LA Metro Advances K Line to West Hollywood
Metro board approves 9.7-mile K Line extension to West Hollywood with nine new stations
L.A. Metro Approves K Line Extension to West Hollywood
Los Angeles Metro riders will gain access to West Hollywood and the Hollywood Bowl under a major rail expansion approved Thursday. The Metro board unanimously approved the 9.7-mile K Line northern extension on March 26, 2026, following last-minute negotiations between Mayor Karen Bass and West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman. The underground project will add nine stations connecting South L.A. to West Hollywood, with daily ridership expected to reach 100,000 passengers.
Project Overcomes Community Opposition
The expansion faced strong resistance from Mid-City homeowners, particularly in historic Black neighborhoods like Lafayette Square, who raised concerns about tunneling construction, safety, and property values. Mayor Bass and Mayor Heilman crafted an amended motion allowing the project to proceed while calling for additional study of the Mid-City section and more community engagement. Metro's 2025 study found that noise and vibration from tunnel construction and subway operations wouldn't be perceptible above the tunnels, which will run 80 to 100 feet underground in historic neighborhoods.
Massive Price Tag Delays Construction Start
The project carries an estimated cost between $11 billion and $15 billion, making it one of the most expensive transit expansions in U.S. history. Construction isn't expected to start until 2041 unless West Hollywood and L.A. County can generate about $2.25 billion in local funding to expedite the timeline. The project requires West Hollywood to work with L.A. County to establish an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District, providing at least 25% of the capital cost estimate. Officials said the extension will link up with four major rail lines already in operation.
Extension Connects Major Job Centers
The route will connect riders to major employment hubs including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and popular destinations like the Original Farmers Market and the Grove shopping complex. Transit experts believe this expansion could finally create a vigorous mass transit culture in the sprawled Los Angeles region and make L.A. a national role model for modern U.S. cities rebuilding rail systems. The terminus at the Hollywood Bowl will provide direct transit access to one of the region's most iconic entertainment venues.
Mixed Reactions Follow Historic Vote
The approval represents a pivotal milestone for Los Angeles public transportation, though many residents and transit advocates expressed frustration with the amended motion. Critics argued that Metro had already spent millions on studies and community engagement, making the call for additional Mid-City study redundant. Riders can track K Line service and plan trips using Moovit, which provides real-time updates for Los Angeles Metro routes throughout the region.
