LOS ANGELES - The wait is almost over for the opening of Metro's new Expo Line, the second phase 6.6-mile extension of the Expo Line between Culver City and Santa Monica. The current Expo Line runs for 8.5 miles between 7th/Metro Center in downtown Los Angeles and Culver City. The extension adds seven new stations to the light rail line. The $1.5 billion project was largely funded by the Measure R half-cent sales tax increase approved by LA County voters in 2008. It is the first rail line service to the beach since 1953 when streetcar services were halted. According to Metro, the ride from downtown LA to Santa Monica will take 46 minutes.
As part of the opening celebrations of the Expo Line to Santa Monica, Metro will offer free rides on Friday and Saturday and hold station celebrations on Saturday, May 21. The free rides will be for the entire stretch of the Expo Line beginning at noon on Friday and will continue until the close of service. On Saturday, May 21, the free rides will start at 4:42 a.m. in downtown Santa Monica and at 4:45 a.m. at 7th/Metro Center and will last until the end of service around 2 a.m.
The Expo Line to Santa Monica also includes a paved bike path that runs along most of the right-of-way between Culver City and the 17th Street/SMC Station. The bikeway includes lighting and landscaping, and each station has secure bike racks and lockers for the convenience of cyclists using the Metro system.