Officials Preview Expo Line Extension From Culver City To Santa Monica

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — By this time next year, Southland commuters will be able to take the Expo Line from Culver City to Santa Monica.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas were among several public officials on hand at West L.A.'s nearly-complete Palms Station Platform with a preview of the city's newest light rail line.

Train testing on the 6.6-mile, $1.5 billion extension began earlier this year ahead of its expected debut in spring 2016.

An estimated 64,000 riders will use the line every day between downtown and Santa Monica by 2016, according to Metro officials. The trip will take about 45 minutes.

"So you'll be able to take this train from Grand to the sand and beyond," Garcetti said.

The Expo Line in downtown Los Angeles actually never reaches Grand Avenue, terminating at the Seventh Street/Metro Center station on Seventh and Flower streets, just west of Grand.