Harbor Freeway station
| Company type | Transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Owner | California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) |
| Parent | Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) |
Harbor Freeway station—previously known as Harbor Freeway/I-105 station—functions as a transit hub on the Harbor Transitway. It is positioned within the Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange, where Interstate 105 and Interstate 110 intersect, close to Figueroa Street in South Los Angeles. This station accommodates the light rail C Line, the bus rapid transit J Line, along with several other bus routes. Ownership lies with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), while operations are managed by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro).
Station layout
The facility is structured across three tiers: the topmost level serves the C Line trains; the middle tier offers connections to local bus lines and includes a 253-space park and ride facility; the lowest level provides boarding for the J Line and express buses utilizing the Harbor Transitway. The station is situated near the Athens neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Additional Harbor Transitway routes
, these services share platforms with the Metro J Line at freeway level:
Connections
Routes not part of the Harbor Transitway stop on Figueroa Street’s west side:
- Los Angeles Metro Bus: , , ,
- GTrans (Gardena): 1X
- Torrance Transit: 1
Freeway noise concerns
Positioned within a freeway median at a major interchange, passengers on the upper platform for the C Line experience substantial highway noise. This aspect has been criticized as an example of unwelcoming transit design.
History
The current location approximately aligns with the former Forest station—later renamed South Los Angeles—on the San Pedro via Gardena Line operated by the Pacific Electric. It also served as the southern terminus for the Los Angeles Railway’s 7 Line, enabling transfers between transit systems. Pacific Electric ceased operations here in 1940, while service on the 7 Line continued until 1955.
Incident
On February 22, 2012, a driver under the influence mistakenly entered the bus-only zone of Harbor Freeway station from the Harbor Freeway. Stephen L. Lubin, aged 51, was operating a 2009 Honda Fit at speeds exceeding (over the posted limit) when he encountered a stationary bus. Attempting to avoid a collision, he veered onto the platform area, striking seven individuals and causing critical injuries to six before colliding with a pole.
In response to this event, Metro CEO Art Leahy initiated a comprehensive safety evaluation of busway station designs and signage. Consequently, Metro installed concrete-filled metal bollards across all Harbor Transitway and El Monte Busway stations to block unauthorized vehicle entry onto platforms and improved road markings approaching these stations.