As part of the celebration, Metro will offer free rides on Expo the weekend it opens, Saturday and Sunday, April 28-29. Just a reminder that Expo is the only Metro rail line that will be free.
Here’s the release, just issued. Note that it includes limited hours for opening weekend, and that two stations — Farmdale and Culver City — will not open until this summer and, therefore, that trains will not be stopping there to pick up or drop off passengers.
To kick off the opening of the new Metro Expo light-rail line, Metro will offer free rides on the Expo Line during opening weekend Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29.
The free rides will be limited to only the new Expo Line that will operate on a limited schedule during the opening weekend from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, April 28/29. Patrons using other Metro operated trains (Red/Purple, Gold, Green & Blue lines) and Metro buses will pay regular fares.
The opening of the new Metro Expo Line expands the Metro Rail system to nearly 90 miles. Stations opening April 28 include two existing stations served by the Metro Blue Line (7th Street Metro Center Station and Pico Station) as well as new stations that will include 23rd Street, Jefferson/USC, Expo Park/USC, Expo/Vermont, Expo/Western, Expo/Crenshaw, Expo/La Brea and La Ciengea/Jefferson stations.
Due to on-going construction activities, both the Farmdale Station adjacent to Dorsey High School and the Culver City Station will not open until this summer. Metro Expo trains will stop at the Farmdale station but patrons will not be allowed on or off at that location. Trains will travel as far as the La Cienega/Jefferson Station only.
In addition to the free ride on the Metro Expo Line, several community events are planned for Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those community events will be held at the 7th Street Metro Center Station in downtownLos Angeles, Expo Park/USC Station, Expo/Crenshaw Station and the La Cienega/Jefferson Station. No community events are planned for Sunday, April 29.
Fares for the new Metro Expo Line following the free weekend rides will be the same as all Metro-operated bus and trains costing just $1.50 one-way (cash) or patrons can purchase a Metro Day Pass for $5. Regular Metro monthly passes also are available for $75 good for unlimited travel on all Metro buses and trains. For more information visit metro.net/expo.
Will parking be free as well?
Do you know what kind of opening ceremonies/ribbon cutting we might see and where and when we might see it?
Thanks!
Why do the rail cars look like ones out of the 1980′s? You would think we would upgrade to ones that look more modern for the price we are paying to construct this new line.
If one gets on the Expo Line and transfers to the red line will they have to pay? I understand paying on the way back but how can metro deal with all of the people originating on Expo but transferring to the other lines?
There will be community activities and ribbon cuttings but details are still being firmed up. We will know more next week and let everyone know in time for the celebration. Thanks for asking.
@mike v
Funds are only allocated to build and lay new tracks, not buy new railcars. Metro has no money to buy new trains as it is not a for-profit enterprise; they have to make use of older trains on new track, akin to driving a 1980s Toyota on a new freeway.
If you want new trains, they will gladly accept your contribution in forms of higher taxes, higher fares, or service cuts to make up for the revenue. Alternatively, they can lean toward being a for-profit enterprise to reduce taxpayer burden instead of being forever chained to taxpayer dollars.
What about when paid service starts on Monday, 4/30? I’m finding it difficult to find any actual information about Expo being a reality. It’s not an option on the Trip Planner, it’s not listed with the other rail lines…will it still be limited service or open later come Monday? We’ve only known this was coming for years and the only information is about the free weekend.
I just can not wait for the opening of the expo line. I have been at all the opening of the Blue, Red/Purple, and Gold lines. I am looking foward to the opening of this line.
I’d like to go, but I can’t figure out where?
@ Y Fukuzawa:
Metro is beginning the procurement process for its next set of railcars. (See: http://thesource.metro.net/2012/04/12/light-rail-car-contract-to-be-considered-by-metro-board-at-special-meeting-on-april-30/ ) Railcar procurement is generally planned to ensure the fleet will large enough for planned rail extensions but is often funded from different pots of money than are rail capital projects. As far as the Expo Line, it is functionally a branch of the Blue Line and both will operate using the same vehicle fleet.
@Matthew:
Expo Line schedules have already been posted to Google Transit, so you can plan trips using the Expo Line there. I personally don’t know if/when Metro’s trip planner will be updated.