An informational presentation given to the State Senate's Transportation Committee as part of an update on the California high-speed rail project offers a glossy flythrough tour of the $2.3-billion makeover planned for Los Angeles Union Station.

Rendered view of Union Station east portal from Patsaouras PlazaMetro

The project, branded as Link Union Station, builds off of a decades-old proposal to construct run-through through tracks crossing over the US-101 freeway, eliminating an existing stub-end layout which forces all trains to enter and exit through the station's five-track throat.

To date, Metro has secured roughly $950 million in funding for the run-through tracks, which would enable through routing for Metrolink, Amtrak, and future high-speed rail service.  The completed project would allow Union Station to serve upwards of 200,000 daily passengers by 2040, double the amount it saw during its pre-coronavirus peak.

The second phase of the Link Union Station project calls for using calls for expanding its passenger concourse and adding new amenities. 

Rendered view of expanded passenger tunnelMetro

The flythrough video highlights a proposed revamp of the Patsaouras Bus Plaza and Union Station east portal, which would lead into an expanded passageway beneath the rail yard.  The existing 30-foot-wide tunnel would be widened to 140 feet, creating additional space for passenger circulation.

At the west side of the station, a new open-air plaza is proposed adjacent to waiting room of the historic station building, which would be activated through the addition of new shops and restaurants.

Conceptual commercial developments are also depicted throughout the station site.  Metro has yet to formally announce a bid for any new real estate projects within the property, although the agency has held conferences to solicit interest from developers and other parties.

Rendered view of expanded passenger concourseMetro

Funding for the expanded concourse has not been identified by Metro at this point in time.

Since purchasing Union Station in 2011 for $75 million, Metro has invested heavily in adding new amenities to the historic passenger rail hub.  New bus facilities recently opened at the station's eastern portal, and a new plaza and multi-use path are planned for its Alameda Street frontage.

Rendered aerial view of Union Station with future commercial developmentMetro