GUEST OPINION
A Panoramic view of Alhambra (Photo – City of Alhambra)
A transit plan five years in the making is primed to help Alhambra Community Transit (ACT) better serve half the city. The plan has been thoroughly studied by the City’s Public Works Department and shaped by community participation at every step. The Council approved it unanimously. All that’s left is to give the plan the go-ahead.
By Alborz Mohtashami
Starting December 15, the City’s update would shift the Blue Line away from duplicating existing bus service on Fremont and near Main, toward corridors that need it most. The route would add Garfield, Hellman, and East Main; connect Downtown Alhambra with the Cal State LA Transit Center; and keep operating costs the same. The analysis projects ridership to increase by 44% on the Blue Line alone.
Under pressure from concerned residents, however, the City Council delayed the rollout of the new route at a Special Meeting on October 23. The Council sent the plan back to City staff and the Transportation Commission for further research on routing options, neighborhood impacts and the potential removal of the two northernmost stops.
This matters in daily life. There are currently no bus lines that serve Hellman Avenue, and the Montebello 30 bus serves Garfield only once an hour. The Blue Line change would fill gaps, shorten walks to key destinations, and make more trips possible without a car. Riders would gain direct links to parks, the library, City Hall, the police station, the post office, and health services, as well as easy regional access to Metrolink and the Metro J Line.
Local anchors also would benefit. Story Park and the Joslyn Adult Recreation Center serve seniors and families during the week, while Granada Park is a hub for recreation. Garfield is lined with medical offices that keep us healthy. A bus that reaches these places does what a city bus should do: make everyday trips simple.
East Main is growing. The Cordova at 801 E. Main is adding new homes and welcoming new neighbors. Reliable service there means fewer short car trips for groceries and pharmacy runs, less circling for parking near shops and restaurants, and a more walkable neighborhood overall. Residents gain access to local shops and services without a car, while businesses gain customers who visit more often and spend more over time. Better transit also supports public health, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthens community connection.
Having grown up near a residential bus route and now riding with my daughter, I’ve always found transit freeing. It connects me to the city, sparks neighborly conversations, and turns mobility into community. We often take the 30 to Baby Story Time at the Alhambra Civic Center Library on Tuesday mornings, and every ride reminds me how transit ties a city together.
Removing the northern loop would be a mistake. The Granada and Hidalgo stops extend access northward, giving residents as far north as Huntington a practical way to reach transit. The stop by Story Park and Joslyn is a vital link for families and older adults and a sensible place for a brief layover so drivers can stay on time. The City can ensure safety and use established practices to protect sightlines and manage noise on residential blocks.
We should be talking about growing our transit system, not stalling plans before they’ve had a chance to be tested. Even with these changes, ACT can go further by extending operating hours, adding accessible buses, and reaching areas without service. Public transit benefits everyone, so let’s dream bigger: more routes, dedicated lanes, and eventually mass rapid transit.
To summarize: the Blue Line reroute brings transit to underserved neighborhoods, keeps costs level, and expands access to healthcare, parks, and businesses. It serves residents across the city, from the south near Hellman, through central Garfield, to the northeast neighborhoods of Bean Tract and Lindaraxa Park. It helps students headed to Mark Keppel High School and Cal State LA, and it connects Alhambra to Metrolink and the Metro J Line, drawing visitors who dine and shop on Valley and Main. Most importantly, it’s a detailed plan that already has unanimous Council support.
The plan is rooted in public input and expert study. The City conducted ridership analyses, consulted current and potential riders, and worked with transit professionals who made data-driven recommendations. Public feedback continues through five community workshops.
The City’s ACT plan is ready. I urge the Alhambra City Council to move forward with the December 15 launch and implement the plan as originally agreed, with the full route and northern stops intact.
Let’s move ahead on December 15. After launch, the City can review on-time performance, reliability, and rider feedback in order to make targeted adjustments. I’ll be riding and sharing what I see with staff, and I encourage neighbors to do the same.
Alborz Mohtashami is an Alhambra resident, music lover, coffee enthusiast, library browser, and urbanism advocate.
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