Photo Credit: buildingexpo.org| Completion of the expo line it set for 2015By: Elisa Hernandez
J309 Reporter
Gabby Collins is the Community Outreach Coordinator with buildingexpo.org, which directly works with the entire Metro line that runs through different parts of Los Anges. Collins offered some information so that people can get a better deal as to the big changes coming about. This new line will benefit all Los Angeles natives, and more.
"The Expo Light Rail Line is the newest addition to LA’s expanding rail network, and the first mass transit line to connect Downtown Los Angeles with the Westside. The 15.2 mile Expo Line will bring light rail to the Exposition Corridor, with 19 stations serving popular destinations like USC, Exposition Park, the Crenshaw District, Culver City, Palms, Cheviot Hills, Rancho Park, West Los Angeles, Bergamont Station and Downtown Santa Monica," says Collins.
In Metro's press released by Collins it stated that, "Phase 1 of the line will travel from Downtown Los Angeles to Culver City. Service on Phase 1 is expected to begin early next year, with service to the Culver City station in 2012. Phase 2 will extend the line out to Santa Monica and construction is scheduled to be completed by 2015. In March 2011, the Exposition Construction Authority awarded the design-build contract for Phase 2 to Skanska-Rados Joint Venture, and major construction is scheduled to begin in early 2012."
So how can this line benefit all of Los Angeles?
"The Expo Light Rail Line will travel along the I-10 Freeway corridor and once completed, is expected to attract a ridership of approximately 64,000 per day. With the ability to carry residents between downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica in under 50 minutes – even during rush hour – the Expo Line will improve transportation mobility for residents and commuters along the corridor, and provide enhanced access to employment and activity centers, including downtown Los Angeles, Culver City, Santa Monica and other destinations along the corridor."
How was that specific path chosen?
"The line travels along the Exposition Railroad Right-of-Way between Downtown LA and Santa Monica, which was used for passenger service until the 1950's ( Pacific Electric Santa Monica Air Line), freight until the 1980's, and was then abandoned and purchased by Metro in 1990 for transit purposes."
Do you think this will give residents in Vernon and surrounding areas, like USC, to travel more around L.A.?
"Yes, the line will connect to the existing Metro rail network which will include the Blue Line that already travels through Vernon. [The line will also benefit USC students]; the line will provide an efficient and low-cost transit alternative.
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