Friday morning will mark the first time in more than 60 years that a commuter train has pulled into downtown Santa Monica under its own power.
As part of the safety checks required before the Expo Line's second phase can open to the public next year, rail officials will slowly pilot a sleek train from 20th Street to Fifth Street along Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica.
Westside residents and commuters will see trains moving at street level between 5 mph and 25 mph as officials check for any points where trains could strike platforms or overhead wires.