L.A. Metro approves major rail extension

Metro’s board on Thursday unanimously approved a new route for a Los Angeles rail line that would extend service from South L.A. into West Hollywood, a pivotal mass transit milestone for L.A. that was struck after last-minute negotiations between Mayor Karen Bass and local leaders.

- BY JENNY JARVIE

THE NEW K Line route, which would extend service from South L.A. into West Hollywood, was approved after last-minute negotiations.

(MEL MELCON Los Angeles Times)

The K Line northern extension underground light rail project would link up with four major rail lines and increase the number of K Line riders up to 100,000 a day. Transit experts say it could finally create a vigorous mass transit culture in the sprawled region and make L.A. a national role model for modern U.S. cities that want to rebuild rail systems that can provide an alternative to the car.

But the project has faced strong opposition from a small but vocal group of Mid-City homeowners—many in historic, affluent Black neighborhoods like Lafayette Square—who fear tunneling construction could create disruption, safety problems and lower property values. In the days before Metro’s pivotal board vote, speculation swirled among public transit advocates that Bass, a key member of the board who appoints three other members, might seek to delay approval for the project based on community concerns.

However, in the 24 hours before Thursday's meeting, Bass met several times behind the scenes with West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman, a major backer of the K Line extension, to come up with an amended motion that allows West Hollywood and L.A. County to work on securing funding that will allow the project to accelerate while also calling for additional study of the Mid-City section and community engagement. The new amendment, Bass stressed before the board voted in favor, would not delay the project or its funding.

"This is historic," Bass told the crowd packed into a meeting room at Metro's downtown headquarters. "Today we can say all aboard on what will be the highest-ridership light rail in the country, easier commutes, less smog, more access to housing.”