The Senate Transportation Subcommittee convened on May 30, 2025, to discuss the critical issues surrounding the Lossan Rail Corridor Resiliency in California. The meeting focused on the intersection of housing development and transportation infrastructure, particularly in the context of the Los Angeles Corridor.

One of the primary topics addressed was the ambitious housing goals set by local officials in Pico Rivera. They expressed a desire to exceed their Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 1,200 units, aiming to potentially contribute upwards of 10,000 housing units. However, officials noted that achieving this goal hinges on improving transit options to reduce the need for extensive parking associated with such a housing increase.

The discussion highlighted the congestion issues along the corridor from Union Station to Anaheim, which is primarily owned by BNSF and serves multiple operators, including Metrolink and Amtrak. A significant point of contention was the California High Speed Rail's plans to address a major bottleneck in Commerce through the construction of a flyover viaduct. This project would necessitate the elimination of an existing station, which is already one of the lowest-performing stations in California in terms of ridership.

Concerns were raised about the proposed relocation of this station to Montebello, which is expected to further diminish ridership potential. In response, local officials, in collaboration with Metro and Metrolink, proposed an alternative location for the station that would be situated in the heart of Pico Rivera's planned transit-oriented downtown area, aiming to enhance accessibility and ridership.

The meeting underscored the need for funding to support these initiatives, with officials expressing openness to exploring value capture mechanisms. These mechanisms would allow the city to retain a portion of property taxes generated by new developments to fund the construction of a regional rail station, thereby facilitating higher-density housing in the community.

In conclusion, the Senate Transportation Subcommittee's discussions emphasized the interconnectedness of housing development and transportation infrastructure, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Los Angeles Corridor. The outcomes of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transit and housing in the region.