MTA Breaks Ground for Regional Connector Light Rail
Video by Anna Sterling
Metro, Mayor Garcetti and several state and local elected officials met Tuesday morning for the groundbreaking ceremony of the $1.4 billion Regional Connector Light Rail project for downtown Los Angeles.
The ceremony took place at the Metro Gold Line’s Little Tokyo/Arts District Station. George Takei, an actor and public transit advocate, served as Mater of Ceremony for the celebration.
Voters approved the Regional Connector project, which aims to bridge the 1.9-mile segment between the Metro blue and Expo Lines and the Metro Gold Line. Passengers will soon be able to travel from distant suburbs to Long Beach with no transfers.
The light rail will provide a direct connection with three new underground stations at 1st Street and Central Avenue, 2nd Street and Broadway and 2nd Place and Hope Street.
The rail is funded by a half-cent sales tax ordinance for LA County transportation improvements, federal New Starts funds and state transportation funds.
Proponents say the project could create thousands of jobs over the next several years. Metro Officials expect the rail to be completed in 2020.
