7th Street/Metro Center station
| Company type | Transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1986-09-29 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
7th Street/Metro Center station functions as a subterranean interchange for both light rail and rapid transit within the Los Angeles Metro Rail network, accommodating the A, B, D, and E lines. Additionally, it includes street-level platforms serving the J Line of the Los Angeles Metro Busway. Situated beneath 7th Street at its junctions with Figueroa, Flower, and Hope Streets, this station stands as a vital transit node in downtown Los Angeles.
The official designation 7th Street/Metro Center/Julian Dixon commemorates former U.S. Representative Julian Dixon, recognizing his instrumental role in obtaining essential federal funds for the establishment of the Metro Rail system.
History
Constructed by the former Southern California Rapid Transit District, now incorporated into LA Metro, 7th Street/Metro Center was part of the initial minimum operating segment (MOS-1) for the Metro Rail subway line currently known as the B Line. Groundbreaking occurred on September 29, 1986.
The station’s upper level dedicated to light rail commenced operations on February 15, 1991—preceding the opening of other MOS-1 subway stations by nearly two years but following several Blue Line (now A Line) stations. The lower subway platform began service with MOS-1 on January 30, 1993.
Ahead of the Expo Line project (now E Line), Metro allocated close to $2 million for enhancements at this station, completed prior to extending service to La Cienega/Jefferson station in April 2012. Upgrades included installation of a new dispatch booth and improved signage.
Originally functioning as the northern endpoint of the A Line and the eastern terminus of the E Line, both lines were extended past this station on June 16, 2023, following completion of the Regional Connector Transit Project.
Station layout
As the Los Angeles Metro Rail system’s first underground station, 7th Street/Metro Center comprises three subterranean levels. The main concourse is located one level below street grade and is bisected by side platforms serving light rail lines (A and E). Beneath this, on the third level underground, lies an island platform dedicated to heavy rail lines (B and D). A mezzanine one level below street level connects the two light rail side platforms.
At surface level, bus rapid transit services for the J Line stop here, with northbound buses boarding on Flower Street and southbound buses on Figueroa Street.
Passengers can access The Bloc Los Angeles shopping complex directly via a pedestrian connection linking the mall to the subway concourse.
Notably, 7th Street/Metro Center is among only two stations in the network featuring underground side platforms; the other being Wilshire/Vermont.
Connections
Serving as a pivotal hub for local bus routes, 7th Street/Metro Center offers numerous connections as of spring 2024:
- Los Angeles Metro Bus: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Express routes, Rapid
- Antelope Valley Transit Authority: 785*
- Big Blue Bus (Santa Monica): Rapid10*
- City of Santa Clarita Transit: 799*
- Foothill Transit: Silver Streak and multiple commuter routes*
- LADOT Commuter Express: several express routes*
- LADOT DASH: A, B, E, F lines
- Montebello Bus Lines: 40, 50, 90Express*
- Torrance Transit: 4X*
(* denotes commuter services operating exclusively during weekday peak hours.)
As a filming site
Thanks to its unique architectural style and the dynamic entertainment industry in Los Angeles, the station has become a favored backdrop for various films and music videos.
Movies
Music videos
- The Weeknd - After Hours (2020)
- Taylor Swift - Delicate (2018)
- System of a Down - Lonely Day (2006)
- Everlast - What It's Like (1998)