METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

L.A. Metro completes Blue Line improvements, rebrands as A Line

The agency's board approved a new line naming convention citing the need for more consistency as the system grows.

November 4, 2019
L.A. Metro completes Blue Line improvements, rebrands as A Line

Rapper and entertainer Snoop Dogg (center) joined Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington in cutting the ribbon for the new A Line during an event.

LA Metro

2 min to read


Rapper and entertainer Snoop Dogg (center) joined Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington in cutting the ribbon for the new A Line during an event. LA Metro

With the completion of the New Blue Improvement Project, L.A. Metro’s new rail and bus rapid transit (BRT) line renaming convention will go into effect with Metro’s Blue line now being referred to as the A Line. This begins a three-year process to rename all Metro Rail and BRT lines by 2022.

Under the new system, each Metro Rail and BRT line will be designated by a letter and color. The Metro board approved a new line naming convention in November 2018, citing the need for more consistency as the system grows.

Ad Loading...

The new naming convention helps alleviate several issues. In the past, most Metro Rail lines were named after colors except for the Expo Line and the Crenshaw/LAX Line that are named after street names and places — which riders may find confusing. Metro’s system map has also been reliant on colors and can be difficult to read for those who are color blind. Adding letters will help avoid this problem.

The rest of Metro Rail and the Silver Line and Orange Line will transition to the new naming convention when the Crenshaw/LAX line opens. L.A. Metro

Starting with the A Line, most station signage will simply show the letter A within a colored dot. The rest of Metro Rail and the Silver Line and Orange Line will transition to the new naming convention when the Crenshaw/LAX line opens. The Crenshaw/LAX Line currently does not have a letter name as Metro’s operation staff is still working on finalizing the line’s operational plan.

“We believe this is great news for the region because we have big plans for new rail and bus rapid transit lines in the years to come,” said Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington. “This new naming convention will help keep our system easy to navigate and make it more user friendly — and, thus, improve the customer experience.”

Under the new naming convention, the Red Line will eventually become the B Line, the Green Line will be the C Line, the Purple Line the D Line, and the Expo Line the E Line, to name a few examples. The Gold Line will become the J Line until the Regional Connector opens and ties together the Blue, Expo, and Gold Lines. The eventual Azusa to Long Beach line created by the Connector will be known as the A Line, while the East Los Angeles to Santa Monica line will be the E Line.

More Management

Terrel Smith with Kiel Seats

Terrel Smith Launches New TransitOne Venture, Focuses on Building Relationships

The company partners with manufacturers such as Kiel Seating, Camira Fabric, and TSI Video, focusing on areas that directly impact both passenger experience and operational performance.

Read More →
A group of people stand in the Harlem-148 Street 3 Station and pose during a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

New Accessibility Upgrades Open at Harlem Subway Station

A new ADA-compliant ramp and station upgrades improve access, enhance the rider experience, and deliver millions in cost savings for the MTA.

Read More →
Erin Hockman
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

Iowa's DART Taps New CEO

Erin Hockman will officially assume the role on May 7, as current CEO Amanda Wanke departs to take a leadership position with Metro Transit in the Twin Cities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Caltrain trains on tracks
Railby StaffMay 1, 2026

Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval

The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.

Read More →
A VIA bus
Busby StaffMay 1, 2026

San Antonio's VIA Launches Next Round of Bus Improvements

The changes are designed to reduce overall travel time, shorten wait times, and get customers to their destinations more quickly.

Read More →
A graphic of a map showing a "Snapshot of Systemwide Vulnerabilities (projected)."
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMay 1, 2026

MBTA Unveils First Systemwide Climate Resilience Roadmap

The plan outlines strategies to protect transit infrastructure from extreme weather, prioritize critical investments, and improve system reliability as climate risks intensify.

Read More →
Ad Loading...

People Movement: DART Names Interim Chief, Clean Energy Taps New President/CEO

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at MCTS, Voith, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
transit tracker connectpoint
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMay 1, 2026

Connectpoint Expands Digital Signage Strategy with LED Push

Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →