Metro advances plan to move Commerce Metrolink station to Pico Rivera

L.A. County photo

PICO RIVERA — The Metro Board of Directors unanimously approved a motion Thursday to advance the proposed relocation of the Commerce Metrolink station to Pico Rivera, authorizing up to $6 million for preliminary engineering and environmental review.

The motion by Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn moves the proposal into further study, which will help determine its costs, feasibility and next steps. Metro expects the California High-Speed Rail Authority to fully reimburse the agency for its investment, according to Hahn’s office.

The existing Commerce station must be relocated to accommodate California’s high-speed rail plans, Hahn’s office said. The High-Speed Rail Authority recommended moving it to an industrial area of Montebello, but Hahn has advocated for a Pico Rivera location.

“Pico Rivera has had Metrolink trains running through its community for years, but residents haven’t been able to get on board,” Hahn said. “We have an opportunity to change that. Instead of moving the station to an industrial area with limited transit connections, we can put it where it will better serve riders and help strengthen downtown Pico Rivera.”

A feasibility study estimated that a Pico Rivera station could attract 350 to 430 daily boardings by 2045, according to Hahn’s office. The existing Commerce station averages 33 daily boardings.

The motion was co-authored by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Supervisor Hilda Solis, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and Metro Director Sandoval.

Commerce, Montebello and Pico Rivera have expressed support for the Pico Rivera location, according to the release. The proposal also has support from state Sen. Bob Archuleta, Rep. Linda Sánchez and U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff.

Pico Rivera officials have described the station as part of a broader effort to expand transit access and encourage development near public transportation.

“The Pico Rivera City Council is united in its belief that the Pico Rivera Regional Rail Station is critical to our future,” City Manager Steve Carmona said at a Metro committee meeting last week. “Combined with our commitment to the Metro E Line extension and the Rosemead-Lakewood Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit Line, Pico Rivera is a city that embraces high quality transit and transit-oriented development.”

Plans for the proposed station include transit connections and improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists, with support from the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, according to Hahn’s office.

Pico Rivera is also pursuing state and federal funding for the project. The release did not identify a construction schedule or opening date.