C Line Extension

The C Line Extension to Torrance (formerly the Green Line Extension to Torrance) is a project by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to extend what will eventually become the K Line from its terminus in Redondo Beach to Torrance. It is expected to open for service between 2030 and 2033. The project was known as the South Bay Metro Light Rail Extension in planning.

Despite its name, the project will become an extension of the K Line upon the service changes that will occur on both the C and K lines in late 2024. The C Line will be redirected to the new LAX/Metro Transit Center station, and the K Line will take over the C Line's current segment to Redondo Beach station.

Overview
Metro is currently working on the initial environmental study of a corridor extension of the C Line from its Redondo terminus toward the southeast. The extension would roughly follow the Harbor Subdivision right of way into the South Bay, to the proposed Torrance Regional Transit Center (RTC).

A study of the South Bay Extension was necessary to initiate the publication of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). The study was expected to be completed in 2011, but the project was placed on hold in the Spring of 2012 due to uncertain funding. With the passage of Measure M in 2016, $619 million was earmarked for the Green Line Extension south and the study resumed. The environmental impact report was scheduled to be released in March 2022, but was ultimately pushed back to fall/winter 2022. Preparing the report led the agency to study further alternatives for grade separations along the two routes. The draft environmental impact report was eventually released in January 2023.

Route selection
Four potential routes for the extension starting at Redondo Beach station were initially considered. The station in Lawndale was eliminated due to community opposition.

Metro authorized two of four alternatives to move forward: Alternative #1 and Alternative #3. Metro staff recommended the two alternatives for the draft environmental impact statement (DEIR) status for further analysis and refinement in September 2018. The study area includes the former Harbor Subdivisions right of way. The extension study consists of the Redondo Beach station to the Torrance Transit Center, a 4.5 mi extension study area. Metro began composing the DEIR in January 2021 and released it in January 2023. Both alternatives shared the same alignment south of 190th Street.

The first alternative was expanded into two options, differing in whether the alignment is mainly built above grade over the existing ROW or in an open-air trench under the current ROW (with the freight ROW being rebuilt afterward). The route and stations were identical between the two options. Elements from the two options were then blended into a third "Hybrid Alternative" based on community input, which used the elevated/street level option from Redondo Beach station to 165th Street, where the alternative switched to the trench option all the way south to the Torrance Transit Center. The Hybrid Alternative also added two under-crossings at 170th Street and 182nd Street.

The following table shows all potential Metro stations and the alternatives for which they apply:

On April 17, 2024, Metro staff recommended the Hybrid Alternative as their preferred LPA to Metro's board of directors. On May 23, 2024, the board of directors approved the Hybrid Alternative as the LPA at a board meeting, however, with the added caveats of further studying and refining the cost estimates of both alternatives, as well as the development of a refined funding plan for the project.

According to the LA County Expenditure Plan (Measure M), groundbreaking for the project is scheduled for 2026, with an expected opening in 2030–2033, as of 2022. The timeline was previously expected to be accelerated under the Twenty-eight by '28 initiative.

Recent Developments
As of recent discussions and motions, there has been significant progress and community involvement in the planning of the C Line (Green) Extension to Torrance. The Council of Governments (COG) has played a crucial role in these developments, with a notable motion passed regarding the project's alignment and support.

2024 Support for Metro C Line Extension in Torrance
Torrance City Council, in a recent meeting, solidified its support for the Metro C Line extension, opting for to support the "right-of-way option" for the project's route into the city. In response to security concerns, the Metro has pledged to collaborate closely with local entities to develop and implement comprehensive safety and security measures.

Poll Shows Community Support
On August 16, 2023, Metro conducted a survey in regards to the C Line extension, in which 67% of the voters supported the project. After releasing an Draft Environmental Impact Review (EIR) of the project on January 27, 2023, 66% of the comments prefer extending the C Line using the Metro ROW option.

COG Motion and Community Support
A motion was passed for the COG to remain neutral on the specific alignment of the C Line Extension while showing overall support for the project's continuation to Torrance. This decision reflects a collective agreement among various city representatives, indicating a strong regional backing for enhancing public transportation options. The voting outcome was as follows:


 * Yes: Carson, Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes (RPV), Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills (RH), Rolling Hills Estates (RHE)
 * Abstain: Hawthorne
 * No: Lawndale, Torrance