Overview

Metro is conducting an environmental review of the South Bay Metro Green Line Extension. This study will examine options for extending rail service into the South Bay.

The South Bay Metro Green Line Extension will provide an alternative to the I-405 corridor. It will also improve mobility in southwest LA County by accessing the regional rail network through connections to the Metro Blue Line and the proposed Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor, currently being environmentally cleared.

Prior to initiating the environmental review, Metro completed an Alternatives Analysis (AA) study that evaluated potential transit alternatives that could utilize the Metro-owned railroad right-of-way known as the “Harbor Subdivision.” The South Bay Metro Green Line Extension emerged as the AA study’s highest priority. In December 2009, the Metro Board of Directors approved moving forward into the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) phase of project development.

Measure R provides $272 million for the South Bay Metro Green Line Extension, partial funding for a rail extension to Redondo Beach with a possible connection to Torrance.

Project Area

The study area encompasses approximately 30 square miles and includes the Cities of El Segundo, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance as well as the Del Aire and Lennox areas of unincorporated LA County.

Project Goals

The South Bay Metro Green Line Extension’s goals include:

• Improving mobility in southwestern LA County through high-frequency transit service options
• Enhancing the regional transit network by interconnecting existing and planned transit lines
• Providing an alternative mode of transportation for commuters currently using the congested I-405 corridor
• Improving transit accessibility for the South Bay 
• Encouraging a mode shift to transit, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions

The Process

Metro is currently in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) phase of project development. During the Draft EIS/EIR process, Metro will assess existing conditions in the study area, further refine the project alternatives, assess their potential impacts, and identify possible mitigation measures. We will also consider the cost effectiveness of the alternatives as well as current and potential funding options for constructing the project. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Metro will prepare a joint document that meets the requirements of both the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Two Build alternatives are moving forward for further study. The Light Rail Alternative will evaluate extending the Metro Green Line from its current terminus at the Redondo Beach Station at Marine Avenue to the proposed Torrance Regional Transit Center (RTC). The Freight Track Alternative will evaluate operating rail transit vehicles on the Harbor Subdivision right-of-way using upgraded rail tracks from the El Segundo/LAX area to the proposed Torrance RTC. In addition, the Draft EIS/EIR will evaluate No Build and Transportation Systems Management (TSM) alternatives.

At the conclusion of the Draft EIS/EIR process, a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) will be recommended to the Metro Board of Directors for consideration.

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  South Bay Metro Green Line Extension (9)