Los Angeles Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal on the West Coast. Its importance as a vital transportation hub is only matched by its status as an iconic landmark, with a rich history and glamourous style that truly represents the city. The station is also the focus of a transformational project that will improve regional connectivity to key destinations in Southern California by increasing rail service capacity to accommodate future transportation demands of the region.
Gateway to Los Angeles
In 2019, more than 100,000 travelers made their way through Union Station each day. It’s considered the mid-point for the 351-mile Pacific Surfliner route, making it understandably one of the busiest stations in terms of ridership. The station is also served by long-distance, commuter, and light-rail trains; local and intercity buses; shuttles to Los Angeles International Airport; and more. The station is often considered a destination in and of itself, with art installations, cultural events, dining options, gift kiosks, and ample photo opportunities. The station has a bicycle hub for anyone who is interested in riding through downtown Los Angeles.
Primary Site of the Oscars 2021 In-Person Ceremony
The historic train station was selected by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to host part of the 93rd Academy Awards on April 25. Areas within the station, such as the Historic Ticketing Hall, the Grand Waiting Room, and the outdoor patios were transformed for the awards show. This was the first time the awards were hosted at a train station. The station remained open to passengers throughout the awards events.
An Architectural Gem
LA Union Station was built in 1939 with a signature Mission Modern style. Sweeping hallways are marked with colorful tiles, wood-inlayed ceilings, towering windows, grand chandeliers, and more. The station itself was meant to reflect a combination of the city’s history, heritage, and future-looking modernism. It was recently named by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the 14 most beautiful train stations in the country.
Planning for the Future
By 2040, it’s expected that more than 200,000 travelers will pass through LA Union Station each weekday. Making continued improvements to this vital transportation hub is important to accommodate growing transit needs in the area, while also preserving the station’s unique identity and history.
A number of agencies are working collaboratively on the Link Union Station (Link US) Project, including the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, which manages the Pacific Surfliner service. Managed by Metro, the Link US Project will transform LA Union Station with a number of improvements, including:
- New lead tracks, platforms with escalators, and elevators
- New run-through tracks over the US-101 that enable one-seat rides
- Enhancements of retail and passeger amenities to a new passenger concourse within the station
- New rail communications, signals, and safety improvements
These changes will expand transit opportunities at LA Union Station, paving the way for enhanced bus, rail, and other services operating in the area. Anticipated benefits include:
- Increased regional and intercity rail service capacity;
- Improved schedule reliability, reduced travel time, and operational efficiencies for rail service with the implementation of run-through tracks;
- Reduced train idling times, which will increase fuel savings and lower emissions;
- Improved intrastate, intercity, and local transit connectivity;
- The ability to accommodate the planned high speed rail system in Southern California;
- Improved retail, food, and waiting areas within the station; and
- Enhanced safety throughout the station.
Additionally, during a five-year period, the Link US Project is estimated to generate 4,500 temporary jobs per year and more than 200 permanent positions, which benefit the local economy.
The Environmental Impact Report for the project was certified and approved by the Metro Board of Directors in June 2019 with the draft Environmental Impact Statement scheduled to be released for public comment in the spring of 2021. Learn more about the Link US Project on Metro’s website.
Further Reading
To read more about the history of LA Union Station, visit GreatAmericanStations.com. Visit the Pacific Surfliner Facebook page for stories from our riders about LA Union Station (and share your stories, too)!