NoHo-To-Pasadena Bus Project Moves Forward Despite Burbank Dispute

LOS ANGELES, CA — Metro and the city of Burbank have reached an agreement allowing construction to move forward Thursday on portions of the North Hollywood-to-Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit project while litigation over dedicated bus lanes continues.

"The agreement allows Metro to proceed with the undisputed project improvements in Burbank, including bus station, roadway and sidewalk, ADA- related pedestrian, street lighting, traffic signal, landscaping upgrades, as well as median-running dedicated lanes on Glenoaks Boulevard," according to Metro. "These improvements are expected to enhance the transit experience for buses and riders along the route."

Metro and Burbank officials said they support moving ahead with the undisputed portions of the project in an effort to keep it on schedule for completion before the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The agreement does not resolve a dispute over dedicated bus lanes on portions of Olive and Alameda avenues and Buena Vista Street.

Burbank's project approvals and permits under the agreement will not include signing and striping plans implementing dedicated bus lanes on Olive Avenue between Buena Vista and Lake streets, or specific traffic signal plans or signal timing designed to implement those lanes.

Metro said it continues to pursue completion of the project with the dedicated lanes included in its Final Environmental Impact Report.

When completed, the bus rapid transit line is planned to connect North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, Eagle Rock and Pasadena.

Plans call for zero-emission electric buses operating in dedicated lanes, all-door boarding and upgraded stations. Metro said the project is intended to improve travel times and provide an east-west transit connection to jobs, schools and other services in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys.

City News Service