Riders Could Save as Much as 20 Minutes Going Downtown.
By Zach Armstrong
The Regional Connector transit project, a 1.9 mile network that will connect Santa Monica Metro riders to East Los Angeles without transfers, will open on June 16, the County Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced.
The project will allow light rail travel between Union Station and 7th Street/Metro Center Station in Downtown’s Financial District. The Regional Connector includes three new underground stations: Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, Historic Broadway Station and Grand Avenue Arts/Bunker Hill Station.
The Regional Connector brings together the Metro L (Gold), A (Blue), E (Expo), B (Red) and D (Purple) lines at the 7 th Street/Metro Center Station. The new A and E lines will share five downtown stations. Riders going to and through downtown could save as much as 20 minutes by not having to transfer, according to METRO.
Free rides will be given on the entire Metro transit system, such as Metro bus and rail lines along with Metro Bike Share services, during opening weekend.
“With this opening, traveling across the region can be easier and more accessible all while Metro works to make the experience safer, cleaner and more welcoming for todays and future riders,” Metro Board Member and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. said in a release. “Moving forward, I will continue to work closely with my colleagues on the Metro Board of Directors and with local leaders across the County to make sure that our transportation system works for everyone.”
