View source for L Line (Los Angeles Metro)

{{Short description|Former light rail line}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name            = L Line
| color           = {{rcr|Los Angeles Metro Rail|L}}
| logo            = LACMTA Circle L Line.svg
| image           = Gold Line Overpass on I-210.jpg
| caption         = [[Foothill Freeway]] overpass east of [[Sierra Madre Villa station]], 2015
| other_name      = Gold Line (2003–2020)
| status          = Defunct, split between [[A Line (Los Angeles Metro)|A]] and [[E Line (Los Angeles Metro)|E]] lines
| owner           = [[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]
| linenumber      = 804
| start           = {{LAMs|APU/Citrus College}}
| end             = {{LAMs|Atlantic}}
| stations        = 26
| website         = {{URL|metro.net/riding/l-line}}
| type            = [[Light rail]]
| system          = [[Los Angeles Metro Rail]]
| depot           =  Division 21 (Elysian Park)<br />Division 24 (Monrovia)
| stock           = [[Siemens P2000]], [[AnsaldoBreda P2550]] or [[Kinki Sharyo P3010]] running in 2 or 3 car consists
| ridership2      = {{formatnum:5907262}} (2022) {{increase}} {{#expr: ((5907262-4999638) / 4999638)*100 round 1}}%
| open            = {{Start date and age|2003|07|26}}
| close           = {{Start date and age|2023|06|16}}
| linelength      = {{convert|31|mi|km|1|abbr=out}}<ref name="facts" />
| tracks          = 2
| character       = Mostly at-grade in private right-of-way, with some street-running, elevated and underground sections
| gauge           = {{Track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| electrification = {{750 V DC|conductor=overhead}}
| speed           = {{convert|55|mph|abbr=on}} ({{Tooltip|max.|maximum speed}})<!-- <br />{{convert|20|mph|abbr=on}} ({{Tooltip|avg.|average speed, including stops}}) -->
| map                             = {{switcher
|{{maplink-road|from=L Line (Los Angeles Metro).map}} L Line highlighted in gold <hr />
|Show interactive map
|{{L Line (Los Angeles Metro)|inline=yes}}
|Show diagram map
}}
}}

The '''L Line''' and '''Gold Line'''<ref>{{cite web |date=December 2019 |title=Meet the Line Letters: Information for Metro Employees |url=http://libraryarchives.metro.net/DB_Attachments/200106_Line_Letters_Facts.pdf |publisher=LACMTA |access-date=January 7, 2020 |archive-date=January 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113193955/http://libraryarchives.metro.net/DB_Attachments/200106_Line_Letters_Facts.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> are former designations for a section of the current [[Los Angeles Metro Rail]] system, a single [[light rail]] line of {{convert|31|miles|km}}<ref name="facts">{{cite web |url=https://www.metro.net/news/facts-glance/ |title=Facts at a Glance |publisher=LACMTA |access-date=2016-03-08 |archive-date=March 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319120952/https://www.metro.net/about/facts-glance/ |url-status=live }}</ref> that provided service between [[Azusa, California|Azusa]] and [[East Los Angeles, California|East Los Angeles]] via the northeastern corner of [[Downtown Los Angeles]], serving several destinations and neighborhoods, including [[Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California|Little Tokyo]], [[Union Station (Los Angeles)|Union Station]], the [[Southwest Museum]], [[Chinatown, Los Angeles, California|Chinatown]], and [[Old Pasadena]]. The line, formerly one of seven in the system, entered service in 2003. The L Line served 26 stations (including two underground stations, and one open trench station).<ref name="facts" />

In October 2020, the line was broken into two disconnected segments with the closure of the [[Little Tokyo/Arts District station]] in preparation for the opening of the [[Regional Connector]] tunnel.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-10-19/metro-closing-little-tokyo-arts-district-station|title = Metro closing Little Tokyo/Arts District Station for nearly 2 years|website = [[Los Angeles Times]]|date = October 19, 2020|access-date = October 24, 2020|archive-date = October 24, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201024210526/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-10-19/metro-closing-little-tokyo-arts-district-station|url-status = live}}</ref> On June 16, 2023, the new tunnel opened, along with a new Little Tokyo/Arts District station, now below ground.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last1=Von Quednow |first1=Cindy |title=Metro Regional Connector opens in Los Angeles, bringing more direct access to downtown |url=https://ktla.com/news/metro-regional-connector-opens-in-los-angeles-brings-more-direct-access-to-downtown/ |access-date=June 16, 2023 |work=[[KTLA]] |publisher=[[Nexstar Media Group]] |date=June 16, 2023 |archive-date=August 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812220301/https://ktla.com/news/metro-regional-connector-opens-in-los-angeles-brings-more-direct-access-to-downtown/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> As of that date, passengers may now transfer between the two segments of the former L Line at this station, now serviced by the [[A Line (Los Angeles Metro)|A Line]] and the [[E Line (Los Angeles Metro)|E Line]], which took over the northern and southern sections of the L Line, respectively. Metro reassigned the L Line's gold color to the E Line (it had previously been designated light blue) when service changes went into effect.

East Los Angeles and Pasadena are no longer connected directly without transfers, but the system changes provided direct rail service to Long Beach on the A Line and Santa Monica on the E Line.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://laist.com/2019/09/25/la_metro_blue_line_will_reopen_as_the_a_line.php|title=Ignore Those 'Line A' Signs. Metro's Blue Line Will Reopen As The 'A Line'|last=Fonseca|first=Ryan|website=LAist|access-date=2019-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926084240/https://laist.com/2019/09/25/la_metro_blue_line_will_reopen_as_the_a_line.php|archive-date=September 26, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Service description ==

=== Route description ===
[[File:Atlantic Gold Line 3.JPG|thumb|left|Northbound train at [[Atlantic station (Los Angeles Metro)|Atlantic station]]]]
The line's northern terminus was at [[APU/Citrus College station]] just west of Citrus Avenue and the two universities. The line ran west through Azusa before stopping at [[Azusa Downtown station]] at Azusa Avenue, north of Foothill Boulevard. Continuing west, the line crossed over the [[Foothill Freeway|I-210]] freeway and ran parallel to it, entering [[Irwindale, California|Irwindale]] before stopping at [[Irwindale station]] at Irwindale Avenue. After this station, the line continued west, crossing over the [[San Gabriel River (California)|San Gabriel River]] and underneath the [[Interstate 605|I-605]] freeway, diverging from I-210 and entering [[Duarte, California|Duarte]], before stopping at [[Duarte/City of Hope station]] located on the north side of Duarte Road, across from the [[City of Hope National Medical Center]]. 

Continuing west, the line paralleled Duarte Road, entering [[Monrovia, California|Monrovia]], before diverging northwest just before arriving at [[Monrovia station]]. Entering [[Arcadia, California|Arcadia]], the train crossed all street crossings on bridges except for First Avenue at the at-grade [[Arcadia station]]. Continuing west, the line reconverged with and entered the median of I-210 and continued west to [[Sierra Madre Villa station]] in [[Pasadena, California|Pasadena]]. Six stations served different parts of Pasadena, with three of them in the freeway's median. In [[Old Pasadena]], the line traveled underground for almost half a mile, passing under Pasadena's main thoroughfare, [[Colorado Boulevard]], which makes the [[Memorial Park station]] below grade. The station served most of Pasadena's fine dining, shops, malls, and civic center. The line continued south through downtown Pasadena and [[South Pasadena, California|South Pasadena]], primarily at grade. North of Highland Park, the route crossed over the [[Arroyo Seco Parkway]] (State Route 110) via the [[Santa Fe Arroyo Seco Railroad Bridge]] towards [[Highland Park, Los Angeles|Highland Park]]. 

After [[Highland Park station (Los Angeles Metro)|Highland Park station]], the train ran in the median of Marmion Way, where trains went at only {{convert|20|mph|km/h}}. After 50th Avenue, the L Line operated primarily at grade in its own right of way, except for a short underpass below [[Figueroa Street]]. From here, the route continued, with a handful of stations serving the hillside communities north of downtown, including [[Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles, California|Lincoln Heights]], [[Mount Washington, Los Angeles|Mount Washington]], the [[Southwest Museum of the American Indian]]. Northeast of [[Chinatown, Los Angeles|Chinatown]], the line crossed over the [[Los Angeles River]] on an elevated viaduct. Continuing on the elevated viaduct, the line stopped at [[Chinatown station (Los Angeles Metro)|Chinatown station]] before arriving at [[Union Station (Los Angeles)|Union Station]]. At Union Station, passengers could transfer to the [[B Line (Los Angeles Metro)|B]] and [[D Line (Los Angeles Metro)|D]] [[rapid transit]] lines, [[Metrolink (California)|Metrolink]] [[commuter rail]], [[Amtrak]], and buses.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Transportation |url=https://www.unionstationla.com/transportation/ |access-date=November 7, 2024 |website=Union Station Los Angeles |language=en-US}}</ref> The entire section of the line north of Union Station followed the current and former [[Right-of-way (transportation)|right-of-way]] of the [[Pasadena Subdivision]].

South of Union Station, the L Line crossed over [[U.S. Route 101 in California|US&nbsp;101]] on a curved elevated viaduct into [[Little Tokyo, Los Angeles|Little Tokyo]], where the line then serviced the former at-grade [[Little Tokyo/Arts District station]]. After this, the line then swerved right to enter the median of [[1st Street, Los Angeles|1st Street]], crossing the Los Angeles River again, entering the neighborhood of [[Boyle Heights, Los Angeles|Boyle Heights]]. Here, the L Line then serviced [[Pico/Aliso station]], before diving underground underneath 1st Street to service [[Mariachi Plaza station]] and [[Soto station]]. Adjacent to [[Evergreen Cemetery (Los Angeles)|Evergreen Cemetery]], the line then reemerged at-grade in the median of 1st Street before swerving to the east side of Indiana street to service [[Indiana station (Los Angeles Metro)|Indiana station]]. After this, the line swerved again to enter the median of [[3rd Street, Los Angeles|3rd Street]], entering [[East Los Angeles, California|East Los Angeles]]. Crossing underneath [[California State Route 60|SR&nbsp;60]] and above [[Interstate 710 and State Route 710 (California)|I-710]], the line then serviced [[Maravilla station]], [[East LA Civic Center station]], and [[Atlantic station (Los Angeles Metro)|Atlantic station]], where the line terminated.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-nov-17-me-tunnel17-story.html|title=1st of two Eastside rail tunnels is finished|date=November 17, 2006|first=Jean|last=Guccione|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=2016-01-17|archive-date=November 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120002429/http://articles.latimes.com/2006/nov/17/local/me-tunnel17|url-status=live}}</ref>

Prior to its discontinuation, the L Line was broken into two  disconnected segments in October 2020, with the closure of the segment between Union Station and Pico/Aliso station, including the closure of Little Tokyo/Arts District station. This was done in preparation for the opening of the [[Regional Connector]], which opened on June 16, 2023. Prior to this date, riders seeking to travel between the then disconnected segments of the L Line had to use a temporary bus shuttle to make the connection.

=== Hours and frequency ===
As of 2023, before the L Line was subsumed into the A and E lines, L Line trains ran every day between approximately 4:30 a.m. and 12:15 a.m. Trains operated every 10 minutes during peak hours Monday through Friday, and every twelve minutes during the daytime on weekdays and all day on the weekends. Evening service (after 7 p.m.) was every 20 minutes.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 9, 2023|title=Metro L Line schedule|url=https://www.metro.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/804_TT_04-09-23.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625044429/https://www.metro.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/804_TT_04-09-23.pdf |archive-date=June 25, 2023 |access-date=June 24, 2023|website=[[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Speed ===
L Line trains traveled at a maximum speed of {{convert|55|mph}}. It took 48 minutes<ref name="Gold-timetable">{{cite web|date=June 24, 2018|title=Gold Line timetable|url=http://media.metro.net/riding_metro/bus_overview/images/804.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512232300/http://media.metro.net/riding_metro/bus_overview/images/804.pdf|archive-date=May 12, 2019|access-date=2021-06-24|publisher=LACMTA}}</ref> to travel its {{convert|29|mi|km|adj=on}} length,<ref name="facts" /> at an average speed of {{convert|26.2|mph|km/h|sigfig=|abbr=on}} over its length. The L Line was particularly slow through the Highland Park area, where trains reach speeds of only {{convert|20|mph|km/h|sigfig=2|abbr=on}} while operating in a street running section on Marmion Way.

=== Station listing ===
The following table lists the stations of the former L Line, from north to south.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! width="190" | Station
! Date Opened
! City/Neighborhood
<!-- Do not add addresses. They are listed on station pages -->
! Major connections and notes<ref>{{Cite web|title=Metro L Line (Gold)|url=https://www.metro.net/riding/guide/L-line/|access-date=2020-07-23|website=www.metro.net|language=en-US|archive-date=July 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723214743/https://www.metro.net/riding/guide/L-line/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Metro Parking Lots by Line|url=https://www.metro.net/riding/parking/lotsbyline/|access-date=2020-07-23|website=www.metro.net|language=en-US|archive-date=August 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810121559/https://www.metro.net/riding/parking/lotsbyline/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{LAMs|APU/Citrus College}}
| rowspan="6" |March 5, 2016
| rowspan="2" |[[Azusa, California|Azusa]]
|[[Park and ride]]: 200 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Azusa Downtown}}
|Park and ride: 521 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Irwindale}}
|[[Irwindale, California|Irwindale]]
|Park and ride: 350 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Duarte/City of Hope}}
|[[Duarte, California|Duarte]]
|Park and ride: 125 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Monrovia}}
|[[Monrovia, California|Monrovia]]
|Park and ride: 350 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Arcadia}}
|[[Arcadia, California|Arcadia]]
|Park and ride: 300 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Sierra Madre Villa}}
| rowspan="13" |July 26, 2003
| rowspan="6" |[[Pasadena, California|Pasadena]]
|Park and ride: 965 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Allen}}
|
|-
|{{LAMs|Lake}}
|Park and ride: 22 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Memorial Park}}
|
|-
|{{LAMs|Del Mar}}
|Park and ride: 610 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Fillmore}}
|Park and ride: 155 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|South Pasadena}}
|[[South Pasadena, California|South Pasadena]]
|Park and ride: 142 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Highland Park}}
|Los Angeles ([[Highland Park, Los Angeles|Highland Park]])
|
|-
|{{LAMs|Southwest Museum}}
|Los Angeles ([[Mount Washington, Los Angeles|Mount Washington]])
|
|-
|{{LAMs|Heritage Square}}
|Los Angeles ([[Montecito Heights, Los Angeles|Montecito Heights]])
|Park and ride: 129 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Lincoln/Cypress}}
|Los Angeles ([[Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles|Lincoln Heights]]/[[Cypress Park, Los Angeles|Cypress Park]])
|Park and ride: 94 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Chinatown}}
|Los Angeles ([[Chinatown, Los Angeles|Chinatown]])
|
|-
|{{LAMs|Union Station}}
|Los Angeles ([[Downtown Los Angeles|Downtown]])
|{{LACMTA icon strip|B|D|J}}<br />{{Rint|us|amtrak}}[[Amtrak]], {{Rint|air|link=FlyAway (bus)}} [[FlyAway (bus)|LAX FlyAway]] and {{Rint|losangeles|metrolink}} [[Metrolink (California)|Metrolink]]<br />Paid parking: 3,000 spaces
|- style="background-color:#D3D3D3"
| {{LAMs|Little Tokyo/Arts District}}
| November 15, 2009
| Los Angeles ([[Little Tokyo, Los Angeles|Little Tokyo]]/[[Arts District, Los Angeles|Arts District]])
| At-grade station closed on October 24, 2020<ref name="LLine22MoClosure">{{Cite web |url=https://thesource.metro.net/2020/09/15/bus-shuttles-to-replace-l-gold-line-service-between-union-station-and-pico-aliso-stations-during-22-month-closure-to-complete-regional-connector/ |title=Metro: The Source. Bus shuttles to replace L Line (Gold) service between Union Station and Pico/Aliso Station during 22-month closure to complete the Regional Connector |date=September 15, 2020 |access-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924021036/https://thesource.metro.net/2020/09/15/bus-shuttles-to-replace-l-gold-line-service-between-union-station-and-pico-aliso-stations-during-22-month-closure-to-complete-regional-connector/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| {{LAMs|Pico/Aliso}}
| rowspan="7" | November 15, 2009
| rowspan="3" | [[Los Angeles]] ([[Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, California|Boyle Heights]])
|
|-
| {{LAMs|Mariachi Plaza}}
|
|-
| {{LAMs|Soto}}
|
|-
| {{LAMs|Indiana}}
| rowspan="4" |[[East Los Angeles, California|East Los Angeles]]
| Park and ride: 42 spaces
|-
| {{LAMs|Maravilla}}
|
|-
| {{LAMs|East LA Civic Center}}
|
|-
| {{LAMs|Atlantic}}
| Park and ride: 289 spaces
|}

=== Ridership ===
Following the extension to East Los Angeles in 2009, the line's ridership increased to almost 30,000 daily boardings.<ref name="Ridership" /> {{As of|2012|October}}, the average weekday daily boardings for the L Line stood at 42,417, and {{As of|2014|December|lc=y}} the average daily weekday boardings had increased to 44,707. Following the extension to Azusa, ridership rose to 49,238 as of May 2016.

{{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}}
|-
| 2009 || {{formatnum:7629332}} || —
|-
| 2010 || {{formatnum:10800092}} || {{Change|7629332|10800092|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2011 || {{formatnum:11935709}} || {{Change|10800092|11935709|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2012 || {{formatnum:13142757}} || {{Change|11935709|13142757|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2013 || {{formatnum:13415083}} || {{Change|13142757|13415083|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2014 || {{formatnum:13828323}} || {{Change|13415083|13828323|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2015 || {{formatnum:14267244}} || {{Change|13828323|14267244|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2016 || {{formatnum:16483545}} || {{Change|14267244|16483545|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2017 || {{formatnum:16546196}} || {{Change|16483545|16546196|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2018 || {{formatnum:15956214}} || {{Change|16546196|15956214|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2019 || {{formatnum:15090394}} || {{Change|15956214|15090394|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2020 || {{formatnum:6786457}} || {{Change|15090394|6786457|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2021 || {{formatnum:4999638}} || {{Change|6786457|4999638|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2022 || {{formatnum:5907262}} || {{Change|4999638|5907262|disp=out|dec=1}}
|- class="sortbottom"
| colspan="3" style="border-top:1px solid black; font-size:85%; text-align:left" |Source: Metro<ref name="Ridership">{{Cite web |date=February 2020 |title=Metro Ridership |url=https://isotp.metro.net/MetroRidership/IndexRail.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410181403/https://isotp.metro.net/MetroRidership/IndexRail.aspx |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |access-date=February 12, 2021 |website=Metro.net |publisher=[[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]}}</ref>
|}
{{Graph:Chart|width=350|height=200|type=rect|showValues=format:.3s|xAxisAngle=-40|yType=integer|yAxisFormat=s
|colors=#{{rcr|Los Angeles Metro Rail|L}}
|xAxisTitle=Year
|x=2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
|yAxisTitle=Ridership
|y=7629332, 10800092, 11935709, 13142757, 13415083, 13828323, 14267244, 16483545, 16546196, 15956214, 15090394, 6786457, 4999638, 5907262
}}
{{Div flex row end}}

== History ==
{{Main|History of Los Angeles Metro Rail and Busway}}[[File:Gold Line Construction LA.jpg|thumb|left|Construction of the L Line, near [[Duarte, California|Duarte]] in 2014. Tracks are laid, but the overhead catenary has not been installed yet.]]
Much of the L Line's right-of-way through the [[San Gabriel Valley]] was built by the [[Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley Railroad]] in 1885, eventually taken over by the [[Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway]], as part of the [[Pasadena Subdivision]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-et-cm-expo-line-hawthorne-20160518-snap-htmlstory.html |title=Why the Expo Line to Santa Monica marks a rare kind of progress in American cities |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |first=Christopher |last=Hawthorne |date=May 20, 2016 |access-date=12 July 2016 |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702084227/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-et-cm-expo-line-hawthorne-20160518-snap-htmlstory.html |url-status=live }}</ref> which saw [[Amtrak]] service until 1994, when construction began on the conversion to light rail.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jul-13-me-then13-story.html|title=Pasadena's Gold Line Will Travel a History-Laden Route|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=July 13, 2003|first=Cecilia|last=Rasmussen|access-date=19 January 2016|archive-date=March 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306111522/http://articles.latimes.com/2003/jul/13/local/me-then13|url-status=live}}</ref> The project was originally called the "Pasadena Metro Blue Line," and planners envisioned extending the existing [[A Line (Los Angeles Metro)|Blue Line]] from Long Beach, but when a ban on sales tax spending on subway tunnels passed in 1998, the project became a separate line terminating at [[Union Station (Los Angeles)|Union Station]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2010/03/26/los-angeles-gold-line-foothill-extension-approved-for-funding-will-begin-construction-later-this-year/|title=Los Angeles' Gold Line Foothill Extension Approved for Funding, Will Begin Construction Later this Year|work=The Transport Politic|first=Yonah|last=Freemark|date=March 26, 2010|access-date=12 March 2016|archive-date=October 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029194131/http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2010/03/26/los-angeles-gold-line-foothill-extension-approved-for-funding-will-begin-construction-later-this-year/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Gold Line opened between Union Station and [[Sierra Madre Villa station]] in East Pasadena on July 26, 2003.<ref name="Streeter">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jun-19-me-mta19-story.html|title=Gold Line Is Set to Open July 26|date=June 19, 2003|first=Kurt|last=Streeter|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=14 March 2016|archive-date=October 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018104727/http://articles.latimes.com/2003/jun/19/local/me-mta19|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Mineta">{{citation |title=The Pasadena Gold Line: Development Strategies, Location Decisions, and Travel Characteristics along a New Rail Line in the Los Angeles Region |date=April 2005 |first1=Dr. Hollie |last1=Lund |first2=Dr. Richard W. |last2=Willson |publisher=Mineta Transportation Institute |location=San Jose, CA |url=http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/assets/Uploads/bestpractice213.pdf |name-list-style=amp |access-date=March 14, 2016 |archive-date=August 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811121346/http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/assets/Uploads/bestpractice213.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Following a new right-of-way, the Gold Line Eastside Extension extended the line east between Union Station and [[East Los Angeles, California|East Los Angeles]], opening on November 15, 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-13-me-gold-line13-story.html|title=Q&A : Gold Line links downtown and East L.A. : The 6-mile light-rail extension, which cost $898 million, will open Sunday with free rides and entertainment.|date=November 13, 2009|first=Ari B.|last=Bloomekatz|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=14 March 2016|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202190132/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/nov/13/local/me-gold-line13|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2011-dec-21-la-me-bridge-reopens-20111221-story.html|title=L.A.'s historic 1st Street bridge reopens after 3-year closure.|date=December 21, 2011|first=Ari B.|last=Bloomekatz|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=14 March 2016|archive-date=November 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104163617/http://articles.latimes.com/2011/dec/21/local/la-me-bridge-reopens-20111221|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jun-16-me-goldline-safety16-story.html |title=Making the Eastside safe for Gold Line light rail extension |date=June 16, 2009 |first=Hector |last=Becerra |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=14 March 2016 |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217083656/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/jun/16/local/me-goldline-safety16 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Phase 2A (the section between LA and Pasadena was Phase 1) of the [[Foothill Extension]], running between Sierra Madre Villa station and [[APU/Citrus College station]] in Azusa, opened on March 5, 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sgvtribune.com/general-news/20150217/gold-line-authority-makes-push-for-next-extension-from-azusa-to-montclair|title=Gold Line authority makes push for next extension from Azusa to Montclair|first=Steve|last=Scauzillo|newspaper=[[San Gabriel Valley Tribune]]|date=February 17, 2015|access-date=13 March 2016|archive-date=March 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313124700/http://www.sgvtribune.com/general-news/20150217/gold-line-authority-makes-push-for-next-extension-from-azusa-to-montclair|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Clear left}}

=== Regional Connector ===
{{Main|Regional Connector}}
The '''Regional Connector Transit Project''' constructed a {{convert|1.9|mile|km|abbr=out|adj=on}} light rail [[tunnel]] across Downtown Los Angeles that connected the L Line with the A and E lines. The project finally completed the late 1990s vision of the "Pasadena Blue Line," connecting the northern (Union Station–Azusa) segment of the L Line to the A Line (formerly the Blue Line), which runs between Los Angeles and Long Beach. The southern (Pico/Aliso–East LA) segment was combined with the previously existing E Line, which ran between Downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica. The new east–west line kept the E Line name but uses the L Line's gold color.<ref>{{Cite news|title=The most anticipated transit projects opening in time for the 2028 LA Olympics|work=Curbed LA|url=https://la.curbed.com/2017/8/4/16098474/olympics-transit-future-subway-rail|access-date=2018-11-25|archive-date=November 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125162405/https://la.curbed.com/2017/8/4/16098474/olympics-transit-future-subway-rail|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lamag.com/driver/50-mile-line-nyc-style-map-regional-connector-will-change-everything/|title=Metro's Regional Connector Will Change Everything Los Angeles Magazine|last=Broverman|first=Neal|date=2016-10-07|website=Los Angeles Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-14|archive-date=June 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619084012/http://www.lamag.com/driver/50-mile-line-nyc-style-map-regional-connector-will-change-everything/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The at-grade [[Little Tokyo/Arts District (Los Angeles Metro station)|Little Tokyo/Arts District station]] was demolished in 2020 and was rebuilt as a subway station approximately {{convert|500|ft|m|0|abbr=off|sp=us}} south and on the opposite side of Alameda from its former location. Between 2020-2023, shuttles connected the two portions of the line.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hymon|first1=Steve|date=15 September 2020|title=Bus shuttles to replace L Line (Gold) service between Union Station and Pico/Aliso Station during 22-month closure to complete Regional Connector|publisher=Metro|agency=The Source|url=https://thesource.metro.net/2020/09/15/bus-shuttles-to-replace-l-gold-line-service-between-union-station-and-pico-aliso-stations-during-22-month-closure-to-complete-regional-connector/|access-date=16 September 2020|archive-date=September 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924021036/https://thesource.metro.net/2020/09/15/bus-shuttles-to-replace-l-gold-line-service-between-union-station-and-pico-aliso-stations-during-22-month-closure-to-complete-regional-connector/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The groundbreaking for constructing the Regional Connector took place on September 30, 2014, and it opened on June 16, 2023.<ref name=":0"/>

After the Regional Connector opened, the L Line became the first letter designation on the Los Angeles Metro Rail system to be permanently discontinued.

== Operations ==
[[File:Metro Gold Line AnsaldoBreda P2550.jpg|thumb|right|[[AnsaldoBreda P2550]] train at Highland Park in 2008]]

The L Line was operated by the [[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] (Metro). 

=== Maintenance facilities ===
The L Line fleet is stored and maintained and is operated at Division 21 and Division 24. Division 21 is located on Vin Scully Drive (Elysian Park Drive) just north of North Broadway, overlooking the Los Angeles River, and Division 24 is located south of the I-210 freeway in Monrovia.

As of April 2023, Division 11 and Division 14 have been added to the operations of the L Line. Division 11 is situated at the end of 208th Street between I-710 and the Los Angeles River in North Long Beach within the A Line. Division 14 is situated between Centinela Avenue and Stewart Street in Santa Monica within the E Line.

=== Rolling stock ===
{{Main|Los Angeles Metro Rail rolling stock}}
[[File:Gold Line leaving Downtown Los Angeles (29720275683).jpg|thumb|right|An eastbound trainset on the then-Gold Line using two Kinki Sharyo P3010s]]

L Line trains are typically two-car trains off-peak. During peak hours on weekdays, some three-car trains run.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metro.net/news/simple_pr/l-metro-make-major-improvements-metro-gold-line-ad/|title=L.A. Metro to Make Major Improvements to the Metro Gold Line that Add Service and Help Relieve Crowding for East San Gabriel Valley Communities|website=www.metro.net|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-13|archive-date=January 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113232135/https://www.metro.net/news/simple_pr/l-metro-make-major-improvements-metro-gold-line-ad/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thesource.metro.net/2016/03/11/seven-tips-for-getting-to-new-metro-gold-line-extension-stations/|title=Gold Line to have some longer trains|last=Hymon|first=Steve|date=2016-03-11|website=The Source|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-13|archive-date=January 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113232156/https://thesource.metro.net/2016/03/11/seven-tips-for-getting-to-new-metro-gold-line-extension-stations/|url-status=live}}</ref> On New Year's Day, the L Line uses three-car trains for service to the [[Tournament of Roses Parade]] and the [[Rose Bowl Game]].

Like the A, C, E, and K lines, trains are composed of high-floor [[Articulated vehicles|articulated]] light rail vehicles (LRVs). The [[AnsaldoBreda P2550]], the [[Kinki Sharyo P3010]], or the [[Siemens P2000]] operated the line. The P2000 initially operated the line in 2003 until 2012 when the fleet was transferred to increase availability at the [[A Line (Los Angeles Metro)|A Line]] yard for service as a result of the inauguration of the [[E Line (Los Angeles Metro)|E Line]]. During testing of the [[Regional Connector]], the P2000 returned to L Line service as a result of training operations for post–Regional Connector service. Rolling stock is now shared between the A and E Lines, which subsumed the trackage of the L Line.

== Incidents ==
The following noteworthy incidents occurred on the L Line during its service history.

* '''September 11, 2007''' – A driver was critically injured and six passengers, including an LA County Deputy Sheriff and the train operator, suffered minor injuries when a [[pickup truck]] ran a red light at Avenue 55 and Marmion Way before being hit by a train.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Blankstein |first1=Andrew |last2=Abdollah |first2=Tami |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-12-me-train12-story.html |title=7 hurt when Gold Line train hits truck at Highland Park crossing |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=September 12, 2007 |access-date=2014-12-05 |archive-date=December 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161210044400/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/sep/12/local/me-train12 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* '''September 21, 2007''' – Six people suffered non-life-threatening injuries, including two minor injuries, after an SUV broke off the crossing arms and was struck by a northbound train (car 243) at Avenue 50 and Marmion Way in Mt. Washington. The vehicle caught fire, and a train section was also burnt. It was claimed that the female SUV driver had tried to beat the train. A resident extinguished the fire in the car with a garden hose before [[Los Angeles Fire Department|Los Angeles Fire]] arrived. The train that suffered fire damage was repaired and later placed on the [[C Line (Los Angeles Metro)|Metro C Line]].<ref>{{cite news | first1=Tami | last1=Abdollah | first2=Jeffrey L. | last2=Rabin | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-22-me-gold22-story.html | title=6 hurt when Gold Line train hits vehicle | newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date=September 22, 2007 | access-date=2014-12-05 | archive-date=March 6, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306103343/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/sep/22/local/me-gold22 | url-status=live }}</ref>
* '''October 13, 2007''' – Service was suspended for 12 hours after a [[big rig]] hit the center divider of the eastbound [[Foothill Freeway]] at [[Sierra Madre Boulevard]] and went on the tracks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.boulevardsentinel.com/10-2007.htm |title=Big rig hits Gold Line tracks, causes traffic |newspaper=Eagle Rock News |date=October 2007 |access-date=December 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923194010/http://www.boulevardsentinel.com/10-2007.htm |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
*'''August 26, 2011''' – An altercation between passengers resulted in a non-fatal stabbing during a trip through Pasadena. The train was stopped at Memorial Park station, where the victim was transported to a hospital, and the suspect was detained.<ref>{{cite news |last=Knoll |first=Corina |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/08/man-stabbed-on-gold-line-in-stable-condition.html |title=Gold Line stabbing victim in critical but stable condition |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=August 27, 2011 |access-date=2014-12-05 |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104193129/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/08/man-stabbed-on-gold-line-in-stable-condition.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
*'''April 24, 2014''' – Service was suspended between the Lake and Sierra Madre Villa stations after a collision between two tractor-trailers on the eastbound Foothill Freeway resulted in one vehicle landing on the line, damaging the rails and overhead wires. Full return to normal service took several days.<ref>{{cite news |last=Allen |first=Lily |url=http://thesource.metro.net/2014/04/24/service-alert-gold-line-service-suspended-between-lake-and-sierra-madre-villa-stations-due-to-freeway-truck-accident/ |title=Gold Line service suspended between Lake and Sierra Madre Villa stations due to freeway truck accident |work=The Source |publisher=LACMTA |date=April 24, 2014 |access-date=2014-07-17 |archive-date=July 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140721103831/http://thesource.metro.net/2014/04/24/service-alert-gold-line-service-suspended-between-lake-and-sierra-madre-villa-stations-due-to-freeway-truck-accident/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*'''March 6, 2016''' – Service between Allen and Arcadia stations was disrupted for most of the evening, resuming Monday morning, one day after the opening of the Foothill Extension when a semi-truck driver lost control and sent his trailer onto the tracks.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sgvtribune.com/general-news/20160306/fiery-crash-on-210-freeway-severs-just-opened-gold-line-between-pasadena-arcadia?source=most_viewed|title=Fiery crash on 210 Freeway severs just-opened Gold Line between Pasadena, Arcadia|last=Day|first=Brian|date=March 7, 2016|work=San Gabriel Tribune|access-date=7 March 2016|archive-date=March 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309105852/http://www.sgvtribune.com/general-news/20160306/fiery-crash-on-210-freeway-severs-just-opened-gold-line-between-pasadena-arcadia?source=most_viewed|url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''February 20, 2018''' – A high-speed pursuit ended when the pursuit suspect drove into the tunnel between Soto and Indiana stations, suspending service.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-tunnel-police-pursuit-charged-20180222-story.html|title=Suspect in wild subway tunnel chase charged with six felonies|first=Richard|last=Winton|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=February 22, 2018|access-date=December 7, 2018|archive-date=December 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209124710/https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-tunnel-police-pursuit-charged-20180222-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''April 26, 2018''' – An accident on the Foothill Freeway sent a [[FedEx]] truck onto the tracks between Lake and Memorial Park stations, damaging the rails and overhead wires.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thesource.metro.net/2018/04/26/service-alert-gold-line-disruption-due-to-overturned-truck-on-210-freeway/|title=Gold Line: repairs completed, trains now resuming scheduled service|last=Chen|first=Anna|date=2018-04-26|website=The Source|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-26|archive-date=December 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226133826/https://thesource.metro.net/2018/04/26/service-alert-gold-line-disruption-due-to-overturned-truck-on-210-freeway/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''November 27, 2018''' – A man was fatally stabbed near the Azusa station.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sgvtribune.com/man-suspected-in-metro-gold-line-stabbing-is-charged-for-murder|title=Man suspected in Metro Gold Line stabbing death is charged|date=December 1, 2018|access-date=December 7, 2018|archive-date=March 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323164148/https://www.sgvtribune.com/2018/11/30/man-suspected-in-metro-gold-line-stabbing-is-charged-for-murder/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''May 7, 2022''' – A man was sprayed with a flammable liquid before being lit on fire at Lake Station. The man was seriously injured, but survived.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Uranga |first=Rachel |date=May 11, 2022 |title=Metro rail passenger set ablaze in unprovoked attack |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-05-11/metro-rail-passenger-ablaze-in-unprovoked-attack |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816100142/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-05-11/metro-rail-passenger-ablaze-in-unprovoked-attack |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |access-date=August 16, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>
{{clear}}

== See also ==
*[[Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley Railroad]]

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist|group=nb}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|L Line (Los Angeles Metro)}}
{{Attached KML |display=title,inline}}
* [https://www.metro.net/projects/foothill-extension/ Gold Line Eastside Extension website]
* [https://cdn.beta.metro.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/28104929/804_TT_02-20-22_Revised.pdf Gold Line schedule]
* [http://www.metrogoldline.org/ Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303204319/http://www.metrogoldline.org/ |date=March 3, 2016 }}

{{Los Angeles Metro Rail and Busway stations navbox}}
{{Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority}}
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[[Category:Public transportation in the San Gabriel Valley|Gold]]
[[Category:Transportation in Pasadena, California|Gold]]
[[Category:Eastside Los Angeles|Gold Line]]
[[Category:Northeast Los Angeles|Gold Line]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 2003|Gold]]
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