C Line Extension
| Company type | Public transit project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation / Public transit |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Area served | Los Angeles County, California |
| Products | Light rail transit extension |
The C Line Extension to Torrance—previously referred to as the Green Line Extension to Torrance—is an initiative by Los Angeles Metro to lengthen the K Line beyond its current endpoint at Redondo Beach, reaching into Torrance. The projected commencement of service is set between 2030 and 2033. Initially, this endeavor was known as the South Bay Metro Light Rail Extension.
Despite retaining the name C Line Extension, the project actually involves extending the K Line. This change follows service adjustments scheduled for November 3, 2024, which will reroute the C Line to terminate at Aviation/Century station and assign the K Line to run from Aviation/Century to Redondo Beach. The official project title has yet to be revised accordingly.
Overview
Los Angeles Metro is undertaking an environmental review for a southeastward expansion of the K Line from Redondo Beach, utilizing the Harbor Subdivision corridor toward the planned Torrance Regional Transit Center.
The South Bay Extension environmental study was essential for initiating a draft environmental impact report (DEIR). Although initially anticipated in 2011, progress stalled in 2012 due to uncertain funding. Following the approval of Measure M in 2016—which allocated $619 million for this extension—the study recommenced. The DEIR's release was postponed from March 2022 until late that year. Throughout this period, Metro evaluated additional options for grade separations along the route. The draft environmental impact report was ultimately published in January 2023.
Route selection
Originally, four route alternatives extending from Redondo Beach station were under consideration; however, community opposition led to the removal of the Lawndale station from these options.
By September 2018, Metro advanced two alternatives—Alternative #1 and Alternative #3—for detailed analysis within the draft environmental impact statement (DEIR). This study encompasses an extension from Redondo Beach to the Torrance Transit Center, predominantly following the former Harbor Subdivision right of way. The DEIR process initiated in January 2021 and concluded with its release in January 2023. Both proposed routes align identically south of 190th Street.
Alternative 1 is subdivided into two configurations: either an elevated track above the existing right of way or an open-air trench beneath it; both share identical station placements and routes. Community feedback prompted development of a third "Hybrid Alternative," blending elevated and at-grade segments between Redondo Beach station and 165th Street, then transitioning to trench construction southward toward Torrance Transit Center, including underpasses at 170th and 182nd Streets.
| DEIR Alternative | Description | Ridership (daily) |
Estimated cost (billions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternative 1: ROW Alignment | Light rail transit (LRT) extending southward from Redondo Beach station along Harbor Subdivision right of way, stopping at Redondo Beach Transit Center and terminating at Torrance Transit Center. Estimated travel time is approximately seven minutes. | 10,340 | $0.893 |
| Alternative 3: Hawthorne Alignment | LRT traveling southeast from Redondo Beach station adjacent to I-405, then proceeding south along Hawthorne Boulevard with stops at South Bay Galleria and Torrance Transit Center. Estimated trip duration is about nine minutes. | 10,640 | $1 to $1.2 |
Station configurations by alternative:
| Station Options | Alt 1 | Alt 3 | Connecting Rail/Bus Service | Community |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redondo Beach station (existing) | check | check | Redondo Beach | |
| Redondo Beach Transit Center station | check | – | Beach Cities Transit | Redondo Beach |
| South Bay Galleria station | – | check | Redondo Beach | |
| Torrance Transit Center station | check | check | Torrance Transit | Torrance |
On April 17, 2024, Metro staff put forward the Hybrid Alternative as their favored locally preferred alternative (LPA), which received board approval on May 23, 2024. The board also instructed further refinement of cost projections and formulation of a financing strategy.
According to Los Angeles County's Measure M Expenditure Plan, construction is slated to begin in 2026 with operations expected between 2030 and 2033. Previously, there had been ambitions to expedite this timeline under the Twenty-eight by '28 program.
Later Developments
By June 2025, notable advancements and increased community involvement have propelled the planning efforts for the C Line (Green) Extension reaching Torrance. The Council of Governments (COG) played a pivotal role by adopting a resolution that supports moving the project forward while maintaining neutrality regarding specific route alignments.
2024 Endorsement from Torrance City Council for Metro C Line Extension
In March 2024, the Torrance City Council officially approved the extension of the Metro C Line, specifically endorsing the "right-of-way option" as the preferred path into the city. To address security issues, Metro pledged to partner with local authorities to establish comprehensive safety protocols.
Community Backing Reflected in Poll
A survey conducted by Metro on August 16, 2023, indicated that 67% of voters favored extending the C Line. Additionally, after releasing the Draft Environmental Impact Review (EIR) on January 27, 2023, approximately 66% of public feedback supported expanding the line through the Metro right-of-way alternative.
COG Position and Regional Support
The Council of Governments adopted a resolution expressing general approval for extending the C Line to Torrance while choosing to remain impartial on alignment specifics. This agreement among municipal representatives highlights widespread regional endorsement for enhancing public transit infrastructure. The vote breakdown was as follows:
- Yes: Carson, Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates
- Abstain: Hawthorne
- No: Lawndale, Torrance