Dozens of Burbank speakers urge council to drop Metro lawsuit and build Bus Rapid Transit

Dozens of residents filled the council chamber on June 30 to press the Burbank City Council on the legal dispute with LA Metro and the planned North Hollywood–Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line.

Speakers on both sides of the issue addressed the council during the first public comment period. Many transit riders, business owners and advocacy groups urged the city to "settle this suit" with Metro and allow construction of the BRT lanes. Jonathan Wilder told the council, "We want the city of Burbank to settle this suit. We don't want any money wasted on this," and several speakers warned the city could be responsible for large damages and daily delay costs if litigation continues while construction proceeds elsewhere in the region.

Other residents urged caution. Some speakers argued the city must protect single‑family neighborhoods and questioned potential upzoning tied to state law (SB79). Vendors at the downtown cultural market and several market organizers said a recent relocation had reduced foot traffic and requested more city marketing and a review of the decision.

The meetings also attracted speakers concerned about the city's contract with a license‑plate‑reading vendor (Flock), calling for audit results and possible contract termination.

Council members did not take immediate action on the BRT lawsuit during the meeting; the city manager reiterated that the city cannot comment on active litigation, and staff noted the city is engaged in the ongoing legal process. The strong show of public comment will be part of the public record as council and staff continue to weigh legal and fiscal options.