Light rail extension into Santa Monica to open in May

SANTA MONICA (KABC) -- Taking the train from downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica is about to become a reality for the first time since the 1950s.

Transit officials announced on Thursday that the Expo Line from Culver City will extend another 6.6 miles to Santa Monica, beginning May 20.

The Metro Gold Line's 11.5-mile extension from Pasadena to Azusa is expected to open in March with six new stops.

Both projects were funded by a sales tax increase that voters passed in 2008.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.