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Dates on a Train: Go speed-dating on the Metro Red Line this Valentine's Day
Red Line at 7th Street/Metro Center.
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Todd Johnson/KPCC
)
Many Los Angeles residents never ride public transit. But would they get on board for a chance at finding love?
For a couple of hours this Valentine's Day, one car of each Red Line train will be set up for speed dating.
"We're playing cupid," said Metro spokesman Marc Littman.
If you're interested, you need to register, then get on board the decorated train car and have a seat. After two minutes you can switch seats or get off at the next stop and switch trains. Participants will wear pink wristbands and heart-shaped buttons.
"We're just giving you a vehicle, no pun intended, to see if it leads someplace," Littman said.
The speed dating time limits are enforced naturally as the train stations are a couple of minutes apart.
"Basically you have time to talk with anyone wearing a wristband or button before you get to the next station," Littman said. "If you hit it off, great. That's the end of our road."
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You can register starting at 10:30 a.m. at any Red Line stop between Union Station and North Hollywood. The speed dating trains will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Metro staff wearing safety vests will be out on the platforms and inside the cars to help participants.
Littman acknowledges the effort is part promotion. It's another way to get the word out that public transit is an alternative to sitting in traffic.
"We've never done this before," Littman said. "We want Metro to be fun for people."
This story has been updated.
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