Residents and business owners in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles are raising objections to LA Metro's proposed 19-mile rapid bus route, a project intended to enhance public transit access for the 2028 Olympic Games. The plan, which aims to connect North Hollywood and Pasadena, is met with concerns that it will negatively impact local businesses along Colorado Boulevard and worsen traffic congestion.
LA Metro is undertaking 28 transportation improvements as part of its initiative to ensure ticketed spectators can reach competition venues via public transit, walking, or cycling for the 2028 Olympics. The proposed bus line, an east-to-west rapid route, will pass through Burbank and Glendale before reaching Eagle Rock and Pasadena.
Costing an estimated $267 million, construction for this project began in April 2026 and is currently in its early stages. In Eagle Rock, the route includes three stops planned along Colorado Boulevard, a street recognized for its historical significance, including its connection to Route 66, and its role in hosting the annual Tournament of Roses Parade.
Concerns have been voiced by local stakeholders, including Ursula Brown, Secretary of the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce. Brown stated that the bus route could significantly harm businesses on Colorado Boulevard by eliminating approximately 500 parking spaces. She noted that measures such as stop signs and parking cones have appeared, and parking spots have been marked with red curbs, with parking meters removed, even before major construction has commenced. This has led to a sentiment among some residents that the city is actively undermining local businesses.
Karl Schumacher, a local resident, echoed these sentiments on a community Facebook group, observing the removal of parking spaces and meters on Colorado Boulevard. He questioned whether the City of Los Angeles's objective is to harm Eagle Rock's small businesses.
Residents also anticipate an increase in traffic on side streets and are concerned about the impact on Colorado Boulevard's function as a designated safety corridor. Brown suggested that the number of proposed bus stops may not be sufficient for practical use, particularly for elderly or disabled individuals needing to access them.
Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, representing Eagle Rock, has stated that her office has communicated the neighborhood's concerns to LA Metro and other relevant departments. She affirmed a commitment to advocating for both improved transit and a project that respects the community's needs, emphasizing the desire for clear communication before each phase of work begins.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation for further comment on the matter.