Expo Line

On Sunday afternoon Larry and I decided to take a ride on our new Metro Train, the Expo Line.  For now, the farthest west that the Metro Train travels is La Cienega and Jefferson.  Soon, the Robertson-Culver Blvd. station should open.  I have seen evidence of construction for the Expo Line all the way out to Santa Monica.  Can't wait for that!

Metro Bridge over La Cienega Blvd.

We've been watching the City build the bridge near the La Cienega stop for a long time.  It was great to be able to park in the structure near the train (free)!  A one-way ticket is $1.50.  We boarded the train around 1pm.  These are NOT new train cars.  They look like the same ol' cars from the Red Line.  The upholstery on the seats is very 1993.  

We zipped down Jefferson, met up with Exposition and continued toward USC.  There are a few stops at street signals along the way.  The Farmdale Station at Dorsey High is not open yet. There are many stops in and around USC, the Coliseum, Sports Arena, California Science Center, Natural History Museum. 

Once we passed Figueroa, we were underground, beneath the Harbor Freeway.  Then, we turned north and came out on Flower Street, parallel to the Freeway.  We made it to the  last stop on this line, 7th Street Metro Station, got off and turned around.  It was about a 30 minute one-way trip.  Not bad.  Perfect for going to Staples Center or Nokia Live or many of the new restaurants at L.A. Live!  Our friend, The 99 Cent Chef, posted a report all about the restaurants along the Expo Line. Thanks, Billy!

Traveling North on Flower Street

We didn't have a chance to view all of the artwork at the various stations along the way, but we checked out the overhead murals at the La Cienega-Jefferson station.  They are by David Gonzales.  The series is called "Engraved in Memory."  I love these pieces, depicting the history of the Ballona Creek area of Mid-City L.A.