LA's D Line expansion opens Friday with faster rides through Wilshire Boulevard

Los Angeles is expanding its rail network with the opening of three new D Line stations this Friday. The extension stretches from downtown to Beverly Hills along Wilshire Boulevard, cutting through some of the city’s busiest areas. Officials hope the line will shift how Angelenos commute in one of the most congested urban corridors west of the Mississippi. The D Line now connects Union Station to the Wilshire/La Cienega stop in just 21 minutes—a trip that takes around 45 minutes by car during rush hour. Trains will run every 10 minutes for most of the day, dropping to every 20 minutes late at night. The route passes through densely packed neighbourhoods and key landmarks, including LACMA and the Academy Museum, with stops near popular spots like the Grove and Beverly Center.

Metro officials view this expansion as a critical step in their push to make Los Angeles less car-dependent. The line’s success will depend on its speed, reliability, and how it compares to driving. Some locals in Beverly Hills and Miracle Mile are willing to give it a try but worry about long waits and safety. The D Line could become a major test of whether high-quality rail in prime locations can change commuting habits. If it works, it may set a precedent for future projects in a city long dominated by cars.

The new stations open this week, offering a faster alternative to driving through some of LA’s most crowded areas. Commuters will soon see whether the D Line’s convenience and frequency can win them over. The outcome may shape how the city approaches transit in the years ahead.