Frederick Dennstedt []

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Bar-hoppers take note: Late night Holiday service on the Red Line is officially set to kick off on November 21. For thirteen nights, those out for nightlife or working the late shift will be able to ride the rails until 3am thanks to a program funded by businesses and property owners along the route.

The program went from idea to reality in just two months, a monumental feat given the complexity of dealing with two government entities and the need to raise private funds.

The Red Line, which runs between Downtown's Union Station and North Hollywood, typically makes its last runs around 1am. The Holiday program will extend service until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights between November 21 and the end of the year. Added to Metro's existing all-night service on New Year's Eve, that makes thirteen nights of late night options.

The extended service will have two-car trains running every twenty minutes. Backers hope that ridership during the holiday trial will convince Metro that late-night service is an ongoing need.

The Metro Board approved the program on September 25, setting today as the deadline for checks to be in hand. Councilman Jose Huizar's office led the fundraising and collection process.

A release lists the following sponsors as having provided funds for at least one night of service: 213 Ventures; LA Live; Staples Center; Bringing Back Broadway; Los Angeles City Councilmembers Eric Garcetti, Jose' Huizar, Wendy Greuel and Jan Perry; The Orpheum Theatre; The Los Angeles Theatre; Historic Downtown Business Improvement District; Club Nokia; and NBC Universal.

Additional sponsorship was provided by Millennium Partners/Argent Ventures, Redwood Bar & Grill, La Cita, Selma Hotel, Deluxe Restaurant - Adolfo Suaya, Newport Capital Advisors, Fox Theater and The Ivar - 6506 Hollywood Associates, L.T. Properties - Dr. Alan Konce and Vytas Juskys and the Pantages Theatre.