City council directs staff to advance San Gabriel Valley 'jump start' BRT concept

The Monterey Park City Council voted to direct staff to move forward with the San Gabriel Valley Forward "jump start" bus rapid transit demonstration project after a multi‑hour presentation and council discussion.

Consultant Maya Boucher of Kimley‑Horn said the proposal focuses on two corridor segments—Atlantic Boulevard (1st to Brightwood) and Garvey Avenue (Atlantic to New Avenue)—and would use peak‑hour bus/bike lanes (7–9 a.m., 4–7 p.m.), transit signal priority and upgraded shelters. Boucher cited Line 70 ridership at about 15,000 boardings per day and estimated dedicated bus lanes could reduce bus travel times by 10–25% with an additional up to 10% improvement from signal priority. Public Works Director Sean Angle said the final configuration and cost will depend on council direction; he called the recommended side‑running option compatible with the city's Garvey Avenue improvements project.

Council members pressed staff on parking impacts, enforcement, HOV rules and timing. Multiple members, including Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, urged Metro to set aside funding for a parking structure and to accelerate preconstruction work, while others asked the COG and Metro to study directional operating options (one‑direction in the morning, the reverse in the evening). City attorney guidance established that two recused council members would not count toward the quorum; the motion to advance the project passed on an unanimous vote of those participating.

The council asked staff to return with requests to Metro that include parking‑structure funding and to pursue an accelerated environmental clearance and design schedule so limited improvements could be implemented before the 2028 Olympics. "We need to think about the 15,000 people who rely on this line," Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez said during deliberations, urging the council to focus on reliability and equity.

Next steps: staff will work with the COG and Metro on project definition, pursue environmental clearance for the quick‑build improvements, and continue community outreach to businesses and residents.