In a significant move for the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO), the METRO Pacific Station complex at 920 Pacific Ave. is set to close temporarily for demolition and redevelopment. The closure will commence on February 8th, with METRO’s Customer Service booth and ticket sales shutting down at Pacific Station. The lobby and public restroom will remain accessible until the end of the day on February 11th. On February 12th, transit operations will shift to the temporary River Front Transit Center, utilizing curbside space on Soquel Ave., Front St, River St., and River St. South.
METRO aims to ease the transition for riders during this period by offering free fares across its bus system from February 8th to February 25th, 2024. To assist commuters in getting accustomed to the temporary transit center, over a dozen METRO operator trainees will be available onsite at both Pacific Station and River Front Transit Center during the transition, providing guidance and answering questions.
Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, METRO Board Chair, acknowledged the challenges posed by the temporary closure and relocation but emphasized the close collaboration with riders and the City of Santa Cruz to ensure a smooth transition.
The closure of the METRO Pacific Station marks the initial step in a two-year project to redevelop the property into a vibrant community hub. The revamped complex will feature 126 units of affordable housing, retail spaces, office facilities, and onsite transit services. The anticipated reopening of the mixed-use complex is slated for February 2026.
Kristen Brown, METRO Vice Chair, highlighted the broader positive impacts of the redevelopment project, emphasizing the creation of affordable housing and the potential to revitalize downtown Santa Cruz while reducing carbon emissions through improved public transit access.
As part of the redevelopment plan, changes in traffic patterns will be implemented, with the City of Santa Cruz coordinating the development of a METRO Downtown Transit Center Interim Operations Plan. This plan includes temporary traffic circulation patterns, modifications to traffic and sidewalks, and the identification of locations for supporting facilities during the redevelopment of Pacific Station.
The METRO Downtown Transit Center Interim Operations plan involves curbside spaces on Soquel Ave., Front St, River St., and River St. South, creating three new bus stops (Areas 1, 2, 3) and multiple bus layover spaces. Some on-street parking will be reduced to accommodate a shared bus/bike lane on Front St. and River St. Existing loading curbside spaces will be maintained.
METRO riders will have access to three new bus stops (Areas 1, 2, 3) at River St. South/Soquel Ave., Soquel Ave. between River St. South & Front St, and Front St. alongside CVS Pharmacy. METRO’s Customer Service booth and ticket sales will be relocated to a temporary Customer Experience Center at 603 Front St., assisting customers in-person from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by phone at (831) 425-8600.
For more information on the METRO Pacific Station closure and redevelopment project, visit scmetro.org/transitcenters.
