80 Signals, 7 Routes, 3 Days: Managing Pasadena’s New Year’s Events

Overseeing traffic signals for the Rose Parade at the Pasadena Traffic Management Center. (Photo – cityofpasadena)

Eighty traffic signals, seven transit routes, more than 500 parked vehicles, and three days of continuous operations defined Pasadena’s New Year’s events.

By John Boucher

Behind the numbers, the City’s Department of Transportation (DOT) led planning, coordination, and on-the-ground operations for the Rose Parade, Rose Bowl Game, and Floatfest, according to a report by Director of Transportation Joaquin T. Siques.

Three DOT divisions, Engineering & Operations, Parking, and Transit, supported events on January 1, 2026, and Floatfest activities from January 1 through January 3. Operations were coordinated through the Traffic Management Center (TMC), which was staffed by DOT engineers and consultants throughout the event period.

80 signals monitored before parade day

On parade eve, DOT staff monitored traffic flow and adjusted signal timing at 80 traffic signals along and near the parade route. Despite wet weather, events continued as scheduled, including the 3rd Annual Lululemon Run with the Roses 5K, which took place at midnight along a portion of the route. The run required additional coordination with the Police Department and parade organizers.

62 signals adjusted during the Rose Parade

During parade operations, signal timing was adjusted at 62 traffic signals along the route and adjacent intersections. DOT staff supported the Police Department by monitoring the parade through closed-circuit television and modifying signal operations in real time. Following the parade, signals were returned to planned operations to support parade egress and Rose Bowl Game ingress.

13 signals for game ingress, 55 for egress

The Rose Bowl Game began at 1:00 pm, one hour earlier than in previous years, creating an overlap between outbound parade traffic and inbound game traffic. To manage the transition, DOT modified 13 traffic signals to facilitate Rose Bowl ingress and later adjusted 55 signals to support post-game egress. Traffic conditions were monitored throughout the day, with additional signal changes made at the request of the Police Department.

3 days of Floatfest operations and expanded shuttles

Floatfest traffic operations began immediately following the parade and continued through January 3. This year, two additional Park & Ride shuttle locations, Caltech and Sierra Madre Villa Station, were added to supplement the existing Pasadena City College shuttle. DOT staff monitored traffic on January 1 and January 2, with support from the Public Works Department’s Signal Shop on January 3.

500+ vehicles managed through pre-purchase parking

Parking operations for the Rose Parade and the Lululemon Run with the Roses 5K were managed by the Parking Division. Online pre-purchase parking options helped ensure smooth ingress and egress for more than 500 vehicles. Pre-purchase parking at select facilities also accommodated run participants and spectators, reducing congestion and confusion. On January 1, the City’s contracted garage operator was on-site to coordinate operations, while Parking Enforcement staff enforced restrictions to maintain access and safety. From January 1 through January 3, two Parking Enforcement Officers patrolled the Floatfest area daily, contributing a total of 41 hours.

7 transit routes detoured, 80+ stops notified

Transit Division staff coordinated detours on New Year’s Eve for seven routes affected by street closures related to the Lululemon 5K and float-decorating activities near the Rose Bowl. Additional detours were implemented for Route 33 on New Year’s Day due to Rose Parade impacts. Detour notices were posted at more than 80 bus stops and shared via the City’s website and social media platforms. Pasadena Transit operated on a limited service schedule on New Year’s Day, and the Transit Division published online trip-planning information to assist riders.

4 warming buses served 100 participants

In response to cold and wet weather conditions, four warming buses were deployed on January 1 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Altadena and Paloma. The heated buses provided a place for parade participants to warm up at the end of the route, helping reduce the risk of weather-related injury or illness. An estimated 100 participants used the warming buses during the event.