The Federal Transit Administration approved $490.7 million in federal funding for a six-mile extension of a light rail line from downtown to east Los Angeles. The funding agreement will allow the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to execute a construction contract to begin the $898.8 million extension of the Metro Gold Line. "This is truly a historic day for Los Angeles," said Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard. The extension will include eight stations and serve one of the most densely populated areas of Los Angeles County. Service is expected to begin in mid-2009.
FTA approves $490M for L.A. light rail extension
The extension will include eight stations and serve one of the most densely populated areas of Los Angeles County.
More Rail

WMATA and Kawasaki Resolve 7000-Series Railcar Disputes
A multiparty investigation, led by the NTSB and that included WMATA and KRC, found that wheel migration in the 7000-series railcars contributed to the derailment.
Read More →Establishing Standards & Codes in Canada, with CSA’s Ana-Maria Tomlinson
In this episode of METROspectives, METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sits down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group).
Read More →
New Rolling Stock Strategy Lead at New York MTA and More in People Movement
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, NCTD, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
Chicago Region Transit Ridership Grows in 2025
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
Read More →
Valley Metro Sees Strong Ridership Growth in 2025
The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.
Read More →
Subway Customer Satisfaction Reaches Record High, New York MTA Says
The subway system saw increases across all key metrics, with 62% of subway riders reporting they feel satisfied with the system overall.
Read More →
Keolis Retains Virginia Railway Express Contract
The new contract for Keolis and VRE will commence in July 2026, with the potential to expand to 15 years.
Read More →
California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
Read More →
People Movement: Virginia's DRPT Names New Director and More
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
Seattle Sound Transit Sets Launch Date for Crosslake Connection
This final component of the 2 Line will cross Lake Washington and connect with the 1 Line at International District/Chinatown Station, creating a fully integrated regional light rail system.
Read More →
