Metro unveils first phase of D Line extension along Wilshire
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · May 6
Metro unveils first phase of D Line extension along Wilshire
7 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · May 6
The $9.7bn project opens Friday with 3.92 miles of new subway and stations at La Brea, Fairfax and La Cienega, the first part of a planned nine-mile link to Westwood.
Metro says trips from Union Station to Wilshire/La Cienega will fall to 21 minutes from up to 45 by car, improving east-west travel across one of Los Angeles's busiest corridors.
The opening follows 65 years of political, funding and safety disputes; by fall 2027 the line is due to reach UCLA and the West Los Angeles VA, becoming a spine for wider rail expansion.
With the 2028 Olympics looming, can L.A. win its race against time to complete its most complex subway project ever?
After spending billions on its new subway, can Los Angeles finally break its deep-rooted addiction to cars?
As the new subway connects wealthy areas to Koreatown, is it a bridge for inclusion or a fast track to gentrification?
Opening of LA’s D Line Extension Cuts Commute Times by 20 Minutes, Paving Way for 2028 Olympics
Overview
On May 8, 2026, Metro opened the first phase of the D Line Extension, introducing three new stations along Wilshire Boulevard and marking a historic milestone for Los Angeles transit. This extension significantly cuts commute times, saving about 20 minutes from Downtown LA to Beverly Hills, while reducing congestion by attracting riders from cars and buses. The project overcame over a century of political and engineering challenges, supported by key funding measures and Metro's 'Twenty-eight by ’28' initiative. Future phases, funded by Measure M, will extend service to Westwood and Century City by 2027, positioning the D Line as a vital transit link for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, with a projected 78,000 daily riders.