The Brand New K Line in LA

On October 7th, 2022, LA Metro opened a brand new light rail line: the K Line. This train is intended to eventually connect to LAX Airport, providing a long overdue rail connection to the airport. However, for now, it only runs between Expo/Crenshaw and Westchester/Veterans. Nevertheless, the service is good, and the brand new stations look very impressive.
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[@ronlippman8027]

My maternal grandfather was a motorman for the 'red cars' in Los Angeles in the 1930s. It was a vast light rail system. It was destroyed by Standard oil, General Motors, and Goodyear Tire and Rubber.

[@gingeralice3858]

Standard oil birthed the California town I came from, it turned into a total hell hole and now I live in Los Angeles. People are poor out there and I was too poor to get a car and drive, bus system sucked so bad a lot of the time I just walk lol. Growing up I can remember just walking all day. Came out here and saw all the trains and busses going everywhere all the time, I'm in paradise. No more 3 mile walks.

[@ddebenedictis]

What you haven't told us is, of course, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

[@normbroel4633]

I took the bus down Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills and I remember seeing pictures of a rail line down Santa Monica Blvd there in Beverly Hills. This was one of the red car tracks, which was ripped Up. The tracks are no longer there but we have bumper-to-bumper traffic.

[@mrkevin6354]

My grandfather told me the same story about the red cars.👍👍👍

[@seanlavender1336]

LA shot itself in the foot for that

[@lahelalala]

I’m a foreigner in LA who doesn’t drive. The train and bus lines have been very reliable getting around. I am grateful for them and it’s been a pleasant experience for the past 6 years. Love them. Thank you for this video. It warms my heart to see the appreciation. Granted there is more room for improvement as some would lament but they help a ton of people every day and that alone is a reason to be thankful. ❤

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@TylerHamiltonDesign]

It’s a fantastic transportation system. Any failings it has are due to city council goons and corrupt committee members. Even with this said it’s pretty impressive to those to use it. Most people in LA would rather complain than ever even try it.

[@davidlang1125]

@@TylerHamiltonDesign when I tell Angelenos that I take the train in LA they’re often surprised that LA has a train system. They’re especially baffled when I use the term “subway” because they think it’s only something that happens in NYC! I love the Metro and wish they’d hurry up and build it out more.

[@acuritis]

I don’t drive either and with the new A line I can take one train from Long Beach to visit my family in Glendora.

[@Itsgrantsrants]

It infuriates me that after all these years there is only one way to get in and out of LAX. I’ll never understand why it took until now to add a People Mover at the very least. To me LA is still decades behind.

[@kenfrancisworld8720]

Resistance from long-term parking was also what stalled the Green Line from reaching LAX in the '90s. I think we have one of the only major airports in the world not to be linked to the city with a train. Go Metro!

[@rhondamcknight2596]

Because until people realized it's getting too difficult to get any where in L.A. by car. It only got impossible about late 1990s early 2000s.

[@jealousofmypuddin]

It’s really wild considering it’s one of the busiest nationwide, in one of the largest metro areas.

[@jamescc2010]

Not so good politicians , lack vision and common sense.

[@florante4991]

This people mover was planned for the 1984 LA Olympics. We're just realizing it now. Right on time for the next olympics.

[@rodrigomartinez3925]

Spent 3 years working here back and forth between the underground stations doing electrical, hadn’t checked out the final product, seeing this video gave me nostalgia of all the craziness everyone went through to make this K line happen thanks for sharing

[@bluebird1954]

What kind of craziness 😳🤔

[@LuisHuangSF]

Did you work with Neal Electric? Did some Project Engineering for them for 6 months.

[@RayNLA]

Thank you for your hard work!

[@charliewright4044]

I’m from the UK and when i visited back in May i had no idea LA had a metro system at all. Was pleasantly surprised being able to get to downtown from West Hollywood without having to Uber. You’re right, the stations are neat

[@extraterrestrial3509]

Not as neat as you think but I've seen many tourists from UK riding the train and enjoying it .. I was shocked 😳

[@jamescc2010]

Welcome to LA. Have fun and stay safe.

[@amys5505]

I chose my latest LA apartment in part because of its proximity to the Metro, which I’ve enjoyed and appreciated for years. I own a car and drive everywhere, but I take the train whenever I can. The bus, I dare say, can be a different story. My buddy, a native New Yorker, agrees with me about the Metro (and the bus, for that matter). I’m a native Detroiter myself.

[@jacksont9455]

I Just moved to LA from Chicago. And I have found it unfortunate how indifferent California culture seems to its public transport system, despite the fact that overall, it’s pretty good. There are Inter-county trains, such as the Coaster which travel between LA and San Diego in less than a couple hours, whereas by car it can be up to 4 hours because of the traffic in LA. But it seems to me, as an outsider, that Californians, despite their claims to care about the environment, would rather sit in traffic for hours than ride on a train seated next to someone who makes less than six figures

[@jamescc2010]

@@jacksont9455 True. One reason is our metro in LA, OC, SD are not well connected and you still need cars to go to places unless your desired destination is nearby train station. Yeap we need more people to ride and also expand our metro.

[@anthonypadula8788]

The K Line is a great example of not having to toward downtown to get to Redondo. There needs to be more lines like the K Line within the LA metro system to connect all the existing lines.

[@Kunfucious577]

I could think of 2 or 3 lines that would cut traffic in half here but that would require common sense and competence.

[@themoviedealers]

You're talking about transitioning to a grid system from a hub and spoke system.

[@sonozaki0000]

Yup, I really hate having to funnel into Union to get to most other lines. And it's worse with Metrolink! We really need to get everything linked up, it feels positively primitive right now.

[@bird6472]

I live in LA. Our biggest issue with trains is the coverage will never be like other cities like NY because LA is so spread out and multinodal. Santa Monica itself is about the same land area as lower Manhattan to Central Park and it’s just a TINY area of LA. And yet NY has more lines in that area of Manhattan than all of LA. Still glad this is happening.

[@bird6472]

@Phillip Banes I think the point of my comment went right over your pedantic head. First, the lines being built in LA county cover more than just LA. Santa Monica is a key metro stop as the expo line ends there. Also lines are being built from the valley to the gateway cities to west LA to LAX and down to Long Beach which encompasses about 2000 square miles. Note that the LA CSA is much larger than this. LA county is 4700 square miles. Second, I used Santa Monica, a city that is surrounded by LA on literally all sides but the ocean, as a reference point in land area to a part of Manhattan to show that LA will never have the same coverage. You could use any area in LA proper (because for whatever reason you demand this level of technicality) and make the same point. For eg. Hollywood is about the land area as Manhattan and will never have the same coverage.

[@TheCm900]

@Phillip Banes I understood he meant LA county without having to specify the difference. Are you even from LA?

[@Thom-TRA]

Nah, they made a good point about transit density and you changed the subject to square mileage and city limits. It’s not mind reading, it’s reading comprehension and staying on topic.

[@Thom-TRA]

@Phillip Banes no one is ever going to listen to you when you react so condescendingly. And this video is about the LA metro. A system which expands beyond the city limits you seem so obsessed with. Stop living your life trying to find the tiniest cracks in people’s statements so you can feel like you’re right about something. It’s annoying, which is why multiple people have commented on it.

[@nerychristian]

It would help if they would just completed the 710 freeway all the way to Pasadena. So much unnecessary traffic is created where the 10 and 710 fwy meet. If they would have just connected the 210 to the 710 fwy, then you could have a metro that runs all the way from Pasadena to Long Beach.

[@eannamcnamara9338]

LA is really building a good system. Once the K line and regional connector are done and if they could electrify metrolink, turn the G line into light rail and get the HSR build it would be world class IMO. also nice accidental final shot.

[@ciello___8307]

They really need to step up the cleanliness and maintenance of their network. The trains can be pretty dirty and people smoke on the trains

[@theexcaliburone5933]

Not to mention there are many areas which aren’t served. I’d look Nandert’s video on Metro’s future for an actual world class system map

[@ciello___8307]

@@theexcaliburone5933 for sure they got lots of work to do. its hard since LA is so spread out and theres lots of lawsuits and resistance from some communitites

[@theexcaliburone5933]

@@ciello___8307 very true

[@ebeyslough]

Oddly LA is so much better at public transit than SF, and LA is 10 times the size. Guess which city is more "progressive"

[@jckbquck]

Thom, if one were traveling to the airport with just a backpack, like you, then one probably wouldn't mind all the connections from Metro line to Metro line. Imagine having to travel with a medium or large size suitcase.

[@Thom-TRA]

Yes, but what you’re forgetting is that not everyone comes from downtown LA. The K Line may extend all the way to Norwalk. It will serve a lot of other people than just those coming from the central business district.

[@yerickarose6856]

LA native here! I’m glad you enjoyed the k line and our trains in general. I absolutely love the new k line, I ride it about 4 times a week coming home from work. I’m super excited for the new projects metro line is doing and I’m happy other people seem to like it too! I always appreciate when new people come to town and appreciate our stuff! You essentially walked and traveled through all my fav childhood destinations and areas so I’m glad you could share positive experiences 😊

[@Thom-TRA]

Thanks for the comment! I had a great experience!

[@krane15]

There's an old saying about LA I remember growing up: LA is a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there. Hmm, or was that about CA in general?

[@guydreamr]

@@krane15 What's next, on the trite hit parade?

[@EastSide-qc5oy]

@@krane15 z thought that was here, NYC.

[@krane15]

@@EastSide-qc5oy OK, but LA still fits too. Don't you think?

[@kr6033]

Love this…I’m a recruiter for an engineering firm and we actually designed LA Metro Regional Connector and the Crenshaw Line…great video! Hope you got In & Out Animal Style! ❤

[@Thom-TRA]

I always get animal style! And congrats on a job well done!

[@ald8612]

What's "animal style"? I've been to I/O several times but never heard of animal style.

[@1jamarks]

@@ald8612 animal style comes with cheese and in and out sauce. It's delish. He also had some gravy or something that I don't get ordering animal style.

[@BrentDaughertyMe]

Wish you guys added more shade from the everpresent LA sun for the above ground stops. Everyone is hiding behind posts trying to stay out of the sun. Not a great design 🧐

[@PR3DATORREAL]

I ride the K line 4 days a week for work at LAX its really good overall but its a bit annoying that I have to trasfer to the C&K bus then take a bus from aviation station to the airport so im really excited for when the line is competed and connects with the people mover, One thing I have noticed is that no one is riding this line I find myself boarding at Slauson station and the train is always empty or with 5 -10 persons maybe in the future it will get better!

[@Thom-TRA]

Yeah I walked to in n out from Westchester and then took a Lyft so I understand it’s better, but not ideal yet, for commutes to LAX. Glad the future extension isn’t too far away from being done!

[@RealConstructor]

Reading your comment gives me a very eery feeling. It doesn’t sound safe being almost alone in a metro compartment and not having cell phone service. That’s a security risk. Are there at least security cameras in the compartment? Or any other surveillance in the metro trains? Having surveillance in the stations isn’t enough. The best thing they have to do is make sure there is cell phone service in the metro tunnel. It must be easy to establish. In my country we have both cell phone service and security cameras and our government is very stingy so it can’t be expensive 😊

[@PR3DATORREAL]

@@RealConstructor yeah there’s cameras everywhere in the trains and stations the cellular data only goes away for like 30 seconds inside the tunnels so you don’t really noticed it unless your on you’re phone they also have security in every station at the moment

[@RealConstructor]

@@PR3DATORREAL Good to know, thank you.

[@IsoscelesKramer]

@@RealConstructor Also there are emergency call boxes in every car, so if anything untoward happens, you can report it right away.

[@potatoindespair4494]

I checked out the K line on opening day. There were a lot of people coming out to try the new trains and stations, and there was a cute K line festival at Leimert Park. It's not big, but there's definitely a community in LA that's excited about transit and that makes me hopeful!

[@NobleWolf33]

😂😂😂 aweeee

[@ck4426]

So excited about all of the new transit in LA!!! Getting all ready for the 2028 Olympics too.😃

[@Thom-TRA]

I keep forgetting the Olympics are in LA then. It will be exciting to see how far transit has improved by then!

[@Tiedyesweatpants]

I was so surprised when learning about LA that they don't have a train connecting to the airport! Crazy for a huge modern city. But totally indicative of the large room for growth in American public transportation. Thanks so much for this video. I was at the K line the other day but haven't needed to take it yet so this was informative. Subscribed!

[@extraterrestrial3509]

LA still behind in many ways and will take a while to fix, I've seen many tourists visiting and complaining about many things

[@jordanjohnson9866]

Nah. Not “Crazy for a huge modern city.” /

[@Tiedyesweatpants]

@@jordanjohnson9866 you’re right, not crazy for American cities

[@ChadGardenSinLA]

I bought my house 5 years ago on the E (Exposition) Line, a block away from Expo/Crenshaw and this is the first time I'm seeing the K Line - I didn't even know it was open already! Thank you for taking these tours on trains - I think they are an awesome public transportation system and are environmentally more friendly than automobiles. We will be hosting the 2028 Olympics so we know our public transit needs to be robust and comprehensive. I have a feeling, however, that the train cars look like upcycled, Japanese trains - maybe that's why the look modern?😆

[@Thom-TRA]

Haha, the Japanese are the best when it comes to design! Hopefully you get a chance soon to ride the K Line!

[@sonicboy678]

I'm pretty sure this is a bespoke design. That said, the P3010s _were_ built by a Japanese manufacturer (Kinki Sharyo).

[@rpaulcelso]

Thanks for stopping at In-n-Out. When you said you needed to eat, I thought ‘gosh I hope he stops at In-n-Out.’ Brings back all the fond memories of Southern California.

[@londonunnie]

Wow this is amazing! Huge improvements to the LA metro system. Looks super clean and safe! Thank you for sharing this and showing how accessible it is to take public transport in LA when the culture is still car focused

[@Thom-TRA]

You’re welcome!

[@frglee]

Bright, well designed and pleasant transit systems change everything, modernising and dragging often depressing urban areas into the 21st century, improving the environment for all and making people proud of where they live and work. Impressive to see what's going on in LA in this respect.

[@lautrufend]

Loved the ending. It’s almost like that plane wanted to say “planes are awesome too.” I know it’s not possible to please everyone but I don’t love the number of transfers needed to get to the airport. I wish there could be some direct service from LAX to Union Station as a central hub to serve the most people rather than such a large number of transfers. Extending the K line to connect to the D and B will be absolutely essential. Thanks for the great video!

[@mikhailtsipenyuk5218]

There is direct Flyaway express bus service between LAX and Union Station for long time.

[@lautrufend]

@@mikhailtsipenyuk5218 this is true and alas I don’t think the current plans are a convenient alternative to that.

[@jeanpabon2948]

hoping this helps the people who need it the most

[@Thom-TRA]

I hope so too. Thanks for the comment!

[@2fast2nick]

I ride the metro a lot, I'm excited that they are working on expanding it.

[@Thom-TRA]

Expansion is overdue and very exciting!

[@davidburrow5895]

While LA transit gets a bad rap, I think they do a good job - particularly given the enormous area they have to cover. There are people in every city who tell you to stay out of neighborhoods they think are "bad". (I'm sure you've heard people tell you not to take the green line in Chicago.) The people who give the warnings almost never actually went to those neighborhoods, though. If they did, they'd know that people are people, and most of them are pretty good.

[@Thom-TRA]

I like that last phrase, people are people. It’s very true. Whenever I do videos from big cities, sadly I tend to get overwhelmingly negative reactions so I was hoping to prevent it a little. I like the LA metro! Especially the expansion plans are exciting, like the regional connector and beyond. I’m also just impressed at how modern and clean things look, compared to Chicago…

[@nixcails]

Totally agree David. As a Cornishman who lived in the gritty crities of Liverpool, Manchester, Marseille and Bilbao I've never had a problem on US transit far safer than many bus routes and unstaffed city halts around these cities. The only issue with Los Angeles is the complexity of bus operators and the pain in the neck of exact change fare safes. (Although I gather that most of the US has caught up with contactless on bus payment) Funny that Compton, Ca. supposedly dangerous gangland actually did an socioeconomic twinning deal with the small village of Compton, Surrey, Eng. and started a cricket 🏏 club.

[@josiah_crazy7621]

Exactly!! La metro definitely isn't perfect but compared to other American cities it's pretty good so I would say we're lucky to have a good system

[@nbroverman]

@@nixcails All the different bus systems in greater Los Angeles now use the same TAP card, thankfully.

[@nixcails]

@Ellen Aitchison we'll get sold on them and stop wrecking the planet for people living outside of La La Land!

[@louiegarcia2500]

Ha ha! That In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda is legendary. Since it’s the physically closest one to LAX, travelers with time usually make the easy trip there for a meal. Locals like me love it because you can watch planes land while you eat.

[@Thom-TRA]

I love watching the planes land! And the food is so good

[@Ra111den]

Hoping Cali can be an example for public transportation and pedestrian friendly. Finishing the HSR, more light rails, and making roads smaller adding cycle lane also bigger sidewalks

[@Thom-TRA]

I cannot wait for HSR to open. Fingers crossed it’s this decade…

[@indisciipline]

@@Thom-TRA Read somewhere 2035 was the prediction, can’t remember where

[@Thom-TRA]

@@indisciipline initial operating section in 2029 I believe, SF extension in 2033.

[@rafangille]

we’re slowly making progress

[@foxooo]

It can be we just gotta vote!

[@louiswhite4909]

Thank you for reviewing our latest train. I covered the opening day as photojournalist. Most people are quite happy about it. The former “Purple line is also being expanded. I would like to see a few monorails and more people movers added. It would help give LA. A unique look far as rail is concerned and move the trains above the traffic.

[@Thom-TRA]

I’m glad the people are happy with it! It’s a solid product. Not that the “experts” in the KZbin comments section agree… 😂

[@edgaryzen4925]

IS Silver Line still around? I could not find it. Last time was back in 2013/4. Hasn’t been it ever since.

[@Thom-TRA]

@@edgaryzen4925 it is! It’s called the J line. I actually rode it on this trip.

[@louiswhite4909]

@@edgaryzen4925 Yes the Silverline is still operational. The Orange line is rumored to be converted from bus to light rail.

[@zackzarate]

wow what a fresh perspective of LA, a city I lived in for most of my life. well done!

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!

[@starrwulfe]

I grew up in the area between Fairview Heights and Downtown Inglewood station, attending Crozier JHS and Inglewood HS. The K Line was promised to us when I was 13 years old. I’m 45 now 😂 Just glad the promise was finally kept.

[@gotmilk91]

I remember when it costed like $2.00 to get to LAX from DTLA; the Red Line to the Blue Line, followed by the Green Line which gets u almost to the airport, where u'd catch a shuttle bus at no additional charge, and all the transfers were free (which I don't think is available anymore). Better than even NYC Subway-to-airport options including the defunct JFK Express, tho I don't think LA will ever even get close to NYC Subway system, since it's so spread-out over such a huge area here compared to NYC... but light rail was far more extensive here in greater-LA area before Detroit bought-out all the LA light rail to encourage car ownership.

[@hobog]

LA metrolink regional rail has great coverage, but needs more frequency. Being spread out doesn't preclude a rail transit network; NYC style subway is just one kind of network. See Toronto's GO upgrades and the main Australian cities for examples

[@davidburrow5895]

I took the green - blue - red connection a couple of times to get from LAX to Hollywood. It took forever, but the cheap price definitely made it worth it.

[@Thom-TRA]

Hopefully in a year or so it will be a gold-pink-people mover connection!

[@Thom-TRA]

I enjoyed my ride on the San Bernardino Line (review coming after the new year). Really what needs improvement in my opinion is frequencies. Hopefully Metrolink will receive somewhat of a boost when CAHSR opens.

[@ronnyrueda5926]

Transfers are still free within a 2 hour period. It should still cost $1.75 for that trip.

[@sitbone3]

Many of you aren’t old enough to remember the train line that connected Santa Monica to down town L.A. Even after they shut down the line the tracks were there for at least a decade.

[@krane15]

Unless you're over 100 years old, its unlikely you remember it either.

[@sitbone3]

@@krane15 …I’m 76. We lived in Palms area of Los Angeles in 1953 and the train tracks were still there. I think along Venice Blvd.

[@idowebwork]

I remember riding the A line (formerly the blue line) back when it first opened in 1990, back when it terminated at the Pico Station, before the 7th Street Metro Station was opened. Absolutely love that new lines are opening up. Not so sure about the line name changes.

[@sergpie]

I have a feeling Los Angeles is gonna blindside the country in about 4-5 years with a whole new scheme of transit lines and infrastructure.. It remains nevertheless perplexing, how such a populous and rich metropolitan area would forego development in transit for so terribly long, and especially considering what it used to have. The K line looks great, too!

[@Thom-TRA]

I hope you’re right!

[@krane15]

That's because you're not considering greed and incompetence. That's the same thing that's holding back high-speed rail in the U.S. That's likely the biggest negative of our form of government, and why nations such as China are decades ahead of us when it comes to rail systems and other public projects.

[@sergpie]

@@krane15 China and California are not comparable at the city and municipal level; property and citizen rights are protected by either state or federal statutes here, whereas the PRC can raze to the ground entire towns and villages so that commuters can save 30 minutes versus driving, and then shoving displaced citizens in peripheral residential projects that aren't even near the rail lines they were displaced for to begin with. Also, if Los Angeles were a small fishing town in the 1950s like Shenzhen or Guangzhou were, and then experienced massive growth due to foreign companies manufacturing in LA county, then I assure you that Los Angeles, also, would've had the kind of infrastructure and urbanization that those cities enjoy in China today. And so of recently, because of failed covid policies and tyrannical medical restrictions, all those shiny and new stations have been at about 10% ridership for the better part of a year.

[@Geotpf]

There are tons of new transit projects either just opened or under construction in greater Los Angeles. More than any other part of the country.

[@Kunfucious577]

Lmao. What? What makes you believe such nonsense? This “subway” system is overpriced and way over due. I don’t even want to think about the kick backs and bribes that went on to make this happen.

[@nerdynerdynoob3733]

Amazing to see all this expansion, slowly but surely dismantling LA’s car centricity. With higher frequencies on the heavy rail lines, more TOD and things like platform screen doors this could be an example of modern, world class transit in the United States

[@bryanCJC2105]

Nice video! Glad you enjoyed In-N-Out and had a nice time in Los Angeles. I am super-excited about the Purple Line subway extension to Westwood! That one will have the biggest impact on Los Angeles transit because of the corridor it serves and the demand on the Wilshire corridor. That is LA's primary artery. The Crenshaw will be cut short to the Fairview Heights station because the just completed at-grade crossing at Centinela, just before the Downtown Inglewood station, will be torn up and replaced with a grade separated crossing. Yeah. Terrible planning on the part of Metro. It is planned to take 23 months to replace it!! This means that the entire Crenshaw Line to LAX and the Green Line will not be operating for at least 2 more years depending on when the reconstruction begins. Grade separations are going to be a problem for several light rail lines in the near future such as on the Expo Line. The Expo Line has experienced overcrowding and Metro can not increase frequencies anymore because of severe traffic disruption that would cause over many grade crossings. The West Santa Ana Branch light rail line that will begin construction will also include many grade crossings. For a city like Los Angeles, grade separation should be the default.

[@Thom-TRA]

Wait, this is the first time I’m hearing of this suspension?! Also, excited for the Purple extension too. Right now it’s such a wimpy little branch line lol.

[@bryanCJC2105]

@@Thom-TRA yeah and 23 months for one light rail overcrossing! Originally budgeted at $150 million it's now being estimated at $250 million! The LAX light rail station alone is budgeted at $1 billion!!!! This has not been unusual for Metro. They have been a literal gold mine for all the consultants they use. They have little in-house expertise. CTA on the other hand has quite a bit of in-house expertise to make use of. The 1/3 mile Brown Line bypass overcrossing of the Red/Purple Lines, a much more substantial project than a roughly 120' Centinela Ave overpass, cost $320 million. The beautiful brand new (2018) 4-track double-platform Wilson Red/Purple Line station cost $200 million compared to the $1 billion Metro will pay for the LAX light rail station.

[@Thom-TRA]

@@bryanCJC2105 I appreciate your knowledge of cost, that’s something I tend to read over. That’s an absurd price for a crossing. Wanna start a consulting firm together? Lol

[@bryanCJC2105]

I try to pay attention to costs because it's one of the factors that often forces US cities to make bad transit decisions and our costs are so much higher than in the rest of the developed world. Paris, London, Madrid, Mexico City, Vancouver, Montreal, and more, are all building large rail transit projects. That said, Chicago has been doing pretty good on cost management of large projects and the new facilities are very nice. Hopefully, the Blue Line will get some love soon. That one has mostly focused on non-sexy slow zone reductions, electrical substation and signaling upgrades, all of which are sorely needed!

[@rewi.alchemy]

I live in LA and have long been hoping the transit system will catch up to other cities. Encouraging to see that expansions are happening but I wish they would build faster!

[@omarmontes90]

Great video! I've been to LA a couple times I'm from Norcal and I have to give their rail system some props from basically "Non-existent" a couple years ago to now connecting a huge area covering most of the LA County.. I can't stress enough this area is huge! I do think though that they should have gone with a different train design. Each train car is not connected so if you jump into a full car you can't switch. In the north our BART system you can jump into different cars and seems more efficient maybe because it's electrified. I think the best light rail though has to be Portland. Also another complain is just how dingey and grimey LA stations look. It's not that old to be looking like a 80s punk band. LA definitely looks rough in some areas but I get it that's the vibe out there. I also want to put on my conspiracy hat on for a second and talk about the history of the public transportation in LA. Some say the car companies aligned the pockets of local officials to kill off the train of go for a heavy bus approach saying it was faster. Just the fact that LA has a rail service again is amazing and I support connecting more areas like the K line will do to help with traffic. Sorry for my long rant but I am passionate about public trains like this channel

[@Thom-TRA]

That’s not a conspiracy theory, the auto industry did kill rail-based transit! Pretty deliberately, too. At least these trains are more walk-through than the Chicago ones. At least here you can walk the length of one unit, it’s just between units that’s closed. The L cars in Chicago are individually sealed off. I love the Portland light rail! Definitely not the best on-board experience for me (probably worst tbh) but awesome network. Hopefully they can expand into Vancouver someday (or is that me being too wishful…)

[@alecvinson6054]

these metro lines in LA are electrified by the way. you can see the overhead wires when it's above ground. but yeah, not sure why they didn't go with a design that allowed switching between train cars.

[@davidmack4495]

yea, we should have never gotten rid of the Pacific Electric cars that ran until 1963..some of the right of ways are still there, but cars and freeways were king in the 50's/60's..

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

BITD LA DID have an extensive public transit network. The Red Rockets they were called. Removed in the 1950s.

[@mikezterspage]

I have to say that for all the revenue LA brings in compared to the SF- we are getting scheisted from A LOT of State and Federal funds to help maintain our roads and infrastructure. I just came back from NorCal, the stretch of the 101from SF to Redwood City is some of the nicest I've seen. Then you come down to LA and it's like an old decrepit relic. Something is happening and we aren't gettting our fair share whether it is Statewide bias or local officials not doling out the transportation funds wisely.

[@drewrobinson5153]

You did a fantastic job on this video! Thanks for the tour of LAMTA's new light rail line - it will be a BIG help to getting around LA when they finally get this hooked up to LAX Airport. I was very impressed by the quality of your filming under low-light conditions - keep up the good work!

[@Thom-TRA]

Wow, thank you so much for this compliment! I’m glad you appreciated it :)

[@Lights_Darks]

Great video and good job editing. I was going to only watch a few minutes but ended up watching the whole thing. Thanks for all the info (train ride, train itself, routes, neighborhoods, Randy’s Donut, in-n-out, etc.). That’s one of my favorite locations. Nice to be able to have a burger and watch the planes fly over. Kudos on timing the one that flew above you. 👍

[@vikmavrilabs.5254]

Love your video about the K Line, I grew up in the Jefferson Park neighborhood where the K line starts and LA is slowing but surly bringing back trains. My mom used to take the bus back when Metro used to be called RTD. So I grew up only taking buses all over LA.

[@williamdiaz-brown6941]

Thank you for this video. We need more people like you in the world, people that are friendly, with a positive attitude. I enjoyed seeing this line.

[@Thom-TRA]

Your comment made my day, I really appreciate it! There’s a lot of negativity out there…

[@DanPackard]

That was a great ending to have the pilot of that jetliner fly over on cue. :). Thanks for the interesting look at LA's new rail system!

[@lionbill]

WOW Thom . . . The Timing of That Plane . . . Awesome!

[@stegowolf]

Thanks lots for doing this video! Great to see the LA Metro expanding!

[@Thom-TRA]

You’re welcome! I like the LA metro

[@troysierra5228]

I left LA at the end of 97'. I do return occasionally to visit dad. For weekend visits only. It'll be 23 years ago. I'm moving back at the beginning of this year. Everything is about the same. The only improvement is their public transportation. When I left, it was only the blue line (Long Beach). The green line (105 frwy). Growing up in LA, suburbia was far and wide. I hope these lightrail lines connects cities more inclusively... Thanks for the content!

[@WaltThizzney415]

I drive by this every day, thank you for the information.

[@SWExplore]

Thanks for this excellent video on the new K Line that will hopefully directly connect with LAX. Being a resident of Los Angeles myself, I sincerely hope you are right. Lobbyists have been fighting this rail connection to LAX for years in favor the taxis and bus connection. I hope the people finally win out and finally get the waaaaay overdue rail connection.

[@davidpearlman8845]

Like you, I love trains, and I also love flying Spirit! Speaking of airplanes-I have finally remembered where I heard that chime-on the JFK Airtrain.

[@pisse3000]

Really like the jingle that plays before the station announcements!

[@PURAHOUSEDERESTREPO]

Great content, please continue to do good work.

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you so much, I will!

[@mrkeiths48]

Excellent video. Great descriptions, and your knowledge of the system is impressive. Getting to the airport via mass transit is a long time in the coming. Keep up the good work!

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!

[@danielkelly2210]

Angelenos: "All we want is a one-seat ride to downtown from LAX" Bugs Bunny: "No."

[@LeslieDugger]

Thank the taxi lobby’s and auto industry for slowing down this work in the past.

[@mikhailtsipenyuk5218]

There is direct freeway express Flyaway bus between all LAX terminals and Union Station. Every 30 min.

[@mikhailtsipenyuk5218]

@@LeslieDugger The taxi business is down. Uber and Lyft destroyed public transportation. Right now you should take a bus fom terminals with luggage to the taxi stand but you can order Uber Black from terminals.

[@Geotpf]

An all underground line like this would cost something in the neighborhood of five to ten billion dollars, maybe more. All existing tunnels (like the one between 7th st/Metro Center and Pico, or the Red Line Subway tunnels) are at or near max capacity and couldn't be used; new ones would be needed instead. The cost/benefit equation simply doesn't work.

[@danielkelly2210]

@@mikhailtsipenyuk5218 No one wants to take a bus, though. First-class cities have a rail link.

[@jameschin4471]

I have been there already when they open it was look very nice I like that subway coz it was brand new!!

[@thenajb]

Very solid review. They (LA Metro) really have done a job ramping up for the Olympics, but that connector is major. People are surprised how many big cities are behind when it comes to having rail that will connect you straight to the Airport.

[@Danny.0788]

As someone who was born and lives in LA, I wish our Public Transportation was better. This is a good step, but we're behind in terms of bus frequency and reliability. Hopefully with time, there are more frequent stops and more local bus services, that could connect people to different destinations throughout Los Angeles, without having to wait too long for their next connecting bus/train.

[@FashionFunPJ]

Awesome…thank you for this video…I ride the Metro all the time, Blue E line from downtown Long Beach and transfer to either red or purple lines to either Union Station (East) or Universal Station (West). However a second expanded LAX line is a great addition especially since we have the Olympics coming back to LA in 2028…what I am really waiting for is the reopening of the Little Tokyo station…and something linking Orange County to the Metro…we have made several advancements…but we still have a very long way too go

[@traegersky9566]

In a couple decades hopefully there will be a subway from LAX to the Valley through the Sepulveda Corridor. I wish they would speed up that one as it will connect to the K, E, D, & G making getting around easier.

[@wilsontang8995]

Thanks for the heads up on the K Line. I had no idea that even existed and I live in L.A. ! Great video!

[@Thom-TRA]

You’re welcome! Go check it out sometime! Maybe when the LAX part is done.

[@jacktranable]

Well, I didn't drive to LAX for a very long long time from the valley. So glad that we have FlyAways in the valley. I get dizzy with the traffic in LAX. lol

[@jeannettefranco5487]

Great video! My husband and I love the public transit in LA and it's only getting better! I'm so excited to see the future plans of transit in LA. We specifically chose our home because it is walking distance to the B line/Red line. When you showed that map connecting the B line to the K line (I think), that made me so excited. LA has better public transit than people think and I see improvements everyday. Now we also have Metro Micro, Dash lines connecting neighborhoods and all the rails. Thanks for showcasing the trains in LA!

[@dimarcodrahgi5866]

You NEED to visit the San Diego Trolleys so much bigger and more beautiful. And SD terrain is hilly and gorgeous compared to industrial concrete basin LA. (Im from LA and like SD more)

[@ecommercewithjay8857]

lol the noise at 9:50 is kinda creepy. Thank you for showing this bro. i haven't been on train since 2020 pre-pandemic coming from warehouse job. Glad they expanded the train and looking to expand it more because it makes transfering way faster than hopping on a bus. I will say this....as a guy whose over 250 pounds and 6'2 you got more balls than me traveling in that area at that time. Great video, definitely hitting the like button.

[@EVswithKaz]

I live in LA and had no idea that they already have a working section of that line. Nice video!

[@normbroel4633]

Nice video. The LA metro system is growing . The gold line is being extended to Pomona and the regional connector is getting closer to being finished.

[@lilakscy]

Definitely took inspiration from London Tube lines. Beautifully designed.

[@justaguy6862]

Nice video! Like your enthusiasm 😎

[@ernstj415]

So darn adorable!! ❤❤❤

[@simonsv9449]

LA Transit just keeps improving and improving. Two light rail lines into an airport transfer station and a people mover to the terminals, a subway extension into century city,

[@FEARNoMore]

Just discovered your channel & was pleasantly surprised. I use to take the once Red Line to Wilshire for school & work. Haven't ridden the LA rail in years but glad you appreciate them. I am currently about to watch the Angel's flight video & hope you do more videos on Los Angeles. Like the Union Station & maybe do a video on the MagLev speed rail being built. You got a new sub for what it's worth.🤜🤛

[@Thom-TRA]

Thanks for the sub! Appreciate it

[@EdgePitSwing]

That might be the slowest approach I've ever seen a train make.

[@marsh443]

👍 Grt presentation! Ur hard work is appreciated. Tkx for ur helpful content this was really useful.

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!

[@bobbowie9350]

The Eastern building is an art deco masterpiece

[@mauricepointer9555]

Great video! The K line looks fabulous. It's crazy that a major city like Los Angeles doesn't have a direct line to the airport. I live in Baltimore and the MTA has light rail service to BWI airport. I hope that our future systems in Baltimore follows the Los Angeles, or even the San Francisco subway light rail system. Thank you for posting and all the best to you.

[@rickyarvizu7535]

Excellent and Objective Reporting, Tom!

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!

[@TuukkaVarjoranta]

Interesting video of the new light rail developments in LA! 😎

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!

[@kennygomez9303]

Great video with fantastic instructions easy to follow with perfect explanations with just enough info 😀

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you so much!

[@CubeAtlantic]

That (K) line actually looks decent for the LA subway system.

[@AliciaMarkoe]

Thank you for this video 🦋

[@vmagallon4524]

Downright useful information here!

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!

[@johncillis3431]

You produce such cool videos about trains and urban transport. I was born in Chicago, and from 63' onward, when I was just two, my Mom would take me on the Double Decker Train into downtown Chicago to see my Grandmother, who worked at Woolworths and later owned a Candy store (which was so cool, I was seven when I first saw it). I was raised in the SF Bay Area, and in the mid-70's, my school class took BART to San Francisco from 'Berserkly', as a field trip which continued on walking along the Embarcadero Center and Fisherman's Wharf. When I had to fly to DC for team meetings for our tourism business, which sometimes would last several weeks, I took their train system to get around. The Roslyn Station was scary though, so far underground, but it is the best place to stay in DC and I was stunned to get on the Subway in Roslyn and emerge in the Smithsonian Mall. I have retired to Phoenix, and we have our expanding Light Rail, which I love, but it's been slow in expanding. I am lucky to live close to its North Phoenix termination point, which is being extended to be just a two mile bus ride from where I live.

[@baseballfan99]

Great video. Cannot wait for my LA trip in March.

[@williamanderson4999]

Can't wait when the LAX opens up. And the K Line to Hollywood would be amazing. Being a LA resident during my teens. 1970s to 90s. I would always go to Hollywood on weekends. Yes the RTD bus was the only way to get there. Which would take more than an hour to get there from Crenshaw & 108th St to Hollywood. LA it's about time. I'm glad to be around to see it happen.

[@ChthonicRemains]

As someone who's taken Los Angeles trains throughout my college years, it's amazing how a lot of people don't seem to realize or even know that Los Angeles does have a subway system and it's surprisingly efficient.

[@Thom-TRA]

The comments I’ve had from residents saying they didn’t know their city has a metro. Like either you definitely don’t live in LA, or you should probably pay more attention to your surroundings… lol

[@ArmandRoseTV]

Grew up in LA and moved away before any of those trains were there. LAX badly needs more options. Props to you for getting in-n-out 🤩

[@Cheezus]

no matter what I'm still gonna be calling the B line the red line. I grew up with the color names

[@philrose7716]

I loved your video. I live in Los Angeles and I learned something new. Thanks hope you come back to la again

[@Thom-TRA]

I will be back in January!

[@philrose7716]

You are from Holland?

[@Thom-TRA]

@@philrose7716 yes! Been living in the US the past 5 years tho

[@philrose7716]

You look so young. Keep in touch pls

[@mcole1987]

Great video dude! Thanks for coming to our city and checking us out. Believe it or not there are some angelinos begging for the privilege of using functional and efficient transit. Also extra points for the in n out run. So good!!

[@Thom-TRA]

Well those Angelinos are my favorites! And I wish we had in n out here.

[@gregjsinclair]

The ending with the plane was cool

[@oscarzaras17]

Yo me acabo de mover de N.Y.C., a Moreno Valley, California, y veo que todavia le falta mucho a LA para cubrir mas areas con el Metro y que trabaje 24 hrs.

[@brucequinn]

Thank you for this.

[@scottwillson5562]

finally some useful news about LA Metro!

[@juancena4142]

Over 10 years too late. I heard of this project since high school when I would take the green line and the local shuttle to LAX. I'm surprised this project wasn't shut down like the 405 renovations were because they found a native burial site on the site of renovations.

[@vickiemahdavi7778]

great video specially for LA resident like myself who has never taken the Metro.

[@jamallhayden2512]

Thanks for the video!

[@Thom-TRA]

You’re welcome!

[@walkingcityadventures]

This is a really nice video I rode this train on Sunday🚂

[@MajorAddiction]

Lmao that elevator gunk was baddd 🤣🤣

[@Thom-TRA]

Yeah I was kinda grossed out

[@MM-sh2uj]

Great video. Really enjoyed it.

[@Thom-TRA]

Glad to hear it!

[@whatiswe]

Thanks for the tour. LA transit is much improved in the 40 years I've been here. Its still lacking due to the size of LA county.

[@Jpkjr52]

Thanks again John in Chicago

[@o4_]

5:18 that transition via the opening right door was SO smooth

[@Thom-TRA]

Haha thanks!

[@ericfielding2540]

Thanks for the tour of the K line. I don’t understand why they designed that long connection to the E line. If they expect people to take the K line to the LAX, that would be a significant deterrent with heavy suitcases, especially if it is raining.