Riding the D in Los Angeles: city famous for traffic hopes new subway stations will be a ‘game changer’

TL;DR

The first new subway stations in Los Angeles in over 25 years have opened along Wilshire Boulevard as part of the D line extension.
The new stations aim to drastically cut commute times, with a trip from Union Station to Beverly Hills estimated at 21 minutes.
The project is a significant step in reshaping Los Angeles from a car-dependent city to one with a more robust public transportation ecosystem.
The expansion is strategically timed to prepare the city for hosting major global events, including the World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The construction faced numerous historical and logistical challenges, including tunneling through areas with buried infrastructure and potential geological hazards.
LA Metro has employed a playful marketing strategy, including 'Ride the D' merchandise, to generate excitement for the new transit option.
Advocates view the subway extension as a positive step towards equitable transit, particularly for lower-income residents who rely heavily on public transportation.
The project is the realization of a decades-old vision for a 'subway to the sea,' with future phases extending service further west.
Significant fossil discoveries, including wooly mammoths and dire wolves, were made during the tunneling process near the La Brea tar pits.
The new stations feature spacious designs, public art installations, and are intended to provide a more comfortable and accessible rider experience.

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