The much awaited Expo Line has already come into its second phase. Its testing was made on Wednesday with the train travelling its way from 20th Street to Fifth Street along Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica.
According to the Los Angeles Times, this is the first time that a passenger train has run through the city in more than 60 years. Commuters can see the train moving at street level between 5 mph and 25 mph as officials check for any points where trains could strike platforms or overhead wires.
While watching the test train, Metro spokesman Marc Littman described the train as "a little like watching paint dry."
"It is exciting because it's significant, but ... they look at it, they look at it, they look at it, they power it up, they turn it off. If you're expecting to see trains zipping along, you're not going to see that," the spokesman said to the Los Angeles Times.
Even though commuters are excited to know, officials have not yet announced any update about the train's public opening date. However, Littman said that passengers cannot board the Expo Line for at least six more months.
Safety preparations and behaviors were also taught to the residents, car owners, and pedestrians that are near the train's area. Metro advised that they must obey warning signs and traffic signals, must always look both ways before crossing any street, and to watch for trains from both directions. Pedestrians are also never to walk or jaywalk on railroad tracks and must use cross walks.
According to another report by the L.A Curbed, the Pacific Electric Red Cars--specifically, the Pacific Electric Air Line--were the last trains to run through the city before the Expo Line. The new line runs from Downtown to Culver City and is now being extended to the beach.
Expo connects through the Westside, including Culver City, Palms, and Santa Monica--the idea which the Air Line then was to service.