Mobility Element 2015
City of Pasadena
Department of Transportation
Page | 27
Bus stop improvements, including bus pads, bus pullouts, and right‑of‑way for bus shelters may be
required as mitigation measures if a proposed development would have substantial traffic impacts.
Lastly, multi-family projects with 100 units or more, or mixed use projects with 50 units or more, will
submit a TDM Program Plan as required.
In order to encourage non-auto travel, the Trip Reduction Ordinance also includes incentives that allow
a project to reduce the number of required employee parking spaces. Reductions
can be claimed by
having an on-site Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC) and by having an approved TSM Program.
The City participates in the trip reduction initiative by providing a program for city employees. The City’s
“PRIDE SHARE” program consists of incentives for employees to rideshare or use public transit, bicycle,
or walk to work.
Transportation Management Association (TMA)
The City of Pasadena supports the Pasadena Transportation Management Association (TMA). The
organization was established in 1989 in response to the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s
(AQMD) Regulation XV. This regulation required employers with more than 100 employees to reduce
vehicle emissions through carpooling, transit use, or other modes of travel that do not rely upon single-
occupancy vehicles. The TMA is a voluntary organization which serves as a networking and information
organization that has three primary objectives: Reducing single-occupancy vehicle commuter trips,
improving air quality, and reducing congestion in the City. There are approximately 40 employers in
Pasadena who participate in the TMA.
4.10 Parking
Parking is included in the Mobility Element because the presence of off-street and on-street parking has
a direct effect on the use of the roadway. On-site parking provisions are developed in zoning regulations
consistent with the objectives of specific plans. However, Mobility Element policies discourage provision
of excess auto parking in new development, support the use of shared parking and encourage a
balanced approach that fosters non-auto travel.
The availability and pricing of on-street parking also affects the choices that travelers make, as well as
the mode of transportation they use. Many American cities continue to devote much of their land space
to the movement and storage of the automobile. Pasadena actively seeks ways to successfully develop
and maintain a transit-, pedestrian-, and bicycle-friendly environment while addressing the space needs
of the automobile consistent with adopted development plans and projects. On multimodal corridors,
transportation programs are balanced to address peak-hour parking needs, commuter travel needs, and
delivery needs of commercial areas.
An additional challenge in development of parking solutions is recognition of the unique character of
many areas of the City, which means that no one parking solution will fit all situations.
The City engages
in collaborative efforts with the residential areas, the businesses and the retail community to develop
and operate auto parking programs to meet their particular needs consistent with the General Plan. In
addition, the City’s public parking facilities are planned and in some instances operated in partnership
with the business community.
The various auto parking facilities and program areas within the City. Components include:
Mobility Element 2015
City of Pasadena
Department of Transportation
Page | 28
On-street parking in
commercial areas
Off-street parking facilities
Preferential parking
Light-rail station parking enforcement areas
Public Parking Facilities
The City of Pasadena owns and operates thirteen auto/parking facilities that offer low rates and user
conveniences. These parking facilities are in close proximity to retail, restaurant, entertainment, and
office buildings. In addition, bicycle racks and/or lockers have been installed in some facilities pursuant
to the City’s project review process. Additional efforts to expand bicycle parking are underway
throughout the City as part of the Bicycle Transportation Action Plan. While this document identifies the
auto parking spaces available in the City, it should be noted that privately operated parking facilities are
also available throughout the City, providing numerous parking options for the traveling public.
In Old Pasadena, there are three public parking structures that provide approximately 1,600 auto
parking spaces. In the Civic Center area there are six parking structures, providing approximately 4,500
auto parking spaces. The Playhouse District has two parking lots, providing approximately 200 auto
parking spaces. The South Lake Avenue Business District also has two parking lots available to
customers and visitors with close to 700 auto parking spaces. Many of these facilities are close to bus
routes, allowing people to park once and travel conveniently within Pasadena’s downtown areas.
Parking Meter Districts
The City has five parking meter districts with more than 2,267 parking meters: West Gateway, Old
Pasadena, Civic Center, Playhouse and South Lake. The installation of parking meters creates more