PHOTOS: Gold Line extension artwork

The Gold Line extension’s opening gives the feeling that things are looking up for mass transit in L.A. Here’s a look back up toward the street from the underground track at the Soto station, one of the two new subterranean stops.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

This station was designed by architect Aziz Kohan and artist Nobuho Nagasawa.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The colorful street-level entrance pops out in Boyle Heights.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

This stop was designed by architect William Villalobos and artist Alejandro de la Loza.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

This is the first stop on the extension from Union Station.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The art here represents the state’s official flower, the California poppy.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Meet the eastern terminus of the six-mile Gold Line extension.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

George Raya is at the controls of a Metro Gold Line train. Nearly one-third of the six-mile extension (1.8 miles, to be exact) runs underground.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

George Raya guides a Metro Gold Line train back west on the Gold Line extension.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)