After nearly 10 years of construction and numerous cost overruns, the long-awaited Regional Connector train beneath downtown Los Angeles will open to the public on Friday, June 16 and rides that day will be free not only on the new line but on the entire Metro system of bus, rail and bike share.
Dignitaries took rides on the new connector on Monday, May 22, and LA Metro Board Chair Ara Najarian then announced the 1.9-mile light-rail train will open to the public for revenue service. “We can finally celebrate! It’s hard to believe that what started out a decade ago with just drawings on a map is now a reality for Los Angeles County residents,” said Najarian, a Glendale City Council member, in a prepared statement.
The project brings together existing lines, making for fewer transfers and more continuous “one seat” rides, Metro reported.
The Regional Connector is a light-rail train running running under Downtown Los Angeles through new twin tunnels from Bunker Hill to Little Tokyo. It adds three new underground stations filled with artwork within the city’s historic core: Little Tokyo/Arts District, Historic Broadway and Grand Avenue Arts/Bunker Hill.
Jerard Wright, government affairs director for the Greater Los Angeles Realtors, was working for the Sierra Club and The Transit Coalition 20 years ago in support of what is now the Regional Connector. On Tuesday, he said he was excited to hear it will be opening in June.
“It is going to be transformational,” said Wright, a Long Beach resident. “I have friends in Pasadena, Monrovia and Azusa. I can go directly from Long Beach (A Line). It will be so convenient without making all those transfers.”
And here’s ‘High Prismatic’ artwork by Pearl C. Hsiung at Grand Ave Arts/Bunker Hill Station — the station is deepest in the Metro system at 100 feet. pic.twitter.com/n6eVxGB6yD
— Metro Los Angeles (@metrolosangeles) May 22, 2023
The project connects the A (Blue), E (Expo) and L (Gold)…
Read the full article here
