LA Metro drops x-rated merch line ahead of D line opening
The Los Angeles Metro recently caused quite a stir on social media with the unveiling of their new merchandise line featuring the slogan “Ride the D.” The black “Ride the D Unisex Heavyweight T-Shirt” sports the phrase in white lettering across the chest, with the “D” cleverly styled inside a purple circle, a nod to the transit agency’s D Line branding. Priced at $21, the shirt is made of 100% ring-spun cotton and promises a comfortable and stylish fit.
The product description on the Metro website ties the launch of the merchandise to the expansion of the D Line, celebrating the historic moment of bringing rail transit to a new part of Wilshire Blvd. The page highlights features of the shirt, such as being garment-dyed, a relaxed fit, and made to order as soon as a purchase is placed. However, some users encountered an error page when trying to buy the shirt, adding to the confusion surrounding the viral rollout.
Despite the glitch, social media users had a field day with the suggestive slogan. Metro Los Angeles responded to inquiries by stating that the shirts were currently sold out but reassured customers that they would be restocked soon. The witty banter on social media included jokes about riding the D with strangers and poking fun at the agency’s performance anxiety in restocking the shirts.
The D Line, formerly known as the Purple Line, is a heavy-rail subway that runs beneath Wilshire Blvd, one of Los Angeles’ busiest corridors. The extension of the D Line is set to open on May 8, marking the first time rail service will reach farther west along Wilshire. The project aims to bring subway access deeper into the Miracle Mile and surrounding neighborhoods, with future phases planned to extend the line to Beverly Hills and Westwood.
The Wilshire extension has been in the works for over a decade, with construction progressing in phases to navigate dense urban areas and build new underground stations. Metro views the project as a significant milestone in reducing traffic congestion along Wilshire Blvd and expanding rail access in preparation for upcoming international events in Los Angeles.
