The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced on Thursday, May 2, that a major extension of its D Line subway will open to the public on May 8. The new 4-mile segment will, for the first time, connect the regional transit system to the city of Beverly Hills.
The extension represents a significant infrastructure milestone for the region, bringing rapid transit service to key destinations including the Beverly Hills business district and the future site of the Academy Museum. Officials state the project aims to improve regional connectivity and offer a public transportation alternative in a historically underserved corridor.
Project Details and Anticipated Impact
The upcoming opening concludes a long-awaited phase of Los Angeles Metro rail expansion. The D Line, formerly known as the Purple Line, will gain three new stations: Wilshire/Rodeo, Century City/Constellation, and Westwood/UCLA. This phase is part of a larger, multi-billion dollar project to extend the line westward from its current terminus at Wilshire/Western.
Transportation planners highlight that the extension is expected to reduce congestion on some of the region’s most heavily traveled surface streets, notably Wilshire Boulevard. By providing a direct subway link, the Metro aims to increase overall ridership and offer a reliable commute option for students, employees, and visitors to the Westside.
Public and Online Reaction
Following the announcement, the phrasing used in official communications and promotional materials generated notable discussion on social media platforms. The Metro’s instruction for the public to “Ride the D” became a focal point for online commentary, with many users on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) sharing humorous reactions.
This public engagement, while largely lighthearted, has brought unprecedented attention to the transit agency’s expansion project. The Metro has since capitalized on the organic publicity by offering branded merchandise, such as t-shirts and crop tops featuring the phrase, through its official online store.
Broader Context for LA’s Transit Expansion
The D Line extension is a central component of Los Angeles County’s long-term transportation strategy, funded in part by local sales tax measures approved by voters. The project has faced numerous challenges over more than a decade, including complex engineering hurdles, tunneling beneath active urban areas, and significant budget revisions.
Its completion is seen by urban planners as a critical step toward creating a more comprehensive and usable rail network for the sprawling metropolitan area. The focus now shifts to the final phase of the D Line project, which will extend service further west to Westwood and the Veterans Affairs campus.
Next Steps and Future Service
With the opening date set, Metro crews are conducting final system testing and safety certifications. Officials have scheduled a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony prior to the public launch. Once operational, the new stations will integrate into the existing Metro rail schedule, with trains running approximately every 10 minutes during peak hours.
The transportation authority has indicated that planning and construction continue for the subsequent extension to Westwood. While no official opening date has been announced for that final segment, current projections estimate service could begin by 2027, pending construction progress and regulatory approvals.
Source: Mashable
