By Erin Herriford
Contributing Writer
CRENSHAW — People riding the new K Line during its opening weekend were enthusiastic about the new light rail train, saying it will make their travel and work commute and social life easier and less expensive.
The K Line will grant access from Crenshaw and Exposition boulevards to Florence and Hindry avenues in the Westchester area.
On Oct. 9, many people ventured out to experience the new rail line.
Jonathan Weiss was one of the first-time riders.
“I think its been a long time coming,” he said. “I’m really excited it’s here.”
Weiss, who lives within walking distance of the Expo Line, which connects with the northern end of the K Line, says he intends to use the line to pick up friends from Los Angeles International Airport.
“I’ll go to Inglewood a lot more to eat ‘cause it’s just much easier than driving.”
Sandi Villa of Monrovia drove 40 mils to try out the new line.
“I think it’s great for the community,” she said. “With gas prices being so high a lot of people don’t have transportation.”
Villa said that once the line is connected with the airport she will be able to travel from home by train to LAX to avoid parking fees. “When I can get from my home to the airport for $5, it’s worth an hour, hour and a half it’s gonna take me to get to the airport.”
The K Line currently serves the Crenshaw, Leimert Park, Hyde Park and Westchester areas with seven stations currently operating. By 2024, it is expected to connect with LAX, adding four additional stations, including three in Inglewood.
During opening weekend, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates the K Line, offered free rides throughout the county to celebrate the occasion. In addition to the free rides, MTA employees handed out free water bottles, a tote bag filled with mini sanitizer, a miniature pamphlet, a K Line Fact Sheet, makeshift flashcards to familiarize riders with the busway, a K Free shuttle schedule, destination guide, an application for a free 90-day pass and a Go Metro map and pocket guide.
Selena Adway said she loved the convenience of the train and plans to ride the K Line daily to commute to work.
“Before the train I had to take … three buses,” she said.
Villa added: “It’s great for the community because … it’s needed. It’s well needed.”
