LOS ANGELES — The long-awaited Metro K Line is opening to the public Friday, adding a seventh passenger rail line to the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority system. When the switch is flipped, the line will connect the Crenshaw Corridor, Inglewood and El Segundo with rail service for the first time since the 1950s. Here’s everything you need to know about the new K Line.
Where does it go?
The K Line runs north and south with the Expo/Crenshaw station at its north end and Westchester/Veterans at its southernmost stop. There are seven stations total including Expo/Crenshaw, Martin Luther King Jr., Leimert Park, Hyde Park, Fairview Heights, Downtown Inglewood and Westchester/Veterans. The City of Inglewood will have three stations, including a downtown stop near bustling Market Street. The communities of Baldwin Hills, the Crenshaw Corridor, Hyde Park, Jefferson Park, West Adams and Westchester can now access the Metro Rail system with the K Line.
How does the K Line connect with other parts of the Metro system?
At Expo/Crenshaw station, riders can transfer between the K Line and the E Line (Expo) that runs from downtown Santa Monica, Culver City, USC, Exposition Park and downtown LA.
Will the K Line connect to SoFi Stadium?
Metro has not announced a shuttle service from the K Line to SoFi. Right now, it offers a shuttle to the stadium from the C Line, which will continue. Metro plans to connect the K Line to the C Line with an extension to Torrance.
Will the K Line connect to LAX?
Yes. Metro plans to open its Aviation/Century station in 2023. The LAX/Metro Transit Center station is currently being built and is expected to open in 2024. The LAX station will be the main transfer point between Metro Rail, Metro and municipal bus lines and the LAX Automated People Mover that is expected to begin service next year.
Will the K Line be extended in the future?
Yes. Plans are underway to expand the K Line north to the B Line in Hollywood, possibly via La Brea, Fairfax or a Fairfax/San Vicente hybrid, and potentially to the Hollywood Bowl. Metro is currently developing a draft environmental impact report that will explore the options and will release it for public comments in 2023. The project is expected to break ground in 2041 and open for service in 2047.
Is there a color associated with the K Line?
It’s pink, but it will be referred to as the K Line.
How long has Metro been planning the K Line?
For decades. The Los Angeles Railway streetcars that once served the Crenshaw Corridor stopped running in the mid-1950s and were replaced with buses. A regional rail plan dating back to 1967 included a Crenshaw Corridor project, but it hasn’t been built until now. The Metro Board of Directors voted to approve light rail for the area in Nov. 2011. The project broke ground in 2014.
How much did it cost to build, and who funded it?
The total cost for the project is about $2.1 billion. It was funded through a combination of federal, state and local monies, including $263.9 million in federal grants and $1.6 billion locally from Prop A, Measure R, Prop C, Measure M and general funds.
When does the K Line open?
Oct. 7 at noon.
What are the hours of operation?
The K Line will run from approximately 4 a.m. to midnight. Trains will run every 10 minutes during peak periods and every 12 minutes during off-peak times.
How much does it cost to ride?
Rides are free across the entire Metro bus, rail and bike share system from noon, Oct. 7, through the end of service on Sunday, Oct. 9. After that, rides will cost $1.75. Riders who qualify for Low-Income Fare, Easy (LIFE) or GoPass can ride with a discounted fare or for free.