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On Monday, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) began testing a car along a portion of the new Expo light-rail line, which is nearing completion between downtown Los Angeles and Culver City, Calif.

LACMTA officials expect to energize the power system later this month, then begin full train testing during the next few months. Trains will operate intermittently during that period, although no official date for the start of passenger service has been set, according to LACMTA. A target date of Nov. 15 has been set for most of the 8.6-mile alignment; however, completion to Culver City may not occur until early 2012.

The line is being built by the Expo Construction Authority but will be funded, owned and operated by LACMTA. The second phase of light rail, to be extended to Santa Monica, will break ground soon and is slated for completion by early next year, LACMTA officials said in a prepared statement.