Project Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We’re building fast and reliable bus service between
North Hollywood and Pasadena.

Project Overview & Delivery Method

1. When was this project approved?
The Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) was certified and the project was approved by the Metro Board of Directors on April 28, 2022. The project is being advanced in accordance with the Metro Board approval and now in its final design stage before it enters construction.

2. What cities will the project connect?
The North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project will provide a premium transit service to connect the cities of Los Angeles (North Hollywood and Eagle Rock communities), Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena, improving access to jobs, education, and other key destinations.

3. What makes the BRT a ‘premium’ transit service?
The NoHo to Pasadena BRT will offer improved speed compared to existing public transit options, along with increased frequency of service, and more passenger amenities on board and at BRT stations.

4. What is a CM/GC and why was it chosen for this project?
CM/GC stands for Construction Manager/General Contractor. It is a delivery approach that engages early collaboration between the Metro project team and the contractor during design development to provide pre-construction services, which improves constructability, cost estimating, and scheduling.


Coordination with Cities

1. How is Metro working with local cities along the route?
Metro is actively coordinating and sharing design plans with each of the four cities along the alignment. Plans are shared with relevant City Departments throughout the design process to ensure the project aligns with local plans and priorities. Each city is providing key input on project design to find solutions to deliver a safe and reliable BRT service. The Project Team will host quarterly Community Meetings to present updates on design progress.
 

Traffic & Lane Concerns


1. Will the BRT have dedicated bus lanes throughout?
The Project includes a mix of dedicated and mixed-flow lanes. The current BRT configuration map can be found in the
latest presentation.

2. Will the project reduce travel lanes or increase congestion?
The project design is being advanced in accordance with the Metro Board approved project. In some areas, travel lanes will be reconfigured to accommodate a dedicated bus lane. These areas include portions of Burbank, Glendale, and Eagle Rock. Traffic studies, which include a Traffic Diversion Analysis and Traffic Delay Analysis have been conducted and provided as part of the Project’s FEIR.

In Burbank, the approved project includes side-running dedicated BRT lanes on Olive Av between Buena Vista St and Lake St. This reduces through travel lanes to one lane in each direction.
In Eagle Rock, the approved project includes side-running dedicated BRT lanes west of Eagle Rock Bl and maintains existing travel lanes. Median-running dedicated BRT lanes will be constructed east of Eagle Rock Bl, reducing through travel lanes to one lane in each direction.

In Glendale, the approved project includes side-running dedicated BRT lanes along portions of Central Av and Broadway, reducing travel lanes to one lane in each direction.

Vehicles are allowed to enter or cross the dedicated BRT lane to make right-turns, enter driveways, or enter curb-side parking. We continue collaboration with the Cities along the alignment on design as it is advanced.

3. What happens during emergencies if travel lanes are reduced?
Emergency access is a key consideration. Los Angeles County and each of the cities along the corridor have thoroughly developed emergency response plans. During construction, any necessary lane closures or detour routes would be established in coordination with emergency service personnel. After construction, the dedicated BRT lanes will allow emergency vehicle access, and in the event of an evacuation, would be open to all vehicles.
 

Construction Questions


1. When is construction anticipated to begin?
The project is currently in its design phase at 30% design. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025/early 2026. Pre-construction activities, such as utility exploration may begin as early as mid-2025. Metro is committed to delivering the project as efficiently as possible.

2. What impacts should we expect during construction?
While construction plans remain tentative, Metro and the contractor continue ongoing discussion about the most efficient ways to build the project, while limiting impacts to the community. Residents and business owners may expect nighttime closures, along with temporary lane closures. Metro will provide regular updates and notices to nearby residents and businesses in advance.
 

Landscaping


1. Will trees or landscaping be removed?
Metro is working in coordination with the necessary agencies across the project corridor to address vegetation and landscaping needs within the Public Right of Way. Some trees may need to be removed to accommodate the project’s design, but Metro is committed to replacing them, often at a 2:1 ratio and incorporating sustainable landscaping into the final design.

2. Will the Project remove or reduce landscaped medians?
In areas with median running bus lanes, such as in Eagle Rock and Glendale, medians are generally retained with some modification. In Eagle Rock, new medians will be added across sections of Colorado Bl currently without them.
 

Parking

1. How will the project impact on-street parking for residents and businesses?
Parking impacts vary by location. For example, side running bus lanes preserve a majority of parking and most parking loss will occur where stations will be constructed. While median running bus lanes do not impact parking. Metro continues to work closely with each city to explore options to ensure BRT safety and reliability, while preserving parking where possible.

2. Will parking be provided at stations?
Parking is not being considered at proposed stations. The Project is being constructed along city streets and Metro does not own property adjacent to the route where parking could be provided.
 

Bike Lanes, Safety, and Comfort

1. How is Metro addressing pedestrian and bike safety along the route?
The project includes enhancements to crosswalks and bike lanes. Safety for all users—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians—is a top priority and Metro is working closely with each city to improve safety in alignment with the Project's approved project description.

2. What types of bike lanes are proposed across the project corridor?
Bike lane class types vary throughout the project alignment and improvements will be made as applicable as part of the BRT project, while also considering preservation of parking and ensured safety and reliability of the BRT system.

3. What amenities will be included at each station?
BRT stations are unlike typical city bus shelters and will feature a Metro branded BRT unique station that will feature shade canopies, with installation of back and side panels where appropriate, along with seating, lighting, real-time arrival displays, opportunities for art integration, and in some cases bike racks or bike facilities. These amenities will maximize the comfort of future passengers waiting for the BRT.
 

Connectivity

1. Does the BRT provide access to other transit services?
The BRT will have connections to the Metro A, B, and G Lines and will serve the Burbank Metrolink Station with a stop at Olive Av/Lake St once complete. Local bus routes and Metro Micro services are not impacted by this BRT Project.
 

Passenger Amenities

1. Will TAP vending machines be installed at any of the proposed stations?
Metro is not currently planning any installation of TAP vending machines along the BRT alignment. However, the Metro TAP team continues to coordinate with local businesses for opportunities to sell TAP cards. Existing TAP machines are located along Metro Line connections as part of the BRT, which includes the North Hollywood B Line Station and the Memorial Park A Line Station. Riders may also pay cash to pay their fare at the front of the bus, similar to existing Metro buses.

2. What will the fare structure be on the future BRT?
The fare structure of the BRT will be identical to the structure on existing Metro buses. The buses will be configured with TAP capabilities to enter at both the front and rear doors to reduce passenger waiting time at stations.

Business Support Services

1. How will businesses get assistance during construction?
Eat Shop Play is Construction Mitigation program that supports local businesses as Metro expands public transportation in Los Angeles County. The program provides free marketing assistance and valuable resources for businesses to encourage people to explore and shop locally. All registered businesses have access to free digital marketing classes and coaching, and increased visibility and exposure through Metro’s marketing campaigns and promotional channels. Businesses within a quarter mile of the BRT alignment can qualify. Learn more about program eligibility or sign up directly on metro.net/eatshopplay.

Public Engagement

1. How can the public continue to provide feedback and ask questions?
Feedback is welcomed through community meetings, which are planned quarterly to follow the project’s design milestones. The next meeting is planned around June/July 2025. Input on the project’s design elements is encouraged. Feedback is also encouraged by providing an email to the Project.

2. How do I stay connected to project updates?
Please stay connected to the project through the following methods:
  • Project Email: nohopasbrt@metro.net
  • Project Hotline: 213.418.3228
  • Project Website: metro.net/nohopasbrt