The system’s oldest operating light rail line has been undergoing a major renovation and modernization in two phases, shutting the southern half from January to May and the northern portion since June.
When finished, it will be the first of 11 Metro rail projects designated under its “Twenty-Eight by ’28” plan to be ready for the city to host the Summer Olympics in 2028.
Metro says construction on the northern segment, from Los Angeles to Compton, is almost complete and train testing will begin shortly. The line serves Long Beach, and bus shuttles have run throughout the closures to accommodate riders.
Separately, the agency recently began testing operations at the Green Line junction, where the under-construction Crenshaw/LAX Line joins the existing Green Line.
A video showing a test run from the train operator’s viewpoint was released by Metro. Signal and software testing will continue over the coming weeks.
At its September meeting, the Metro board of directors moved forward on a congestion pricing study, awarding consulting contracts to WSP USA and Guidehouse LLP totaling nearly $5 million. The agency is also adding experts to its policy advisory committee.
During an interview with Trains earlier this year, LA Metro chief of staff Nadine Lee said, “If we can address the use of the single-occupant vehicle through pricing, then we might actually be able to move the needle on our air quality impacts and also promote equity for all users of the transportation system.”
