A long-awaited expansion of Los Angeles’ rail network is moving forward, bringing new urgency to a decades-in-the-making project.

LA Metro’s Board of Directors has voted to advance the K Line Northern Extension along the San Vicente-Fairfax alignment, a major step toward improving regional connectivity and expanding access to jobs, housing, and cultural destinations.

The 9.7-mile extension will connect the South Bay to Inglewood and LAX through Crenshaw, Mid-City, and the Fairfax District to West Hollywood, Hollywood, and the Hollywood Bowl. The extension, which links four major rail lines and six of the region’s bus corridors, would create the first continuous north-south rail line through the LA basin.

“This amendment delivers both urgency and certainty,” said Supervisor and LA Metro Board Member Lindsey P. Horvath. “With the leadership of Mayor [Karen] Bass and Mayor [John] Heilman, we are investing intentionally in connection, community, and opportunity, while answering the fierce urgency of a rising generation counting on us to get this right — and get the K Line North done now.”

Project Poised to Boost Economic Activity and Regional Access

The K Line Northern Extension is expected to serve approximately 100,000 riders each day, connect 125,000 jobs within walking distance of stations, and serve more than 325,000 residents who rely on transit.

“This is how you build a city where opportunity is within reach, by connecting people to jobs, housing, healthcare, and each other through a system that works,” said Councilwoman and LA Metro Board Member Katy Yaroslavsky.

In addition to improving mobility, the project is projected to create more than 10,000 union construction jobs, generate $9.7 billion in union wages, and generate over $22 billion in economic activity for Los Angeles County.

With sections 2 and 3 of the alignment approved, the City of West Hollywood will begin establishing an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District to generate approximately $2.25 billion in financing for the project.  

After 1.5 hours of public comment, with more than 900 people registering, the staff-recommended motion passed with amendments.