L.A. Metro expands rail testing ahead of launch

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will expand the operation of test trains along the Metro Expo Line corridor beginning this week, running trains on a schedule of every 12 minutes during the day to simulate regular mid-day service on the line once the system opens in early 2012.

The additional train testing is needed along the entire line in an effort to test the operation of the trains and all train and signal systems for the Metro Expo Line. No date has been set for the opening of the line. Metro will select an opening date for the public once all systems and trains are thoroughly tested and operated.

Phase I of the Metro Expo Line is a new $932 million, 8.6-mile light rail line under construction from downtown Los Angeles to Culver City. It will have 12 stations with two stations shared with the Metro Blue Line. The new light rail line will serve USC, Exposition Park, The Mid-City communities, the Crenshaw District and Culver City.

Phase II of the Metro Expo Line, a $1.5 billion 6.6-mile extension from Culver City to Santa Monica, is funded under the Measure R half-cent sale tax initiative approved by the voters in 2008. Phase II will have seven stations serving West Los Angeles/Santa Monica and is expected to be completed in 2015.

Both Phase I and II of the Metro Expo Line are being built by the Expo Construction Authority. Once completed, they are turned over to Metro to operate.