours, while the BRT system aims to reduce this to just over an hour.

  • Improved Regional Connectivity: The BRT line will seamlessly integrate with the existing Metro rail network, connecting with the B (Red), G (Orange), and L (Gold) lines, as well as the future North San Fernando Valley BRT line.

  • Enhanced Access to Employment and Services: The BRT corridor will run parallel to the Ventura Freeway, providing convenient access to major employment hubs, educational institutions, and essential services. Key destinations along the route include the North Hollywood Arts District, Burbank Media District, Glendale Galleria, Americana at Brand, Eagle Rock Plaza, Occidental College, Old Pasadena, and Pasadena City College.

  • Environmental Sustainability: By encouraging a shift from single-occupant vehicles to public transportation, the project aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. The use of electric zero-emission buses further strengthens the project's commitment to environmental sustainability.


BRT Features and Design:
The NoHo to Pasadena BRT system will incorporate various elements designed to enhance the passenger experience and optimize operational efficiency:

  • Dedicated Bus Lanes: One of the crucial aspects of the BRT system is the implementation of dedicated bus lanes. These lanes will be strategically integrated along the corridor, utilizing different configurations based on the available right-of-way and community input.

  • Enhanced Stations: Passengers can look forward to comfortable and well-equipped BRT stations featuring amenities such as seating, lighting, trash receptacles, and real-time arrival information.

  • Frequent Service: The BRT line will operate with high frequency, offering service every 10 minutes throughout weekdays. This frequent service will minimize wait times and enhance the convenience and reliability of the BRT system.

  • Transit Signal Priority: To ensure efficient travel times, the BRT system will be equipped with transit signal priority technology. This technology will enable buses to communicate with traffic signals, extending green lights or shortening red lights to maintain optimal travel speeds.


Community Engagement and Environmental Review:
LA Metro has prioritized community engagement and environmental considerations throughout the project's planning and development process:

  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Metro has actively engaged with stakeholders, including local communities, businesses, and government agencies, to gather feedback and address concerns. This collaborative approach ensures that the project aligns with the needs and priorities of the communities it serves.

  • Environmental Impact Report (EIR): A comprehensive Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) was prepared and released for public review in October 2020. The DEIR addresses various environmental factors, including aesthetics, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, energy, geology/soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology/water quality, land use/planning, mineral resources, noise, population/housing, public services, recreation, transportation, tribal cultural resources, utilities/service systems, and wildfire. The DEIR identifies potential environmental impacts and proposes mitigation measures to minimize any adverse effects.


D'Leon's Role for North Hollywood and Eagle Rock Segments:
D'Leon Consulting Engineers (DLCE) will play a key role in the design and development of the NoHo to Pasadena Transit Corridor project. Our expertise will be applied across multiple segments of the BRT corridor, including North Hollywood and Eagle Rock. For North Hollywood, DLCE will develop comprehensive design packages covering general, roadway, median/island, drainage, and utility plans. In Eagle Rock, our focus will be on drainage and utility plans. DLCE's scope of services includes, but is not limited to:

  • Project Meeting and Outreach Support

  • Design Validation & Basis of Design

  • Third Party Design Review and Approval

  • Subsurface Utility Engineering

  • Design Development

  • Design Support During Construction


The NoHo to Pasadena Transit Corridor Project represents a significant investment in sustainable and efficient public transportation infrastructure in Los Angeles County. By implementing a BRT system with dedicated bus lanes, enhanced stations, frequent service, and advanced technologies, the project aims to provide a compelling alternative to driving, reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and enhancing regional connectivity. The project's emphasis on community engagement and environmental responsibility ensures that it is developed in a manner that benefits both the present and future community.


Picture courtesy of LA Metro.

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