Expo Line

Expo Line. The Expo Line is a light rail line that is part of the Los Angeles Metro Rail system, operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. It connects Downtown Los Angeles with the Westside, terminating at Downtown Santa Monica. The line primarily runs along the former right-of-way of the Pacific Electric Railway's Santa Monica Air Line, providing a key east-west transit corridor.

History

The line's development was championed by former Los Angeles City Council member Zephyr Teachout and gained significant political support from then-California State Assembly member Antonio Villaraigosa. Planning and environmental review were conducted under the auspices of the California Environmental Quality Act, with major construction beginning in 2006. The first phase, from 7th Street/Metro Center station to Culver City station, opened to the public in 2012, with a ceremonial event attended by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. The second phase, extending the line to its current terminus at Downtown Santa Monica station, was completed in 2016, fulfilling a long-standing goal of reconnecting Santa Monica to the regional rail network. The project faced opposition from some community groups in Cheviot Hills and legal challenges regarding safety near Dorsey High School.

Route and stations

The route originates at 7th Street/Metro Center station in Downtown Los Angeles, providing transfers to the A Line and B Line. It proceeds west on an alignment that utilizes the historic Pacific Electric Railway corridor, passing through neighborhoods like USC, Exposition Park, and Crenshaw. Key stations include Expo Park/USC station, Crenshaw station, and Culver City station. West of Sepulveda station, the line transitions to a street-running segment along Colorado Avenue before reaching the beach-adjacent terminus at Downtown Santa Monica station. The route intersects with the Metro K Line at Expo/Crenshaw station and will connect with the future D Line Extension at Westwood/UCLA station.

Operations

The line operates approximately 20 hours daily, from around 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM, with increased frequency during peak hours. Service is managed from the Metro Rail Operations Control Center. Headways are typically every 10 minutes on weekdays, coordinated with connecting services like the E Line and various busway routes. Safety and security on the line are overseen by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Metro Transit Security. The line plays a crucial role in serving major destinations such as the University of Southern California, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and Santa Monica Pier.

Rolling stock

The line is served by P3010 series vehicles, part of the AnsaldoBreda P2000 fleet procured by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. These light rail vehicles are capable of operating in both single and coupled configurations. The fleet is maintained at the Metro Rail Division 20 yard facility. The vehicles are compatible with the Metro Rail system's standard overhead line electrification and signaling systems. Future fleet integration is planned with new light rail cars being acquired for the broader Los Angeles Metro Rail network.

Future expansion

While the main line is complete, a significant future project is the planned northern extension from the existing Downtown Santa Monica station to the Metro Center bus facility. This extension is part of the Measure M transportation plan approved by voters. The project is currently in the environmental impact report phase under the California Environmental Quality Act. Additional long-range concepts studied in the Metro Long Range Transportation Plan include potential infill stations and enhanced connections with the Los Angeles International Airport via the Automated People Mover and the C Line.