A Trolley Between Old Pasadena and South Lake Ave Could Transform the City

King Street Trolley, Alexandria VA (Photo – Marc Corti for Colorado Boulevard Newspaper)

There are cities that preserve their history, and then there are cities that bring it to life. A recent visit to Alexandria, Virginia, made that distinction unmistakably clear.

By Wafic Khalil

Walking through its beloved Old Town, Alexandria feels like stepping into a living storybook. Its Old Town is intimate, just one lane in each direction, yet full of energy. Instead of endless chains, you find locally owned shops, independent cafés, and storefronts with character. It’s not just commerce; it’s community.

And then there’s the history. It isn’t tucked away in museums; it’s embedded in the pavement beneath your feet. Nearly every few steps reveals a plaque or marker: a reminder that George Washington stood here, that something meaningful happened there. The past is not distant in Alexandria; it’s woven into daily life.

What truly elevates the experience, though, is how effortlessly the city moves people through it.

Running along King Street (their counterpart to our own Colorado Boulevard) is a free, charming, accessible and remarkably practical trolley system. Styled like a classic trolley but operating on wheels, it carries both locals and visitors up and down the corridor throughout the day and into the evening. It’s more than transportation, it’s an invitation to explore a little farther, stay a little longer, and engage more deeply with everything the district offers.

It’s hard not to imagine what something similar could do for Pasadena.

With vibrant business districts like Old Pasadena, the South Lake Avenue District, and Playhouse Village, the city already has all the ingredients. What’s missing is the connective thread: a simple, welcoming way to move people seamlessly.

Imagine a free trolley route linking these areas. Visitors could park once and explore freely. Locals could rediscover their city without the friction of traffic or parking. Businesses across districts would benefit from increased flow, not just isolated foot traffic. The experience of Pasadena would transform from a set of destinations into a cohesive journey.

The numbers suggest this isn’t just romantic thinking; it’s practical. A quick search indicates that Alexandria generates roughly $1 billion annually from tourism, while Pasadena brings in about $700 million. Closing even part of that gap could have a meaningful economic impact, and improved accessibility is a proven driver of increased visitor engagement.

Of course, Pasadena has its own unique considerations, like the iconic Rose Parade. But even that isn’t a barrier. A trolley system could simply pause or reroute during major events. Cities adapt all the time. That is what makes cities resilient.

This isn’t about copying another city. It’s about recognizing a good idea when you see one, and imagining how it could be reinterpreted to fit Pasadena’s own identity.

Because sometimes the smallest changes can reshape how a city feels, functions, and flourishes.