Overview

Cerritos is reconsidering its involvement in the Metro Light Rail project after years of delays attributed to certain city council members. With a new majority on the City Council, there is a renewed interest in the Southeast Gateway Line, a long-planned transit corridor.

The upcoming City Council meeting on May 22 will address an informational report regarding the Southeast Gateway Line, which has been in development since the early 2000s. Despite the light rail line's advancement, Cerritos has missed previous opportunities for station sites.

Key details

  • The City Council of Cerritos will review an informational report on the Southeast Gateway Line on May 22.
  • The Southeast Gateway Line was previously known as the West Santa Ana Branch Transit Corridor.
  • Metro has cleared all environmental hurdles for the 14.5-mile rail line from downtown Los Angeles to Artesia.
  • Cerritos was initially considered for two potential station sites: one at 183rd and Gridley and another at Bloomfield and Del Amo.
  • In 2022, after numerous community meetings and planning efforts, Cerritos lost both station opportunities.
  • Metro has since decided to place the terminus in Artesia, bypassing Cerritos.
  • The current City Council, led by Mayor Frank Yokoyama and Mayor pro tem Lynda Johnson, is now showing interest in light rail.
  • The renewed interest is attributed to a more competent City Council that recognizes the benefits of light rail.
  • The City plans to study the feasibility of a future station in Cerritos.
  • This study does not indicate an immediate commitment to building a station.
  • Light rail lines are known to attract people, economic activity, and enhance community relevance.
  • Cerritos has previously promoted itself as the retail and cultural capital of southeast Los Angeles County.

Context

The Southeast Gateway Line has been a long-term transit project that has faced various delays and changes over the years. Cerritos' previous leadership was hesitant to engage with Metro, resulting in missed opportunities for station development.

What happens next

The City Council's upcoming meeting will be crucial in determining the next steps regarding the potential for a light rail station in Cerritos, with a focus on studying its feasibility.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the timeline for the study, potential costs, and community input on the proposed station are not confirmed.