L.A. Metro approves major rail route expansion into West Hollywood

The new K Line extension will connect South L.A. to key destinations, but faces opposition from some Mid-City residents

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:33pm

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Metro's board unanimously approved a new route for a Los Angeles rail line that would extend service from South L.A. into West Hollywood. The 9.7-mile K Line northern extension project would add nine stations and connect Angelenos to major job centers and destinations. However, the project has faced strong opposition from some Mid-City homeowners who fear disruption and lower property values from the tunneling construction.

Why it matters

The K Line extension is a major mass transit milestone for L.A. that could finally create a more robust public transportation culture in the sprawling region. However, the concerns of historic Black neighborhoods like Lafayette Square about potential disruption and displacement echo the divisive impact of past infrastructure projects like the 10 freeway.

The details

The K Line northern extension underground light rail project would link up with four major rail lines and increase daily ridership to 100,000. In the days before the Metro board vote, Mayor Karen Bass met with West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman to amend the motion and address community concerns, though this angered some transit advocates who felt it was unnecessary. The project is contingent on West Hollywood and L.A. County securing $2.25 billion in local funding to expedite construction, which some board members were skeptical about.

  • On Thursday, Metro's board unanimously approved the new K Line route.
  • In recent days, there was speculation that Mayor Bass might seek to delay the project due to community concerns.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who is a key member of the Metro board and helped broker a compromise on the K Line extension.

John Heilman

The mayor of West Hollywood who is a major backer of the K Line extension project.

Lindsey Horvath

The L.A. County Supervisor and former West Hollywood mayor who sits on the Metro board and supported the compromise.

Ara J. Najarian

A Metro Board member who voiced concern about whether West Hollywood would be able to come up with the $2.25 billion in local funding needed to expedite the project.

Thomas Smith

A longtime Angeleno who criticized the amendment to the K Line extension plan in public comments.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.