LA's K Line Surges After LAX Connection Opens
Metro K Line ridership jumps in June after LAX Transit Center opens to passengers
K Line Adds Riders After LAX Link Opens
Metro's K Line saw a dramatic ridership increase in June following the opening of the LAX Metro Transit Center, the transit agency announced July 18. The surge came despite the overall system experiencing a modest decline after 30 consecutive months of year-over-year growth. Officials didn't disclose specific ridership figures for the K Line or systemwide totals. The 8.5-mile light rail line now connects the Expo Line at Expo/Crenshaw to LAX through eight stations.
Airport Connection Fills Long-Standing Gap
The LAX Metro Transit Center completes a connection that transit planners have pursued for decades, according to Metro. LAX serves approximately 75 million passengers annually, making it one of the world's busiest airports. The K Line originally opened in October 2022 but operated without the airport connection for nearly three years. Transit officials said the final link to LAX represents a significant milestone for the region's public transportation network. Officials haven't said how many daily riders the new airport station serves.
K Line Bucks Systemwide Trend
The K Line's performance in June stood out as Metro's overall ridership dipped modestly after 30 months of consecutive growth, officials said. The growth streak represented recovery from pandemic-era lows that affected transit systems nationwide. Metro didn't provide specific percentage increases for the K Line or decline figures for the overall system. The agency said the airport connection drove the K Line's gains. Officials haven't released detailed monthly ridership reports that would show route-by-route performance.
Similar Projects Show Long-Term Success
Airport rail connections in other major cities have demonstrated sustained ridership growth over time. Chicago's Blue Line to O'Hare International Airport, which opened in 1984, consistently ranks among the CTA's highest-ridership stations. San Francisco's BART extension to SFO in 2003 made the airport one of the system's busiest stations. Washington's Silver Line extension to Dulles International Airport opened in 2022 and increased transit access to that airport. Metro hasn't projected long-term ridership expectations for the LAX connection.
Riders Gain Direct Airport Access
The LAX Metro Transit Center gives travelers and airport workers a direct rail connection to one of the nation's busiest airports. The connection reduces vehicle trips and provides a cost-effective alternative to driving or ride services. Officials said the link makes it easier for commuters and travelers to access LAX via public transit. Riders can check Moovit for real-time K Line schedules and connection information to plan trips to the airport.
