Expo Park/USC station
| Company type | Light rail station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | April 28, 2012 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Transit access to Exposition Park, University of Southern California, BMO Stadium, California Science Center, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum |
Expo Park/USC station is a ground-level light rail stop on the E Line within the Los Angeles Metro Rail network in Los Angeles, California. Positioned in the center of Exposition Boulevard, it offers transit access to prominent locations such as Exposition Park and the University of Southern California (USC), from which it derives its name. Just a few blocks to the east lies the 37th Street/USC station, served by the J Line busway.
This station is a gateway to significant cultural and athletic sites including BMO Stadium, the California Science Center, and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. It is expected to play a vital role during the 2028 Summer Olympics, enabling efficient transportation for attendees traveling to Expo Park venues hosting the opening and closing ceremonies, track and field events at the Coliseum, and football games at BMO Stadium.
Pacific Electric stop
The location originally functioned as a stop on both the Los Angeles and Independence and Pacific Electric rail lines. Service ceased on September 30, 1953, coinciding with the shutdown of the Santa Monica Air Line. The station remained inactive until it was completely rebuilt and reopened on April 28, 2012, as part of the new Expo Line, transitioning from a simple station marker to a fully operational stop. Regular service recommenced two days later on April 30, 2012.
It holds distinction as the final former Santa Monica Air Line station to resume operations. From this point northward, the E Line follows a newly constructed right-of-way along Flower Street. Although Metro still owns the original Air Line right-of-way extending east to connect with the A line tracks, there are currently no plans for its reactivation.
Modern light rail station
The Expo Park/USC Station—initially proposed under the name "USC/Exposition Park"—was designed by Metro personnel incorporating community feedback gathered during the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) phase. Key stakeholders highlighted its significance for USC students and staff, visitors to Exposition Park, and patrons attending nearby venues such as the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the soccer-specific Banc of California Stadium, and future events planned for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
The USC administration expressed opposition to an at-grade light rail along Exposition Boulevard due to concerns over campus division and pedestrian safety, concerns notably voiced by USC President Steven Sample. Conversely, support came from students, local residents, and the Coliseum Commission. The USC Student Senate formally passed a resolution endorsing the station.
Metro incorporated Expo Park/USC station as an option in the Final EIR report, dependent upon securing roughly $5 million in funding alongside local endorsement. The report also proposed constructing a tunnel segment beneath major intersections.
Following approval of the FEIR, funding was obtained and design negotiations commenced under the Exposition Metro Line Construction Authority. USC requested distinctive architectural elements for its three stations; however, no financial contribution was provided by the university, leading to abandonment of these special design plans. On September 19, 2007, Metro authorized $7 million in funding for constructing this station concurrent with Phase 1 of the project.
The station officially opened with Phase 1 of the Expo Line on April 28, 2012, later becoming part of the E Line with the inauguration of the Regional Connector tunnel on June 16, 2023.
Station layout
Positioned within the median of Exposition Boulevard, the station comprises two side platforms, each offering access to a crosswalk that links Expo Park to the south and the University of Southern California to the north. The platforms are designed with a slight eastward incline to facilitate the line's transition into an underground tunnel beneath Figueroa Street.
Connections
As of , passengers can transfer to the following services:
- LADOT Commuter Express: *, *
- LADOT DASH: F, King-East, Southeast routes
- Los Angeles Metro Bus: , , , Express , Express *
- Los Angeles Metro Busway: : 910, 950 (accessible at station)
- Torrance Transit: 4X*
(* indicates commuter services operating during weekday peak hours)
Notable places nearby
Several prominent destinations are within walking range, including:
- BMO Stadium (home venue for Los Angeles FC)
- California African American Museum
- California Science Center
- Exposition Park
- Exposition Park Rose Garden
- Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (venue for USC Trojans Football)
- Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
- University of Southern California
Station artwork
The station’s artistic feature, titled On Saturdays, was created by Robbert Flick. This installation showcases a series of photographs capturing local residents and scenes from the surrounding area at the time of the station’s inauguration.