Glendale Beeline is the municipal bus and paratransit service which serves the city of Glendale, California, United States. It provides service in Glendale, as well as parts of nearby Burbank, La Cañada Flintridge and La Crescenta-Montrose.[2] The system functions primarily as a community circulator that complements the regional transit services provided by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro).[3]
 | |
| Parent | City of Glendale |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Municipal Services Building, 613 East Broadway, Glendale, California[1] |
| Locale | Glendale |
| Service area | Glendale, Burbank, La Cañada Flintridge, and Unincorporated Los Angeles County |
| Service type | Bus service, paratransit |
| Routes | 12 |
| Hubs | Glendale Transit Center, Downtown Burbank station, Jet Propulsion Laboratory |
| Fuel type | CNG, battery electric |
| Operator | MV Transportation |
| Website | http://www.glendalebeeline.com |
History
editEarly history
editFollowing National City Lines' sale of its Glendale operations to Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority in 1962,[4] Glendale lacked a municipal bus system. To remedy this, the Glendale Beeline, operated by Pacific Busing, was launched in December 1984 as a shuttle bus system for downtown Glendale.[5] Fares were 25 cents for general riders and 15 cents for the elderly and disabled.[6] In 1985, a transfer agreement was reached with Southern California Rapid Transit District.[7]
In 1989, the City of Glendale purchased the Glendale Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, and soon thereafter began acquiring surrounding properties with the intent of creating a transportation center to be used by Beeline.[8][9]
After Pacific Busing was acquired by Laidlaw in 1989, it did not renew its contract to operate the Beeline. A new contract was awarded in 1990 to Medi-Ride, which already operated Glendale's "Dial-A-Ride" paratransit service.[10]
After pausing fare collection in 1990, fares was reintroduced in 1993. The reintroduction of fares allowed Beeline to expand beyond downtown Glendale, adding service to Adventist Health Glendale, Glendale Community College and La Crescenta-Montrose. Restarting fare collection also enabled the city to upgrade its shuttle buses to full-size busses.[11][12]
Following several safety incidents during Medi-Ride's operation of the Beeline, the Glendale City Council awarded a new, 3-year contract to Mayflower Contract Services in 1993.[13]
With the 1992 introduction of Metrolink commuter rail, Beeline service was expanded to the Glendale Transportation Center.[14] Following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, Metrolink rapidly accelerated its expansion of its Santa Clarita line to the Antelope Valley,[15] resulting in an increase in Beeline use.[16]
Modern history
edit
In 1999, the Glendale Transportation Center's adjoining bus station opened, thereby becoming an intermodal passenger transport center. On the 9.5-acre area surrounding the train station, a 750-space parking lot was built, landscaping and lighting was improved, and a bay for 10 buses was established.[17]
Following Laidlaw's 2001 bankruptcy, the contract to operate the Beeline system was awarded to MV Transportation.[18]
In 2009, a compressed natural gas filling station opened at the Glendale Transportation Center.[19]
In December 2013, Glendale Beeline became the first public transit agency in Los Angeles County to operate with all low-floor buses.[20]
By 2016, Beeline had outgrown its existing maintenance facility, leading to the construction of an administration, maintenance and operations facility adjacent to the Glendale Transportation Center.[21] Construction began in 2018. The RNL Architecture-designed facility provides dedicated parking for the transit fleet of 37 buses and 9 "dial-a-ride" vans, as well as staff vehicles.[22][23]
By 2020, Glendale Beeline was facing criticism from environmentalists for relying on compressed natural gas vehicles instead of converting its fleet to electric buses.[24] In 2022, Glendale was awarded $34.6 million in Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) funding from the California State Transportation Agency to electrify its bus fleet.[25] The first electric Beeline bus debuted on Earth Day in 2025, with an additional twenty buses to be phased into the fleet over the following three years.[26]
Fares and fare collection
edit.jpg)
The base fare for Beeline services, for both local and express buses, is $1.00. Discounted or free fares are available for seniors, disabled individuals, low-income individuals, and students.[27]
Since 2008, fares can be paid with the TAP card, a contactless stored-value card. TAP cards are valid on Beeline buses and on 26 other transit agencies in Los Angeles County.[28] Single-ride bus fares can still be paid in cash.[29]
The City of La Cañada Flintridge pays the fare for passengers who board LCF Shuttle routes 33 and 34, and for passengers who board Glendale Beeline route 3 in La Cañada Flintridge only.[30]
Transit passes
editEZ Transit Pass
editGoPass
editIn collaboration with Los Angeles Metro and Glendale Community College, Beeline participates in the GoPass program, allowing K-12 and community college students at participating schools to ride the system for free. Students are also able to ride on other participating transport agencies across the county for free, including the Metro's bus and rail services.[33][34]
Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE)
editLow-income riders can use the Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) Program for 20 free rides per month.[35]
Fares
edit| Fare type | Regular | Senior (62+)
Disabled Medicare |
Student
(without GoPass) |
Student
(with GoPass) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base fare | $1.00 | $0.50 | $1.00 | Free | |
| Express Routes | $2.00 | $2.00 | $2.00 | ||
| Beeline Transfer | $0.25 | $0.15 | $0.25 | Available with TAP card only. | |
| Inter-Agency Transfer | $0.50 | $0.25 | $0.50 | Available with TAP card only. |
Routes
editLocal routes
edit| Route | Terminals | Via | Major connections and notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glendale Glendale Transportation Center |
Glendale Central Av & Stocker St |
Central Av |
|
| 3 | Downtown Glendale Harvard St & Louise St |
La Cañada Flintridge Jet Propulsion Laboratory |
Glendale Av, Verdugo Rd, Honolulu Av, La Crescenta Av, Foothill Bl |
Future connection to North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit Project |
| 31 | La Crescenta-Montrose La Crescenta Av & Montrose Av | |||
| 4 | Glendale Glendale Transportation Center |
Downtown Glendale Glendale Galleria |
Chevy Chase Dr, Broadway, Harvard St |  Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
|
| 5 | Glendale Pacific Av & Riverdale Dr |
Glendale Herbert Hoover High School |
Pacific Av |  Metro: 501Future connection to North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit Project Major attractions: Herbert Hoover High School |
| 6 | Glendale Pacific Av & Riverdale Dr |
Glendale Glendale High School |
Colorado St | LADOT Commuter Express: 409 Future connection to North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit Project Major attractions: The Americana at Brand, Glendale Galleria, Glendale High School, Holy Family Catholic Church, Museum of Neon Art |
| 7 | Glendale Victory Bl & Western Av |
Glendale Glendale Community College |
Glenoaks Bl, Stocker St, Glendale Av | Future connection to North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit Project Major attractions: Glendale Community College - Verdugo Campus, Grand View Memorial Park Cemetery, Herbert Hoover High School, Incarnation Catholic Church and School |
| 8 | Glendale Glendale Transportation Center |
Glendale Glendale Community College |
Glendale Ave, San Fernando Rd | Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
|
Express routes
editMetrolink Express is an express bus service, consisting of 2 routes, serving the Metrolink station at Glendale Transportation Center during rush hour only.[36][37]
Services operate weekdays only.
| Route | Terminals | Via | Major connections and notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Glendale Glendale Transportation Center |
Downtown Glendale Monterey Rd & Brand Bl |
Brand Bl | Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
|
| 12 | Glendale Glendale Transportation Center |
Burbank Burbank Station |
San Fernando Rd, Flower St | Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
|
La Cañada Flintridge (LCF) Shuttle routes
editLCF Shuttle, consisting of 2 routes, serves the city of La Cañada Flintridge.[38]
Services operate weekdays only.
| Route | Terminals | Via | Major connections and notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | La Crescenta-Montrose Montrose Av & Waltonia Dr |
La Cañada Flintridge Jet Propulsion Laboratory |
Ocean View Bl, Foothill Bl | Major attractions: Flintridge Preparatory School |
| 34 | La Cañada Flintridge La Cañada High School | |||
Bus fleet
editBeeline fleet
edit| Make/Model | Fleet numbers | Thumbnail | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Flyer XN35 | B01-B05 |  |
2020 | |
| New Flyer XE35 | B06-B10 | |
2025 |
First electric buses for Glendale Beeline |
| New Flyer C40LF | B58-B59 | |
2005 | |
| New Flyer C35LFR | B66-B72 | |
2009 | |
| New Flyer C40LFR | B73-B74 | |
2009 | |
| New Flyer C40LFR | B75-B78 | |
2012 | |
| New Flyer C40LFR | B79-B88 |  |
2013 | |
| New Flyer XN40 | B89-B97 | .jpg) |
2016 | |
| Gillig BRT Plus CNG 40' | B98-B99 | |
2019 |
La Cañada Flintridge (LCF) Shuttle fleet
edit| Make/Model | Fleet numbers | Thumbnail | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Flyer C35LFR | LC2 | |
2009 | |
| New Flyer C35LF | LC3-LC4 | |
2001 | |
| New Flyer XN35 | LC5 | |
2016 |
See also
editReferences
edit- ↑ "Contact Us". City of Glendale. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
- ↑ "Glendale Beeline". City of Glendale. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
- ↑ "CITY OF GLENDALE AWARDED $34.6 MILLION FROM STATE TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY DEPLOYING ELECTRIC BUSES AND INCREASING RIDERSHIP". July 27, 2022. Retrieved March 2, 2026.
- ↑ "MAJOR BUS COMPANIES SERVING LOS ANGELES". Retrieved February 26, 2025.
- ↑ Denise Hamilton (October 30, 1986). "Beeline Bus Routes to Be Extended by 2 Miles". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
- ↑ Tommy Li (August 5, 1993). "Downtown Glendale's Beeline Shuttle to Charge 25-Cent Fare". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 6, 2026.
- ↑ Theresa Walker (August 8, 1985). "RTD Transfer Pact May Boost Beeline Business". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
- ↑ Willman, Martha L. (December 12, 1991). "Council Eyes Scaled-Down Transit Center : Transportation: Officials lean toward cutting the cost of railroad depot project by $1 million. The new proposal would reduce parking space for cars and buses". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 2014-12-22. Retrieved 2014-12-04.
- ↑ "Glendale, CA (GDL)". Great American Stations. Amtrak. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Council Awards Beeline Contract to Medi-Ride". Los Angeles Times. November 15, 1990. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
- ↑ Tommy Li (August 5, 1993). "Downtown Glendale's Beeline Shuttle to Charge 25-Cent Fare". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
- ↑ Martha L. Willman (August 13, 1993). "GLENDALE: Shuttle Service Postpones Fares". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
- ↑ Tommy Li (September 2, 1993). "City Hires New Firm to Manage Shuttles: Transportation: Citing safety concerns, council members switch operators of the free Beeline buses in a three-year, $4.3-million deal". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
- ↑ Willman, Martha L. (February 14, 1991). "Glendale Bids for Role as a Key Mass Transit Link". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 2, 2026.
- ↑ "Metrolink's 20th Anniversary" (PDF). Retrieved April 1, 2026.
- ↑ Josh Kleinbaum (June 26, 2004). "Twenty years later, Beeline stronger than ever". Glendale News-Press. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Glendale, CA (GDL)". Great American Stations. Amtrak. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
- ↑ Tim Willert (October 25, 2001). "City Council Wrap-Up". Glendale News-Press. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ↑ Martin Zimmerman (December 1, 2008). "It's a (natural) gas in Glendale". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
- ↑ Katherine Cooke (December 12, 2013). "CA: Glendale Beeline Takes Delivery of 10 40-foot Low Floor CNG New Flyer Buses". Mass Transit. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
- ↑ Arin Mikailian (February 19, 2016). "Commission agrees on plan for Beeline's location and design". Glendale News-Press. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
- ↑ Jeff Landa (March 9, 2018). "City breaks ground on Beeline maintenance facility". Glendale News-Press. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
- ↑ "Calif.'s Beeline breaks ground on new maintenance facility". Metro Magazine. March 8, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2026.
- ↑ Lila Seidman (January 30, 2020). "Glendale touts new buses as 'extremely low-emission,' critics say any fossil fuel is too much". Glendale News-Press. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
- ↑ "CITY OF GLENDALE AWARDED $34.6 MILLION FROM STATE TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY DEPLOYING ELECTRIC BUSES AND INCREASING RIDERSHIP". July 27, 2022. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
- ↑ "Earth Day Fair Features First Electric Beeline Bus". Glendale News-Press. May 10, 2025. Retrieved May 10, 2025.
- ↑ "Other Fare Programs". Retrieved April 13, 2026.
- ↑ "TAP Agencies". www.taptogo.net. Archived from the original on July 2, 2023. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
- ↑ "Cash Fares & Passes". Retrieved May 12, 2025.
- ↑ "Other Fare Programs". Retrieved May 12, 2025.
- ↑ "Transit Passes". Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ↑ "EZ Transit Pass and other discounts". Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ↑ "Over 400,000 students in L.A. have enrolled in Metro's unlimited free ride program". Los Angeles Times. 2024-08-17. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
- ↑ "Glendale Community College, L.A. Metro, Glendale Beeline partner to offer GoPass free transit pass program to all students". Mass Transit. September 21, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ↑ "Transit Passes". Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ↑ "Route 11". Glendale Beeline. October 8, 2018. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
- ↑ "Route 12". Glendale Beeline. October 8, 2018. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
- ↑ "Route 33 / 34". Glendale Beeline. October 28, 2017. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
External links
edit
