Los Angeles

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Light Rail

The Metro Rail system includes light rail lines that connect various parts of Los Angeles and the surrounding counties.

Sections

Overview of the Los Angeles Light Rail System

The Los Angeles Metro Rail system includes Light Rail lines and subway lines. The Light Rail specifically consists of six lines that connect various neighborhoods, suburbs, and key destinations across the city and surrounding areas. It is a great option for avoiding LAโ€™s infamous traffic while exploring the city.

Light Rail Lines and Routes

The Light Rail system in Los Angeles includes the following lines:

  1. A Line (Blue Line)

    • Route: Connects Downtown Los Angeles (7th St/Metro Center) to Long Beach.
    • Key Stops:
      • 7th St/Metro Center (Downtown LA)
      • Willowbrook/Rosa Parks (transfer to C Line)
      • Downtown Long Beach
    • Nearby Attractions:
      • The Broad Museum (near 7th St/Metro Center)
      • Aquarium of the Pacific (near Downtown Long Beach)

  2. B Line (Red Line) (Partially subway but connects to Light Rail)

    • Route: Runs from Downtown LA to North Hollywood.
    • Key Stops:
      • Union Station
      • Hollywood/Highland
      • North Hollywood
    • Nearby Attractions:
      • Hollywood Walk of Fame (Hollywood/Highland)
      • Universal Studios Hollywood (via shuttle from Universal City/Studio City station)

  3. C Line (Green Line)

    • Route: Runs east-west from Norwalk to Redondo Beach, connecting to LAX via shuttle.
    • Key Stops:
      • Norwalk
      • Aviation/LAX (connects to LAX via shuttle)
      • Redondo Beach
    • Nearby Attractions:
      • Manhattan Beach (short ride from Redondo Beach)

  4. D Line (Purple Line) (Partially subway but connects to Light Rail)

    • Route: Runs from Union Station to Koreatown (Wilshire/Western).
    • Key Stops:
      • Union Station
      • Wilshire/Western
    • Nearby Attractions:
      • Koreatown restaurants and nightlife

  5. E Line (Expo Line)

    • Route: Connects Downtown LA to Santa Monica.
    • Key Stops:
      • 7th St/Metro Center
      • Culver City
      • Downtown Santa Monica
    • Nearby Attractions:
      • Santa Monica Pier (near Downtown Santa Monica)
      • Culver City Arts District

  6. K Line (Crenshaw/LAX Line)

    • Route: Connects Expo/Crenshaw to Westchester/Veterans.
    • Key Stops:
      • Expo/Crenshaw (connects to E Line)
      • Aviation/Century (connects to LAX via shuttle)
    • Nearby Attractions:
      • Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Costs and Ticketing Procedures

  1. Fares:

    • Base fare: $1.75 per ride (includes 2 hours of free transfers within the Metro system).
    • Day Pass: $5 (unlimited rides for one day).
    • Weekly Pass: $18.
    • Monthly Pass: $50.

  2. Payment Options:

    • TAP Card: A reusable, reloadable card used for all Metro services.
      • Purchase at TAP vending machines (available at all stations), online, or via the TAP app.
      • Cost: $2 for the card itself, plus the fare you load onto it.
    • TAP App: Allows you to load fares and use your phone as a TAP card.

  3. How to Use:

    • Tap your TAP card or phone on the validator at the station entrance or on the platform before boarding.
    • Keep your card handy in case of fare inspections.

Schedules

  • Operating Hours:

    • Most Light Rail lines run from approximately 4:30 AM to 1:00 AM daily.
    • Trains typically arrive every 7-12 minutes during peak hours and every 15-20 minutes during off-peak hours.

  • Real-Time Updates:

    • Use the Metro app or check the digital boards at stations for real-time train arrival information.

Tips for Navigating the Light Rail System

  1. Plan Your Trip:

    • Use the Metro Trip Planner on the LA Metro website or the Metro app to map out your route.
    • Google Maps and Apple Maps also integrate Metro routes and schedules.

  2. Transfers:

    • Transfers between Light Rail lines and buses are free within 2 hours of your first tap.
    • Some stations, like 7th St/Metro Center and Union Station, serve as major transfer hubs.

  3. Accessibility:

    • All stations and trains are wheelchair accessible.
    • Elevators and escalators are available at most stations.

  4. Safety:

    • Stick to well-lit areas and avoid empty train cars late at night.
    • Metro security and law enforcement are present at many stations.

  5. Peak Hours:

    • Avoid traveling during rush hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM) if you prefer less crowded trains.

Local Sites Worth Visiting Along the Light Rail Routes

  1. Downtown LA (A, B, D, and E Lines):

    • The Broad Museum, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Grand Central Market.

  2. Hollywood (B Line):

    • Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood Bowl.

  3. Santa Monica (E Line):

    • Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, and the beach.

  4. Long Beach (A Line):

    • Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village, and the Queen Mary.

  5. Culver City (E Line):

    • Culver City Arts District and Sony Pictures Studios.

  6. Koreatown (D Line):

    • Korean BBQ restaurants, karaoke bars, and cultural shops.

  7. LAX (C and K Lines):

    • Easy access to Los Angeles International Airport via the Aviation/LAX station and shuttle.

Additional Resources

  • Metro Website: www.metro.net
  • Metro App: Available on iOS and Android for trip planning, real-time updates, and TAP card management.
  • Customer Service: Call 323.GO.METRO (323-466-3876) for assistance.

By using the Light Rail system, you can explore Los Angeles affordably and efficiently while avoiding the cityโ€™s notorious traffic. Enjoy your time in LA!