The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) appears to be taking a break from its perpetual expansion projects to make some improvements to the heavily used but aging Blue Line.
"As Metro continues to expand its rapidly developing rail network, the agency has also begun to double back of late, with plans to improve service on the aging Blue Line," according to Elijah Chiland. Specifically, the Metro Board of Directors "approved an $81.5 million contract that will pay for track upgrades along the route aimed at reducing delays in service."
"The project will add four new interlockings to the route, allowing trains to switch tracks more often to avoid construction or areas where mechanical issues are occurring," adds Chiland.
Ben Poston and Laura J. Nelson reported findings about the Blue Line's spotty performance in August—16 percent of Blue Line trains were late in June 2016.
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