Rosemead approves peak‑hour side‑running bus lanes with transit signal priority and HOV capability, 3–2

Following public comments from business owners and transit advocates, the Rosemead City Council voted 3–2 to adopt a resolution to participate in the SGV COG "jump start" demonstration project along Garvey Avenue.

The amended resolution directs the city and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments to pursue transit signal priority and side‑running bus lanes operating during peak hours (7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) with high‑occupancy vehicle capability, and it explicitly includes language that Rosemead (working with SGV COG) retains authority to revert the changes to regular traffic lanes if the pilot demonstrates unacceptable impacts. Councilmember Steven Lee moved the amended resolution and Councilmember Sean Dang seconded it; the motion passed 3‑2 after extended debate.

Council discussion focused on tradeoffs: some councilmembers and business commenters worried that removing lane capacity or parking would harm local businesses and push traffic onto neighborhood streets, while other councilmembers, transit consultants and supporters argued synchronization and peak‑hour approaches would improve bus reliability and rider access without full 24/7 dedicated lanes. The resolution directs staff to negotiate with SGV COG and Metro on details, traffic analysis aligned with the Garvey Avenue specific plan, and signal‑timing/synchronization work as a priority. A representative of the SGV COG said the project would be treated as a demonstration with monitoring and the ability to adjust striping and timing or revert if necessary.

Council asked that language be included in the resolution to require safeguards and monitoring; city staff and the COG said the demonstration approach typically includes an evaluation period (commonly one year) and that the council’s concerns about reversibility and signal timing would be communicated to Metro during funding discussions.