Vernon, CA
Home MenuVernon Sues Metro to Overturn Proposed Expansion of Malabar Yard
On Friday, November 21, 2025, the City of Vernon filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) to overturn the proposed expansion of Malabar Yard included in the Link Union Station (Link US) Project. The City fully supports the Link US Project and its regional benefits – but not at the expense of community safety or environmental justice. The City’s opposition is solely limited to the project’s inclusion of the Malabar Yard.
Metro’s Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) calls for closing 49th Street and adding new track and crossings at 46th Street to mitigate an environmental impact that does not exist – changes that would create significant traffic, safety, air quality, and noise issues in the Vernon community. With the lawsuit, the City is asking the court to overturn Metro’s SEIR approval until a proper environmental review is completed that removes the Malabar Yard expansion. Vernon is eager to collaborate to identify alternatives and remains open to solutions that avoid the Malabar Yard. The Malabar Yard expansion cannot proceed without City approvals, including right-of-way closures and crossing permits.
The City will continue to keep residents, businesses, and partners informed. To that end, the City issued a press release that articulates its objections to the inclusion of the Malabar Yard in Metro's Link US Project.
Prior to filing the suit, the City of Vernon voiced its concerns at Metro’s Board meeting held on October 23, 2025. Numerous City stakeholders expressed opposition to the Malabar Yard expansion, citing adverse impacts on quality of life for residents, workers, and students, and damaging outcomes for business operations and movement of goods.
Despite community objections, the Metro Board approved the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) for the Link Union Station Project’s Malabar Yard Mitigation with an 8–0 vote, clearing the way for BNSF Railway to move its rail storage operations from Union Station into Vernon. The action disregarded decades of community opposition to the yard’s expansion.
Vernon’s official comments detailed major flaws in Metro’s plan: permanent closure of 49th Street, new crossing blockages on 46th Street, and increased pollution and congestion near homes, schools, and medical facilities. Metro’s data, collected during COVID shutdowns, fails to reflect real traffic or emergency-response conditions.
Metro's October meeting concluded with the Board approving motions by Chair Dutra and Directors Hahn and Solis urging BNSF to collaborate with Metro and the City of Vernon. The City issued a press release following the Metro meeting to denounce the Board's decision to approve the SEIR, improperly using a real estate transaction with BNSF as a mitigation measure under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Vernon has long had concerns related to the Malabar Yard modifications. On August 6, 2024, the Vernon City Council formally opposed the Link US Project as proposed, and the Council directed staff to pursue all legal options to protect Vernon’s interests.
Read the City’s Public Comment Letters below:
November High Speed Rail Board Meeting - COV Attorney Comment Letter
October Metro Board Meeting - COV Mayor Comment Letter
October Metro Board Meeting - COV Attorney Comment Letter