L.A. transit officials increase night service on three rail lines

In an effort to boost ridership, Los Angeles County transportation officials on Monday announced increased night service on three of their busiest rail lines.

Beginning Sunday, Nov. 13, trains on the Red, Purple and Blue Lines will now run every 10 minutes between 6 p.m. and midnight. Trains currently run about once every 20 minutes on those lines, according to officials with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

"With this enhanced service, we're hoping to make it easier for Metro riders to take advantage of all of the great businesses, restaurants and sporting and entertainment venues around town," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who also serves as and Metro board chairman.

Villaraigosa also noted that many entertainment venues were offering deals for public transit riders.

"And because of the special deals available exclusively to Metro riders, they can save money on entertainment and shopping at the same time they're saving money on gas and parking and helping improve traffic and air quality," he said.

Metro hired 15 additional train operators for the service increase, at a cost of about $1.3 million annually, officials said.

The increase is only a pilot program, and Metro officials said they will evaluate it in the spring and possibly expand it to other lines.

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-- Ari Bloomekatz

Photo: The Blue Line Station on 1st Street in downtown Long Beach. Credit: Don Kelsen / Los Angeles Times