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{{Short description|Rapid transit line in Los Angeles, California}}{{Use American English|date=April 2024}}{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}{{About|the currently operating subway|the former Los Angeles rail system known as the “Red Car“|Pacific Electric}}

factoids

| logo = LACMTA Circle B Line.svg| image = Breda A650.jpgUnion Station}}| other_name = Red Line (1993–2019)| status = | owner = Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority| linenumber = 802North Hollywood}}Union Station}}| stations = 14metro.net/riding/guide/b-line}}| type = Rapid transit| system = Los Angeles Metro Rail| depot = Division 20 (Los Angeles)| stock = Breda A650 running in 4 or 6 car consists| daily_ridership = 72,200 (Weekday, Q3 2022)Ridership data is combined for the B and D lines.}} (2023) {{increase}} {{#expr: ((25899711-25767716) / 25767716)*100 round 1}}%14.7URL=HTTPS://WWW.METRO.NET/NEWS/FACTS-GLANCE/ LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY >ACCESS-DATE=JUNE 22, 2023 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20230319120952/HTTPS://WWW.METRO.NET/ABOUT/FACTS-GLANCE/, March 19, 2023, | tracks = 2| character = Fully underground (except yard)ussg|allk=on}}conductor=third rail}}70abbr=on}} ({{Tooltipmaximum speed}}){{convertmphavg.|average speed, including stops}})| map = {{switcherfrom=B Line (Los Angeles Metro).map}} B Line highlighted in red | Show interactive mapinline=yes}}| Show route diagram}}}}The B Line (formerly the Red Line from 1993–2020) is a fully underground {{Convert|14.7|mi|km|adj=on|abbr=on}} rapid transit line operating in Los Angeles, running between North Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles. It is one of six lines in the Los Angeles Metro Rail system, operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Built in four stages between 1986 and 2000, the line cost $4.5 billion.The B Line is one of the city’s two fully-underground subway lines (along with the D Line). The two lines share tracks through Koreatown and Downtown Los Angeles. {{As of| 2019}}, the combined B and D lines averaged 133,413 boardings per weekday.WEB,isotp.metro.net/MetroRidership/IndexRail.aspx, Interactive Estimated Ridership Stats, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority, January 1, 2020, 2020-02-10, June 24, 2021,isotp.metro.net/MetroRidership/IndexRail.aspx," title="web.archive.org/web/20210624111637isotp.metro.net/MetroRidership/IndexRail.aspx,">web.archive.org/web/20210624111637isotp.metro.net/MetroRidership/IndexRail.aspx, live, In 2020, Metro renamed all of its lines using letters and colors, with the Red Line becoming the B Line (retaining the red color in its service bullet) and the Purple Line becoming the D Line.

Service description

Route

The B Line is a subway that begins at North Hollywood station in North Hollywood, in the San Fernando Valley. The line turns southeast underneath Cahuenga Pass and passes through Hollywood and Koreatown, traveling east along Hollywood Boulevard and then south along Vermont Avenue. Arriving at Wilshire/Vermont station, the line merges with the D Line, and the lines continue between Wilshire Boulevard and 7th Street (and briefly Ingraham Street), where the lines interchange with the A and E light rail lines at 7th Street/Metro Center station. The lines then pass northeast through Downtown Los Angeles, passing through the Financial District, Pershing Square (near the Historic Core), and the Civic Center, before terminating at Union Station.The B Line through Cahuenga Pass roughly follows a branch of the old Pacific Electric system.

Hours and frequency

{{LA Metro hours and frequency|B}}{| class=“wikitable” style="text-align: center;“!Time!5A!6A!7A!8A-6P!7P!8P!9P-12A!Weekdays|14-1812|20!Weekends/Holidays20|16-20 1220

Station listing

The following table lists the stations of the B Line, from north to south. All stations are located in the city of Los Angeles, California.{| class=“wikitable”! Station! Date opened! Neighborhood! Major connections and notesWEB, Metro B Line (Red),www.metro.net/riding/guide/B-line/, 2020-07-23, www.metro.net, en-US, March 25, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20220325082924/https://www.metro.net/riding/guide/b-line/, live, WEB, Metro Parking Lots by Line,www.metro.net/riding/parking/lotsbyline/, 2020-07-23, www.metro.net, en-US, August 10, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200810121559/https://www.metro.net/riding/parking/lotsbyline/, live, North Hollywood}}June 24, 2000North Hollywood, Los Angeles>North HollywoodG}}Park and ride: 1,085 paid spacesUniversal City/Studio City}}Studio City, Los Angeles>Studio City| Universal Studios Hollywood shuttlePark and ride: 782 paid spacesHollywood/Highland}}Hollywood|Hollywood/Vine}}June 12, 1999|Hollywood/Western}}East Hollywood|Vermont/Sunset}}|Vermont/Santa Monica}}|Vermont/Beverly}}|Wilshire/Vermont}}| July 13, 1996Mid-Wilshire/Koreatown, Los Angeles>KoreatownD}}Westlake/MacArthur Park}}January 30, 1993Westlake, Los Angeles>WestlakeD}}Park and ride: 6 spaces7th Street/Metro Center}}Downtown Los AngelesAE|J}}Pershing Square}}D|J}}Civic Center/Grand Park}}D|J}}Union Station}}202316DL}}AJ}}usAmtrak, {{Rint>airFlyAway (bus)>LAX FlyAway and {{Rintmetrolink}} MetrolinkPaid parking: 3,000 spaces

Ridership

Note: Ridership figures are for B and D Line combined.{{Div flex row| align-items=center}}{| class=“wikitable sortable” style="border-spacing: 1px; text-align:center; font-size:95%;”|+ Annual ridership! style="border-bottom:1px solid black“| Year !! style="border-bottom:1px solid black“| Ridership !!style="border-bottom:1px solid black“| {{abbr|%±|Percent change}}| —47453332disp=out|dec=1}}47434969disp=out|dec=1}}46964495disp=out|dec=1}}48703612disp=out|dec=1}}51030536disp=out|dec=1}}48645206disp=out|dec=1}}46356726disp=out|dec=1}}45629352disp=out|dec=1}}44861106disp=out|dec=1}}43301200disp=out|dec=1}}41775490disp=out|dec=1}}22776524disp=out|dec=1}}21398104disp=out|dec=1}}25767716disp=out|dec=1}} class=“sortbottom”LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20210410181403/HTTPS://ISOTP.METRO.NET/METRORIDERSHIP/INDEXRAIL.ASPX, live, {{Graph:Chart|width=350|height=200|type=rect|showValues=format:.3s|xAxisAngle=-40|yType=integer|yAxisFormat=sLos Angeles Metro Rail|B}}|xAxisTitle=Year|x=2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023|yAxisTitle=Ridership|y=47453332, 47434969, 46964495, 48703612, 51030536, 48645206, 46356726, 45629352, 44861106, 43301200, 41775490, 22776524, 21398104, 25767716, 25899711}}{{Div flex row end}}

History

The current B Line is the product of a long-term plan to connect Downtown Los Angeles to central and western portions of the city with a subway system. Original proposals in the 1980s had it running down Wilshire Boulevard to Fairfax Avenue and then north to the San Fernando Valley. Residents in some parts of the city bitterly opposed the subway. A 1985 methane explosion at a Ross Dress for Less clothing store near Fairfax gave Rep. Henry Waxman, who represented the Fairfax District, a reason to derail the project that was opposed by his constituents by prohibiting tunnelling in an alleged “methane zone” west of Western on Wilshire.WEB, Reft, Ryan, January 28, 2015, Building Subways in the Post World War II World: Los Angeles and Washington D.C.,tropicsofmeta.com/2015/01/28/building-subways-in-the-post-world-war-ii-world-los-angeles-and-washington-d-c/, November 14, 2021, Tropics of Meta, en-US, November 14, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20211114031030/https://tropicsofmeta.com/2015/01/28/building-subways-in-the-post-world-war-ii-world-los-angeles-and-washington-d-c/, live, After some political wrangling, a new route was chosen up Vermont Avenue to Hollywood Boulevard.(File:Hollywood and Vine station.jpg|thumb|Interior decor and stairs to platform level of Hollywood and Vine station|left)The groundbreaking for the first segment of the subway was held on September 29, 1986, on the site of the future Civic Center/Grand Park station.NEWS, Cummings, Judith, 1986-09-30, LOS ANGELES BREAKS GROUND IN METRO RAIL PROJECT,www.nytimes.com/1986/09/30/us/los-angeles-breaks-ground-in-metro-rail-project.html, 2024-02-14, The New York Times, en-US, 0362-4331, WEB, September 29, 2011, 25 Years Ago Today: Los Angeles’ Red Line Subway Breaks Ground,metroprimaryresources.info/25-years-ago-today-los-angeles-red-line-subway-breaks-ground/1755/, November 14, 2021, Dorothy Peyton Gray Transportation Library and Archive, en-US, November 14, 2021,web.archive.org/web/20211114054030/https://metroprimaryresources.info/25-years-ago-today-los-angeles-red-line-subway-breaks-ground/1755/, live, Today’s B Line was built in four minimum operating segments:

• MOS-1, consisting of five stations from Union Station to {{LAMs|Westlake/MacArthur Park}}, opened on January 30, 1993, as the Red Line. (At this point, the line’s operator was still the Southern California Rapid Transit District).NEWS, Katches, Mark, January 31, 1993, Red Line Rolls to Raves – It’s Smooth Railing As L.A. Subway Opens, Los Angeles Daily News,
• MOS-2A, consisting of three stations from {{LAMs|Westlake/MacArthur Park}} to {{LAMs|Wilshire/Western}}, opened on July 13, 1996, although only one station on this section ({{LAMs|Wilshire/Vermont}}) is on today’s B Line.
• MOS-2B, consisting of five stations from {{LAMs|Wilshire/Vermont}} to {{LAMs|Hollywood/Vine}}, opened on June 12, 1999.NEWS, Hiestand, Jesse, June 13, 1999, Hollywood Subway Picks Up Rave Reviews, Los Angeles Daily News,
• MOS-3, extending the Red Line from {{LAMs|Hollywood/Vine}} to {{LAMs|North Hollywood}}, opened on June 24, 2000.NEWS, Sheppard, Harrison, June 18, 2000, End of the Line, Los Angeles Daily News, NEWS, Purdum, Todd S., 2000-06-23, Los Angeles Subway Reaches End of the Line,www.nytimes.com/2000/06/23/us/los-angeles-subway-reaches-end-of-the-line.html, 2024-02-14, The New York Times, en-US, 0362-4331,

Overall, the construction of the subway over the four phases cost $4.5 billion.On June 22, 1995, during the construction of MOS-2B, a sinkhole appeared on Hollywood Boulevard, barely missing several workers and causing damage to buildings on the street.WEB, GORDON, LARRY, KENNEDY, J. MICHAEL, June 23, 1995, Street Vanishes in Subway Sinkhole : MTA: Burst water main weakens earth above tunnel, causing half a block of Hollywood Boulevard to collapse.,articles.latimes.com/1995-06-23/local/me-16226_1_hollywood-boulevard, LA Times, October 20, 2017, October 5, 2018,articles.latimes.com/1995-06-23/local/me-16226_1_hollywood-boulevard," title="web.archive.org/web/20181005132828articles.latimes.com/1995-06-23/local/me-16226_1_hollywood-boulevard,">web.archive.org/web/20181005132828articles.latimes.com/1995-06-23/local/me-16226_1_hollywood-boulevard, live, Subway construction was delayed during the investigation and repairs of the sinkhole. The contractor on that segment project was replaced, and because of the perceived mismanagement of Red Line construction, in 1998 voters banned the use of existing sales taxes for subway tunnelling.WEB,www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-nov-04-mn-39290-story.html, Anti-Subway Funding Measure Wins Easily, November 4, 1998, Los Angeles Times, en-US, September 15, 2019, October 22, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20201022191900/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-nov-04-mn-39290-story.html, live, (File:North Hollywood Metro Red Line Station 2.JPG|thumb|Train at North Hollywood Metro B Line station)Construction of MOS-3, by comparison, proceeded with relatively few issues. Tunnelling from North Hollywood for the subway started in 1995. Workers dug under the Santa Monica Mountains using tunnelling machines. Work progressed an average of {{convert|50|to| 200|ft|m|abbr=on}} daily, performed by work crews round-the-clock six days a week.Original proposals for the subway system included expansions east from Union Station to East Los Angeles and west from North Hollywood towards the Warner Center transit hub in the San Fernando Valley. Barred from subway tunnelling, Metro turned to other types of mass transit. In the San Fernando Valley, residents passed a law in 1991 mandating that any rail line in the area be built underground,NEWS, Covarrubias, Amanda, October 18, 2005, “Is a Busway the Valley Way?; The region’s Orange Line is ready to roll but some wonder if it will do much to curtail traffic.”, A1, Los Angeles Times, NEWS, Lopez, Steve, July 27, 2001, Hahn Tiptoes in Front of Buses, Is Flattened, en-US, Los Angeles Times, so Metro built a busway (now the G Line) from North Hollywood to Warner Center, which opened on October 29, 2005. East of Union Station, Metro built a light rail line with at-grade and underground segments to East Los Angeles, now part of the E Line, which opened on November 15, 2009.

Operations

On Metro Rail’s internal timetables, the B Line is called line 802.

Maintenance

(File:Metro Red & Purple Lines Train Car.JPG|thumb|Inside a Breda A650 car used on the Metro B and D Lines)The B Line operates out of the Division 20 Yard (Santa Fe Yard), located at 320 South Santa Fe Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles. This yard stores the fleet used on the B and D Lines, and where heavy maintenance is performed. Cars reach this yard by continuing past Union Station, making a right turn and surfacing at the Eastern terminus of Ducommun Street. They then travel south to 1st Street, through a washing station, and enter the yard.

Rolling stock

The B Line uses A650 {{convert|75|ft|m|2|adj=on|abbr=on}} electric multiple unit cars built by Breda in Italy. Trains usually run in six-car configurations during peak hours and four-car configurations otherwise. The cars are maintained in a Metro yard on Santa Fe Avenue near 4th Street alongside the Los Angeles River in downtown Los Angeles.In March 2017, Metro ordered new CRRC HR4000 railcars, which will operate on the B Line when they are delivered.WEB,www.progressiverailroading.com/mechanical/news/LA-Metro-inks-pact-with-CRRC-for-up-to-282-new-rail-cars--51154, L.A. Metro inks pact with CRRC for up to 282 new rail cars, Progressive Railroading, March 24, 2017, March 24, 2017, March 24, 2017,www.progressiverailroading.com/mechanical/news/LA-Metro-inks-pact-with-CRRC-for-up-to-282-new-rail-cars--51154," title="web.archive.org/web/20170324221721www.progressiverailroading.com/mechanical/news/LA-Metro-inks-pact-with-CRRC-for-up-to-282-new-rail-cars--51154,">web.archive.org/web/20170324221721www.progressiverailroading.com/mechanical/news/LA-Metro-inks-pact-with-CRRC-for-up-to-282-new-rail-cars--51154, live, In January 2024, Metro ordered 182 Hyundai Rotem HR5000 trains, allowing for future replacement of all Breda A650 trains as well as expanded train service including a four minute train frequency.WEB, 16 November 2023, Metro - File #: 2023-0496 Attachment D Presentation HR5000 New Heavy Rail Vehicle Procurement,metro.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6413915&GUID=F846ED21-46FB-4D75-910B-C6B6EF2D9D68&FullText=1, 2024-02-09, metro.legistar.com, Base Order 182 HRVs - Replace Existing Fleet (74 Cars), Support Purple Line Extensions – Section 2 & 3, Add Capacity for 4 Minutes Headway as committed to FTA,

Potential future extensions

(File:Universal City Metro Red Line Station 1.JPG|thumb|Eastbound platform at Universal City station)

Extension to Arts District

In 2010, at the request of L.A. City Councilman Tom LaBonge, Metro staff studied the possibility of adding a station along the west bank of the Los Angeles River to 6th Street and Santa Fe Avenue. The study concluded that such an extension, completed at-grade along Metro-owned right-of-way, could be completed for as little as $90 million.The study suggested an alternative station at the Division 20 Yard north of 4th Street and Santa Fe Avenue. This station would be closer to the residential population of the Arts District. As new turnback tracks will need to be built as part of the D Line Extension (to allow shorter headways), this Arts District extension could possibly be partially completed as part of the Purple Line Extension project, lowering the incremental cost of the station while increasing its usability.WEB,media.metro.net/board/Items/2010/06_june/20100616P%26PItem9.pdf, Feasibility study, June 16, 2010, media.metro.net, June 6, 2018, August 3, 2016,media.metro.net/board/Items/2010/06_june/20100616P%26PItem9.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20160803181836media.metro.net/board/Items/2010/06_june/20100616P%26PItem9.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20160803181836media.metro.net/board/Items/2010/06_june/20100616P%26PItem9.pdf, live, NEWS,www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-metro-subway-arts-district-20150316-story.html, Metro could expand subway service to the downtown L.A. Arts District, Nelson, Laura J., Los Angeles Times, March 18, 2015, March 19, 2015, March 19, 2015,www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-metro-subway-arts-district-20150316-story.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20150319204150www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-metro-subway-arts-district-20150316-story.html,">web.archive.org/web/20150319204150www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-metro-subway-arts-district-20150316-story.html, live,

Extensions to the South

One of the proposals for the Vermont Transit Corridor being considered by Metro would extend a subway line from Wilshire/Vermont station down Vermont Avenue to 120th Street. Metro is also considering other types of mass transit for the line, including light rail and busway options.

Incidents

• On December 22, 2006, a rider accidentally spilled a vial of mercury on the platform at Pershing Square station. He notified the operator on a passenger intercom before boarding a train, but Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department did not know of the spillage until eight hours later.NEWS, Blankstein, Andrew, Guccione, Jean,www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-mercury19jan19,1,6614611.story, MTA admits subway spill errors, Los Angeles Times, January 19, 2007, February 2, 2007, March 23, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230323160412/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jan-19-me-mercury19-story.html, live, In response, Metro implemented new hazardous materials (Hazmat) training to its field employees and operators.NEWS, Blankstein, Andrew, Guccione, Jean,www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jan-24-me-mercury24-story.html,www.latimes.com/la-me-mercury24jan24,0,1158830,full.story," title="archive.today/20130127213942www.latimes.com/la-me-mercury24jan24,0,1158830,full.story,">archive.today/20130127213942www.latimes.com/la-me-mercury24jan24,0,1158830,full.story, dead, January 27, 2013, Transient held in MTA mercury spill, Los Angeles Times, January 24, 2007, January 31, 2007,
• On August 19, 2011, near the Hollywood/Vine station, an altercation between two passengers resulted in one being fatally stabbed.NEWS,abc7.com/archive/8317453/, Passenger fatally stabbed on Metro Red Line, Powell, Amy, KABC-TV, August 19, 2011, February 1, 2016, January 11, 2016,abc7.com/archive/8317453/," title="web.archive.org/web/20160111041313abc7.com/archive/8317453/,">web.archive.org/web/20160111041313abc7.com/archive/8317453/, live, The suspect was arrested on August 24.NEWS,abc7.com/archive/8324177/, Metro Red Line stabbing suspect arrested, Hernandez, Miriam, KABC-TV, August 24, 2011, February 1, 2016, January 11, 2016,abc7.com/archive/8324177/," title="web.archive.org/web/20160111041313abc7.com/archive/8324177/,">web.archive.org/web/20160111041313abc7.com/archive/8324177/, live,
• On September 4, 2012, a 54-year-old man fell onto the tracks at the North Hollywood station and was hit by an oncoming train.NEWS,www.dailynews.com/news/ci_21467292/man-rescued-from-under-metro-red-line-train, Man rescued from under Metro Red Line train at North Hollywood station, Los Angeles Daily News, September 4, 2012, September 9, 2012, September 6, 2012,www.dailynews.com/news/ci_21467292/man-rescued-from-under-metro-red-line-train," title="web.archive.org/web/20120906192008www.dailynews.com/news/ci_21467292/man-rescued-from-under-metro-red-line-train,">web.archive.org/web/20120906192008www.dailynews.com/news/ci_21467292/man-rescued-from-under-metro-red-line-train, live, He was rushed to hospital, where he later died.WEB,losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/09/05/death-of-man-rescued-from-underneath-metro-red-line-train-under-investigation/, Death Of Man Rescued From Underneath Metro Red Line Train Under Investigation, KCBS-TV, September 5, 2012, September 9, 2012, November 1, 2014,losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/09/05/death-of-man-rescued-from-underneath-metro-red-line-train-under-investigation/," title="web.archive.org/web/20141101040258losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/09/05/death-of-man-rescued-from-underneath-metro-red-line-train-under-investigation/,">web.archive.org/web/20141101040258losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/09/05/death-of-man-rescued-from-underneath-metro-red-line-train-under-investigation/, live,
• On May 22, 2018, an unidentified man “probably jumped” onto the tracks at the 7th St/Metro Center station and was hit by an oncoming train. He was rushed to a hospital, where he later died. It is unknown if it was suicide or not.WEB,www.dailynews.com/2018/05/22/man-who-probably-jumped-in-front-of-metro-red-line-train-is-in-grave-condition/, Man who ‘probably jumped’ in front of Metro Red Line train dies, Los Angeles Daily News, May 22, 2018, June 5, 2018, June 9, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180609095543/https://www.dailynews.com/2018/05/22/man-who-probably-jumped-in-front-of-metro-red-line-train-is-in-grave-condition/, live,

Notes

{{notelist}}

References

{{reflist}}

External links

{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}{{Commons category|B Line (Los Angeles Metro)}}

• MTA Home Page
• Red Line news

{{Los Angeles Metro Rail and Busway stations navbox}}{{Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority}}{{USSubway}}{{LA Mass Transit}}