Recently Metro and its community partners collaborated for the grand opening of the K Line rail line at the Leimert Park Station. Metro’s new K Line – formerly referred to as the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project – represents Metro’s largest investment in the South Los Angeles region since the construction of the Metro A Line (Blue) and C Line (Green) more than 20 years ago.
The opening of the k line represents a very pivotal moment after decades worth of progress for economic development and sustainable Communities along the Crenshaw and the Exposition corridor. The Leimert Park Station served as the anchor station, from which the opening ceremonies took place.
“The k line intersection with the expo line puts the Crenshaw Leimert Park community at the center of tourism, art and culture. Leimert Park is the drum beat and the lifeblood of Black Art Culture and Commerce in Los Angeles,” said Councilwoman Heather Hutt. “This is the home of the Kingdom Day Parade, the Juneteenth Celebration, The Vision Theater, Universal College of Beauty, The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, The World Stage, Sole Folks, Queen Aminah’s, Hot and Cool Cafe, Sika, The Neighbors Skate Shop, Nappily Naturals, Harun Coffee, All Chill, the Kaos Network and many others entrepreneurs. We will have the opportunity to put our community on showcase for those who are traveling between the airport and transferring to the expo line to go downtown. We are a Historic destination and the k line offers us a world-class opportunity to have the visitors from throughout the world experience Leimert park and the culture here, and I am proud to be at the center of it.”
The opening garnered attendance from some of Los ANgeles’ highest dignitaries including; Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Karen Bass, Senator Padilla, Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Mayor Garcetti, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, CM Marqueece Harris-Dawson CD 8, and more.
Speakers, current and former board members, and Metro had the opportunity to board the train for the above ground banner breakthrough at the intersection of Crenshaw and W. 48th Street, entertainment from students at Crenshaw High School and enjoy food from local vendors.
The K Line will extend light rail from the existing Metro E Line (Expo) at Crenshaw and Exposition Boulevards to the Metro C Line. While the rail line includes eight new stations, seven will open in the fall 2022. The train will travel 8.5 miles and will serve the cities of Los Angeles, Inglewood and El Segundo and portions of unincorporated Los Angeles County. Construction began in 2013 with widespread community support. Riders will have easier connections within the Metro Rail system, municipal bus lines, and other regional transportation services.
