Los Angeles, CA – The first section of the Metro D Line (Purple Line) Extension is officially slated to open on May 8, 2026, significantly expanding rail service from Downtown Los Angeles to the Miracle Mile and the gateway to Beverly Hills. The highly anticipated 3.92-mile addition will introduce three new underground stations: Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax, and Wilshire/La Cienega. This development marks a major milestone for Los Angeles public transportation, as highlighted by a recent social media post from "Militant Angeleno" stating, > "OPEN! OPEN! OPEN! 19 more days until we get to #RideTheD! #MiracleMile #BeverlyHills."
The D Line extension is a cornerstone of Metro’s infrastructure projects, designed to enhance mobility ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Fernando Dutra, Metro Board Chair and City of Whittier Council Member, emphasized the project's impact, stating, "Traveling through Mid-Wilshire to experience the culture, cuisine and commerce across diverse neighborhoods will be easier, faster and more accessible." The new segment promises a seamless, single-seat ride from Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles to La Cienega in Beverly Hills in approximately 20 minutes.
The new stations will provide direct access to a wealth of cultural and commercial destinations. Wilshire/Fairfax serves the "Museum Row," including LACMA and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, while Wilshire/La Cienega opens to Beverly Hills' "Restaurant Row." Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins noted, "Angelenos and visitors alike will love the extended service... delivering greater access to the iconic and culturally diverse communities, institutions and destinations that define the deep history along Wilshire Boulevard." The project's first phase was primarily funded by Metro’s 2008 Measure R transportation sales taxes, alongside federal matching funds and a TIFIA loan.
While Section 1 prepares for its May 8 debut, construction continues on subsequent phases of the D Line Extension. Section 2, extending to Beverly Drive and Century City, is targeted for a spring 2027 opening, with Section 3 reaching Westwood and the VA Hospital by fall 2027. The entire 9-mile line is expected to be operational before the 2028 Olympics, fulfilling a long-held vision for enhanced public transit connectivity across Los Angeles. Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian expressed enthusiasm, stating, "This is an exciting milestone for Beverly Hills and an important step forward in mobility as we prepare to welcome the world for the 2028 Olympics."
