View source for C Line (Los Angeles Metro)

{{Short description|Light rail line in Los Angeles County, California}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name                            = C Line
| color                           = {{rcr|Los Angeles Metro Rail|C}}
| logo                            = LACMTA Circle C Line.svg
| image                           = C Line Interstate 105.jpg
| caption                         = C Line train operating in the median of Interstate 105, which it parallels for most of its length.<br>Photographed in 2021
| other_name                      = Green Line (1995–2020)
| status                          = <!-- Only use when line is not operating normally -->
| owner                           = [[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]
| linenumber                      = 803
| start                           = {{LAMs|LAX/Metro Transit Center}}
| end                             = {{LAMs|Norwalk}}
| stations                        = 12
| website                         = {{URL|metro.net/riding/guide/c-line}}
| type                            = [[Light rail]]
| system                          = [[Los Angeles Metro Rail]]
| depot                           = Division 16 (Westchester)
| stock                           = [[Kinki Sharyo P3010]] running in 1 or 2 car consists
| daily_ridership                 = {{formatnum:21902}} (weekday, May 2024) {{increase}}<ref name="ridership_2023_oct">{{cite web|url=https://isotp.metro.net/MetroRidership/YearOverYear.aspx|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208184046/https://isotp.metro.net/MetroRidership/YearOverYear.aspx|title=Interactive Estimated Ridership Stats|publisher=Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority|archivedate=December 8, 2023|accessdate=December 30, 2023}}</ref>
| ridership2                      = {{formatnum:6845764}} (2024) {{increase}} {{#expr: ((6845764-6262604) / 6262604)*100 round 1}}%
| open                            = {{Start date and age|1995|08|12}}<ref name="LAT1995">{{cite news |date=August 12, 1995 |title=Green Light for the Green Line |page=334 |newspaper=The Los Angeles Times |agency= |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/127346949/ |access-date=30 June 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}}</ref>
| linelength                      = {{cvt|17.8|mi}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 12, 2024 |title=Facts At A Glance |url=https://www.metro.net/news/facts-glance/ |publisher=[[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |access-date=December 14, 2024 }}</ref>
| tracks                          = 2
| character                       = Fully grade-separated, mostly in freeway median
| gauge                           = {{Track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| electrification                 = {{750 V DC|conductor=overhead}}
| speed                           = {{convert|65|mph|abbr=on}} ({{Tooltip|max.|maximum speed}})<br />{{convert|34.4|mph|abbr=on}} ({{Tooltip|avg.|average speed, including stops}})<!-- Trips over the 19.5-mile route take 34 minutes -->
| map                             = {{switcher
| {{maplink-road|from=C Line (Los Angeles Metro).map}} C Line highlighted in green <hr />
| Show interactive map
| {{C Line (Los Angeles Metro)|inline=yes}}
| Show route diagram
}}
}}

The '''C Line''' (formerly the '''Green Line''' from 1995 to 2020) is a {{convert|17.8|mi|adj=on}} [[light rail]] line running between the [[Los Angeles]] neighborhood of [[Westchester, Los Angeles|Westchester]] and the city of [[Norwalk, California|Norwalk]] in southwestern [[Los Angeles County, California]]. It is one of six lines forming the [[Los Angeles Metro Rail]] system and opened on August 12, 1995. Along the route, the line also serves the cities of [[Downey, California|Downey]], [[Hawthorne, California|Hawthorne]], and [[Lynwood, California|Lynwood]], as well as several unincorporated communities in the [[South Los Angeles]] region including [[Athens, California|Athens]], [[Del Aire, California|Del Aire]], and [[Willowbrook, California|Willowbrook]]. The fully [[Grade separation|grade-separated]] route runs mainly in the [[median strip]] of [[Interstate 105 (California)|Interstate 105]] for its latitude portion and in a mixture of viaducts, embankments, and an open trench for its western leg. While still being part of the bigger Metro Rail light rail network, this grade-separated alignment technically puts the line in the [[light metro]] category.<ref name="PTEG">{{cite book |title=What light rail can do for cities |date=2005 |publisher=Passenger Transport Executive Group |page=B2 |url=https://www.urbantransportgroup.org/resources/types/report/what-light-rail-can-do-cities |access-date=2 June 2025}}</ref> A free shuttle bus to [[Los Angeles International Airport]] (LAX) is available at the [[LAX/Metro Transit Center]].

On November 3, 2024, the C and [[K Line (Los Angeles Metro)|K]] lines underwent service changes to accommodate pre-revenue testing at the then-upcoming [[LAX/Metro Transit Center]], which opened on June 6, 2025. The C Line's western terminus was redirected to [[Aviation/Century station]] and the southern segment of the K Line was created between Aviation/Century station and [[Redondo Beach station]]. Upon the opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center, the C Line now terminates at this station, and the K Line now operates as a single, continuous service through it. The [[LAX Automated People Mover]], which will offer a connection to the airport's terminals, will begin service at the LAX/Metro Transit Center in 2026.

== Service description ==
=== Route description ===
[[File:Los Angeles Green Line route.png|thumb|left|Map showing C Line route and stations pre-November 2024]]
The entire route of the C Line is grade-separated, with its tracks mostly following the median of [[Interstate 105 (California)|Interstate 105]] (the Century Freeway) and an [[Elevated railway|elevated]] guideway. The line begins at the [[LAX/Metro Transit Center]], shared with the [[K Line (Los Angeles Metro)|K Line]]. The line then briefly enters an open trench as it passes close to the LAX runways<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cho |first=Aileen |date=January 31, 2018 |title=Above, Below and Through: How They Build L.A.'s New Light Rail Line |url=https://www.enr.com/articles/43896-above-below-and-through-how-they-build-las-new-light-rail-line |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Engineering News-Record |language=en |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003191606/https://www.enr.com/articles/43896-above-below-and-through-how-they-build-las-new-light-rail-line |url-status=live }}</ref> before splitting from the K Line at a [[Wye (rail)|wye]] west of [[Aviation/LAX station]]. At Aviation/LAX station, passengers can transfer to any one of several bus lines from different operators, including [[Los Angeles International Airport#LAX Shuttle routes|LAX Shuttle]] Route M, which provides free service to [[Los Angeles International Airport]]. From here, the C Line heads east in the median of the Century Freeway, with a connection to the [[J Line (Los Angeles Metro)|J Line]] [[bus rapid transit]] line at [[Harbor Freeway station]]. It then continues to a major transfer connection at [[Willowbrook/Rosa Parks station]] (transfer point to the [[light rail]] [[A Line (Los Angeles Metro)|A Line]]). Finally, the line terminates in Norwalk, at [[Norwalk station (Los Angeles Metro)|Norwalk station]], just east of the [[Interstate 605|San Gabriel River Freeway]] (I-605). A non-revenue connector at Willowbrook/Rosa Parks station allows trains to transfer to A Line tracks for maintenance and other non-revenue operations.

Passengers can reach [[Downtown Los Angeles]] by connecting with the bus rapid transit J Line at Harbor Freeway station, the light rail A Line at Willowbrook/Rosa Parks station, or [[Los Angeles Metro Bus|Metro Bus]] Express route {{LA Metro route|460}} at Norwalk station. [[Metrolink (Southern California)|Metrolink]] service to Downtown Los Angeles via [[Union Station (Los Angeles)|Union Station]], Perris, and Oceanside, as well as other cities in [[Orange County, California|Orange County]] and [[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]], can be accessed from the C by transferring to [[Norwalk Transit (California)|Norwalk Transit]] route 4 and disembarking at [[Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs station]].

On November 3, 2024, the C Line was redirected to begin at Aviation/Century station from its prior terminus at [[Redondo Beach station]]. The K Line subsumed the westernmost segment of the C Line west of the wye, running south before ending at Redondo Beach station.<ref name="c-2chosen" /><ref name="CKreconfig" /><ref>{{cite web |title= Two big changes are coming soon to the C and K Lines Nov. 3 |url=https://www.instagram.com/metrolosangeles/reel/DBcjV4myMG6/ |access-date=October 22, 2024 |website=[[Instagram]] |publisher=[[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]}}</ref> The [[LAX/Metro Transit Center]] opened on June 6, 2025, serving as the C Line's current western terminus.<ref name="laxopen">{{cite news |last1=Linton |first1=Joe |title=Metro’s LAX Mega-Station is Open |url=https://la.streetsblog.org/2025/06/06/metros-lax-mega-station-is-open |access-date=June 6, 2025 |work=Streetsblog Los Angeles |publisher=[[OpenPlans]] |date=June 6, 2025}}</ref>

=== Hours and frequency ===
{{LA Metro hours and frequency|C}}  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
!Time
!4-7A
!8A-8P
!9-12A
|-
!Weekdays
| colspan="2" |10
|20
|-
!Weekends/Holidays
|20
|10
|20
|}

=== Speed ===
The C Line is the fastest light rail line in the Los Angeles Metro Rail network because trains can operate at speeds up to {{Convert|65|mph}} for most of their route as trains run in the median of the I-105 freeway, not having at-grade street service like other lines such as the [[A Line (Los Angeles Metro)|A Line]]. The line has complete grade separation, relatively long station spacing, and a primarily straight alignment.

The C Line takes 34 minutes<ref name="Metro timetables" /> to travel {{Convert|19.5|mi}}, at an average speed of {{Convert|34.4|mph}}. This is 43% faster than the [[A Line (Los Angeles Metro)#Speed|A Line]], and 81% faster than the [[E Line (Los Angeles Metro)#Speed|E Line]].

=== Station listing ===
The C Line consists of the following 11 stations (from west to east):
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Station
!Date Opened
!City/Neighborhood
<!-- Do not add addresses. They are listed on station pages -->
!Major connections and notes<ref>{{Cite web |title=Metro C Line (Green) |url=https://www.metro.net/riding/guide/C-line/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723182826/https://www.metro.net/riding/guide/C-line/ |archive-date=July 23, 2020 |access-date=July 23, 2020 |website=www.metro.net |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Metro Parking Lots by Line |url=https://www.metro.net/riding/parking/lotsbyline/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810121559/https://www.metro.net/riding/parking/lotsbyline/ |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |access-date=July 23, 2020 |website=www.metro.net |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| {{LAMs|LAX/Metro Transit Center}} || {{Nowrap|June 6, 2025}}<ref name="laxopen" /> || rowspan="3" | Los Angeles ([[Westchester, Los Angeles|Westchester]]) || {{LACMTA icon|K}}<br />{{rint|air|link=Los Angeles International Airport}} [[Los Angeles International Airport|LAX]] via [[Los Angeles International Airport#LAX Shuttle routes|LAX Shuttle]]<br />{{rint|mono|link=LAX Automated People Mover}} ''[[LAX Automated People Mover]] (2026)''<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2024 |title=Fitch Downgrades LINXS (LAX People Mover Project) Sr Revs to BB+; Rating Outlook Negative |url=https://www.fitchratings.com/research/us-public-finance/fitch-downgrades-linxs-lax-people-mover-project-sr-revs-to-bb-rating-outlook-negative-19-01-2024 |access-date=January 20, 2024 |website=[[Fitch Ratings]]}}</ref>
|-
| {{LAMs|Aviation/Century}} || {{Nowrap|November 3, 2024}}<ref name="CKreconfig" /> || {{LACMTA icon|K}}
|-
|{{LAMs|Aviation/Imperial}}
| rowspan="6" |August 12, 1995<ref name="LAT1995" />
|Park and ride: 435 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Hawthorne/Lennox}}
| rowspan="2" |[[Hawthorne, California|Hawthorne]]
|[[SoFi Stadium]] via [[SoFi Stadium#Transportation|shuttle bus]]<br />Park and ride: 362 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Crenshaw}}
|Park and ride: 506 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Vermont/Athens}}
|[[Athens, California|Athens]]
|Park and ride: 155 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Harbor Freeway}}
| rowspan="2" |[[South Los Angeles]]
|{{LACMTA icon|J}}<br />Park and ride: 253 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Avalon}}
|Park and ride: 160 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Willowbrook/Rosa Parks}}
| July 14, 1990{{efn|The station opened with the A Line on July 14, 1990, while the C Line platform opened on August 12, 1995.<ref name="LAT1995" />}}
|[[Willowbrook, California|Willowbrook]]
|{{LACMTA icon|A}}<br />Park and ride: 234 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Lynwood}}
| rowspan="3" |August 12, 1995<ref name="LAT1995" />
|[[Lynwood, California|Lynwood]]
|Park and ride: 635 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Lakewood Boulevard}}
|[[Downey, California|Downey]]
|Park and ride: 403 spaces
|-
|{{LAMs|Norwalk}}
|[[Norwalk, California|Norwalk]]
|Park and ride: 1,759 spaces
|-
|}
{{notelist}}

=== Ridership ===
{| class="wikitable" style="border-spacing: 1px; text-align:center; font-size:95%;"
|+ Annual ridership
|-
! style="border-bottom:1px solid black"| Year !! style="border-bottom:1px solid black"| Ridership !!style="border-bottom:1px solid black"|  {{abbr|%±|Percent change}} !! rowspan="18" style="background:#fff;" | <timeline>
ImageSize = width:auto height:250 barincrement:30
PlotArea = left:30 bottom:15 top:11 right:15
AlignBars = justify
Period = from:0 till:15
TimeAxis = orientation:vertical
Colors =
 id:gray  value:gray(0.5)
 id:line1 value:gray(0.9)
 id:line2 value:gray(0.7)

ScaleMajor = start:0 increment:1 gridcolor:line2
ScaleMinor = start:0 increment:1 gridcolor:line1

PlotData=
 color:green width:22
 bar:2009 from:start till:11.721935
 bar:2010 from:start till:12.241883
 bar:2011 from:start till:12.808530
 bar:2012 from:start till:13.931830
 bar:2013 from:start till:13.499453
 bar:2014 from:start till:12.967235
 bar:2015 from:start till:12.058903
 bar:2016 from:start till:10.980323
 bar:2017 from:start till:9.961716
 bar:2018 from:start till:9.510211
 bar:2019 from:start till:9.131806
 bar:2020 from:start till:4.757506
 bar:2021 from:start till:4.430484
 bar:2022 from:start till:5.670634
 bar:2023 from:start till:6.262604
 bar:2024 from:start till:6.844760
</timeline>
|-
| 2009 || {{formatnum:11721935}} || —
|-
| 2010 || {{formatnum:12241883}} || {{Change|11721935|12241883|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2011 || {{formatnum:12808530}} || {{Change|12241883|12808530|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2012 || {{formatnum:13931830}} || {{Change|12808530|13931830|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2013 || {{formatnum:13499453}} || {{Change|13931830|13499453|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2014 || {{formatnum:12967235}} || {{Change|13499453|12967235|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2015 || {{formatnum:12058903}} || {{Change|12967235|12058903|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2016 || {{formatnum:10980323}} || {{Change|12058903|10980323|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2017 || {{formatnum:9961716}} || {{Change|10980323|9961716|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2018 || {{formatnum:9510211}} || {{Change|9961716|9510211|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2019 || {{formatnum:9131806}} || {{Change|9510211|9131806|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2020 || {{formatnum:4757506}} || {{Change|9131806|4757506|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2021 || {{formatnum:4430484}} || {{Change|4757506|4430484|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2022 || {{formatnum:5670634}} || {{Change|4430484|5670634|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2023 || {{formatnum:6262604}} || {{Change|5670634|6262604|disp=out|dec=1}}
|-
| 2024 || {{formatnum:6844760}} || {{Change|6262604|6844760|disp=out|dec=1}}
|- class="sortbottom"
| colspan="3" style="border-top:1px solid black; font-size:85%; text-align:left" |Source: Metro<ref name="Ridership">{{Cite web |date=March 2023 |title=Metro Ridership |url=https://isotp.metro.net/MetroRidership/IndexRail.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410181403/https://isotp.metro.net/MetroRidership/IndexRail.aspx |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Metro.net |publisher=[[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]}}</ref>
|}

== History ==
[[File:Construction on Century Freeway overpass on Harbor Freeway.jpg|thumb|The C Line was built with the construction of the I-105 freeway.]]
{{Main|History of Los Angeles Metro Rail and Busway}}
In 1972, [[California Department of Transportation|Caltrans]] signed a [[consent decree]] to allow construction of the fiercely opposed Century Freeway ([[Interstate 105 (California)|Interstate 105]]), which included provisions for a transit corridor in the freeway's median as a way to help communities impacted by the new freeway.

Construction began in 1987 on the corridor as a light rail line, envisioned as a connection with the bedroom communities in the [[Gateway Cities]] along the Century Freeway with the then-burgeoning aerospace center in [[El Segundo, California|El Segundo]]. The section in El Segundo would be fully elevated and follow the route of the [[Harbor Subdivision]].

From the beginning of the project, several compromises were made. Because Caltrans dropped a plan for the freeway to cross through Norwalk to Interstate 5, the line was denied a connection to the then-new {{scax|Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs}} Metrolink station.<ref name="2016-01-10" /> Additionally, although planners planned to add a spur to LAX, they did not include it in the initial project over fears that commuters would not use the line if they had to go through the airport on the way to work.<ref name="Simon 1995" /> The proposed extension to LAX was further complicated by concerns from the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] that the [[overhead line]]s of the rail line would interfere with the landing paths of airplanes.<ref name="LA Daily News 2008-01-08" /> Amid ambivalence at LAX and L.A. City Hall, the plans to extend the line to the airport were shelved.

The line opened on August 12, 1995, more than a year late and $950 million over budget.<ref name="LAT1995" /> By that time, the Cold War was over, and the aerospace sector in El Segundo was hemorrhaging jobs.<ref name="Simon 1995">{{Cite news |last=Simon |first=Richard |date=August 12, 1995 |title=Is New Green Line a Road to Nowhere? |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-08-12-mn-34202-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=October 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728195216/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-08-12-mn-34202-story.html |archive-date=July 28, 2021}}</ref> The collapse of jobs in the area and the compromises made during construction limited the line's utility, earning it the nickname "the train to nowhere."<ref name="Simon 1995" />

When the C Line began service, it operated with only one-car trains. However, since its opening, ridership continued growing steadily, peaking at nearly 13 million riders in 2014, prompting Metro to operate two-car trains. The increase was driven by the 5,100 park-and-ride spaces and slowing traffic on the 105 freeway.<ref name="Hymon 2020">{{Cite web |last=Hymon |first=Steve |date=2020-08-12 |title=The Green Line is 25 years old. Some thoughts on that. |url=https://thesource.metro.net/2020/08/12/the-green-line-is-25-years-old-some-thoughts-on-that/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029031051/https://thesource.metro.net/2020/08/12/the-green-line-is-25-years-old-some-thoughts-on-that/ |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |access-date=2021-10-29 |website=The Source |language=en-US}}</ref> Ridership on the C Line has not been as high as the A Line, although it did have higher ridership than the [[L Line (Los Angeles Metro)|L Line]] (then known as the Gold Line) until 2013.<ref name="ridership" /><ref name="Ridership-Plot" /> Regardless, Metro can only operate two-car trains on the C Line, since the five Metro-built stations west of the freeway only have room for two-car trains.<ref name="Hymon 2020" />

One of the lessons learned from the line, and the [[Harbor Transitway]] built at the same time, was that freeway median stations offer a poor rider experience, requiring customers to descend from bridges or climb stairs from dimly lit underpasses to isolated stations in the middle of a noisy and exhaust-ridden freeway.<ref name="Hymon 2020" /> While stations generally have elevators as a necessary accessibility accommodation, these sometimes fail,<ref>{{Cite web |author=Los Angeles Metro Elevators |title=MetroLAelevators |url=https://twitter.com/metrolaelevator?lang=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214165702/https://twitter.com/metrolaelevator?lang=en |archive-date=December 14, 2022 |access-date=October 20, 2022 |publisher=Twitter}}</ref> and have been known for having sanitation issues; escalators are also often out for maintenance or, with the C Line in particular, only available downward.

===Overhead line replacement===
Beginning on August 12, 2023, [[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority|Metro]] began a multi-phased project to gradually replace the aging [[overhead line]]s on the almost 30-year-old C Line. This will involve closures on segments of the line at different time periods. The first of these closures ran from August 12 to August 19, between {{LAMs|Redondo Beach}} and {{LAMs|Hawthorne/Lennox}} stations, and August 20 to September 24 between Redondo Beach and {{LAMs|Aviation/LAX}} stations. Service was replaced in the meantime by [[Rail replacement bus service|temporary bus shuttles]].<ref name="ocsbusshuttle" />

===Integration with the K Line===

{{multiple images
| image1            = LACMTA C and K Line Service Patterns Option 1.webp
| image2            = LACMTA C and K Line Service Patterns Option 2.webp
| image3            = LACMTA C and K Line Service Patterns Option 3.webp
|footer=Graphics depicting the three options for proposed C and K Line service patterns
}}

Varying service patterns have been proposed for integrating the completed K Line into the rest of the system throughout its planning and construction, all of which have involved sharing trackage and infrastructure facilities with the existing C Line. Although some early proposals would've sent trains through all three directions of the wye that will connect the existing C Line with the new segment, this was rejected by Metro because it would cause too much wear and tear on the [[Railroad switch|track switch mechanisms]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sumers |first=Brian |date=January 21, 2014 |title=Metro breaks ground on new $2 billion L.A. Crenshaw/LAX Line |work=[[Daily Breeze]] |url=http://www.dailybreeze.com/general-news/20140121/metro-breaks-ground-on-new-2-billion-la-crenshawlax-line |access-date=January 31, 2016 |archive-date=February 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204222235/http://www.dailybreeze.com/general-news/20140121/metro-breaks-ground-on-new-2-billion-la-crenshawlax-line |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 11, 2018 |title=City Council approves long-awaited people mover to LAX |url=http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-lax-people-mover-20180411-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412102814/http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-lax-people-mover-20180411-story.html |archive-date=April 12, 2018 |access-date=April 12, 2018 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref>

The debate over service patterns proved somewhat contentious, as the final pattern must balance the needs of riders, operational needs, and the political constituencies of Metro's board members.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 22, 2018 |title=Crenshaw/LAX Line Operations Plan Being Debated, Will Affect Green Line |url=https://la.streetsblog.org/2018/06/22/crenshaw-green-line-operations/ |access-date=December 6, 2018 |website=streetsblog.org |archive-date=June 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608001406/https://la.streetsblog.org/2018/06/22/crenshaw-green-line-operations/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2018, with the line then scheduled to open within the year, the Metro Board of Directors overrode a recommendation by operations staff that would've had a single line operating between Expo/Crenshaw and [[Norwalk station (Los Angeles Metro)|Norwalk station]]. Passengers from the Redondo Beach area would have been served by a shuttle to the LAX area, where they would need to transfer to another train to continue east or north. Instead, board members approved a one-year pilot of a configuration that would combine an Expo-to-Norwalk line with another line that would connect Redondo Beach with [[Willowbrook/Rosa Parks station]], allowing transfers to the A and J Lines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chiland |first=Elijah |date=July 3, 2018 |title=Will the Crenshaw Line strand South Bay riders? |url=https://la.curbed.com/2018/7/3/17528832/metro-crenshaw-line-lax-green-line-connection |access-date=December 6, 2018 |website=Curbed LA |archive-date=May 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521012842/https://la.curbed.com/2018/7/3/17528832/metro-crenshaw-line-lax-green-line-connection |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=StreetsblogLA |date=December 6, 2018 |title=Metro bd mtg: Barger votes yes. Hahn Crenshaw/Green C3 motion passes 7-4-2 (Ridley-Thomas, Kuehl abstained) |url=https://twitter.com/StreetsblogLA/status/1070795844046090241 |access-date=December 6, 2018 |website=twitter.com |archive-date=July 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728194522/https://twitter.com/StreetsblogLA/status/1070795844046090241 |url-status=live }}</ref>  The approved plan would incur higher operating expenses, but board members argued it would retain better transfer opportunities for [[South Bay (Los Angeles County)|South Bay]] residents.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Crenshaw/LAX Line and Green Line Operating Plan Presentation – Sports Competitions – American Football |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/393304103/Crenshaw-LAX-Line-and-Green-Line-Operating-Plan-Presentation |access-date=December 6, 2018 |website=Scribd |archive-date=July 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728195216/https://www.scribd.com/document/393304103/Crenshaw-LAX-Line-and-Green-Line-Operating-Plan-Presentation |url-status=live }}</ref>

Ongoing construction delays led to a reassessment of that plan in 2022. Metro recommended public outreach aimed at reformulating the operating plan before the connection to the C Line opens in 2023;<ref name="opplanupdate">{{Cite web |date=2022-04-21 |title=Crenshaw/LAX Line Operating Plan Update |url=http://metro.legistar1.com/metro/attachments/b30da937-abb9-44df-94ff-95a59d1bd85d.pdf |website=[[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority|Metro]] |language=en-US |access-date=May 10, 2022 |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512230352/http://metro.legistar1.com/metro/attachments/b30da937-abb9-44df-94ff-95a59d1bd85d.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> in March 2023, Metro indicated that it would recommend Option 2 in the figure above, in which the K Line would run north-south from Expo/Crenshaw to Redondo Beach, and the C Line would run from Norwalk to LAX.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://media.metro.net/board/Items/2023/03_march/20230308wesitem4.pdf |title=C & K Line Operating Plan Update |access-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-date=March 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306190250/http://media.metro.net/board/Items/2023/03_march/20230308wesitem4.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> On June 22, 2023, Metro's board of directors officially approved the implementation of '''Option 2''' based on staff recommendation and public opinion.<ref name="c-2chosen" />

== Future developments ==

=== Eastern extension to Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs station ===

The [[Norwalk station (Los Angeles Metro)|C Line's eastern terminus]] is {{convert|2.8|mi|km}} west of the [[Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs station|Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs]] [[Metrolink (California)|Metrolink]] station, which is served by several Metrolink lines and sees heavy use.<ref>{{cite news |last=Weikel |first=Dan |date=January 10, 2016 |title=Closing 2.8-mile transit gap in Norwalk could smooth regional commute |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-transit-gap-20160110-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=January 1, 2023 |archive-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812103304/https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-transit-gap-20160110-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs is also a proposed station on the [[California High-Speed Rail]] project.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Southern California |url=https://hsr.ca.gov/high-speed-rail-in-california/southern-california/ |access-date=2021-12-15 |website=California High-Speed Rail |language=en |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215223236/https://hsr.ca.gov/high-speed-rail-in-california/southern-california/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Bus service, primarily via [[Norwalk Transit (California)|Norwalk Transit]] line 4, is provided between the Metrolink station and the C Line terminus. Still, schedules are not coordinated with the C Line's arrivals. While plans exist to close the gap,<ref name="SCAG Study" /> available Measure M funding allows the operation to start in roughly 2052.<ref name="LA Mag 2017-01-12" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hymon |first=Steve |date=November 8, 2016 |title=Measure M project descriptions |publisher=Metro |agency=The Source |url=https://thesource.metro.net/2016/11/08/measure-m-project-descriptions/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908062056/https://thesource.metro.net/2016/11/08/measure-m-project-descriptions/ |archive-date=September 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="2020_LRTP">{{Cite report |url=https://media.metro.net/2020/LRTP-2020-Final.pdf |title=2020 Long Range Transportation Plan |date=2020 |publisher=Metro |page=30 |access-date=March 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123022631/https://media.metro.net/2020/LRTP-2020-Final.pdf |archive-date=January 23, 2021 |url-status=live |section=Figure 8. Major Transit Projects}}</ref>

===Southeast Gateway Line interchange station===
{{main|I-105/C Line station}}
A new [[infill station]] is planned to be constructed between Long Beach Boulevard (soon to be Lynwood) and Lakewood Boulevard in order to provide an interchange with the forthcoming [[Southeast Gateway Line]]. It is expected to open with the new service in 2035.

== Operations ==
On Metro Rail's internal timetables, the C Line is numbered line '''803'''.

=== Maintenance facilities ===
The C Line is operated out of Division 22 (Hawthorne Yard & Shop) and Division 16 (Southwestern Yard). These yards stores the fleet used on the C line. Light maintenance is done on the fleet in Division 22, and heavier maintenance is done in Division 16. Division 22 is located between [[Redondo Beach station|Redondo Beach]] and [[Douglas station (Los Angeles Metro)|Douglas]] stations. Trains enter the yard via a junction halfway between the two stations. Norwalk-bound trains (Northbound) may enter, but no exit track exists to continue north. Redondo Beach-bound trains (Southbound) may enter and exit the Yard to continue south. Division 16 is located on the completed section of the [[K Line (Los Angeles Metro)|K Line]] near the [[LAX/Metro Transit Center]] in [[Westchester, Los Angeles|Westchester]].

=== Rolling stock ===
As of 2024, the [[Kinki Sharyo P3010]] is the only rolling stock to serve the C Line. 

At the time the Green Line opened, the line used a fleet of [[Nippon Sharyo P865#Operational history|Nippon Sharyo P2020]] light rail vehicles, which were very similar to the older Nippon Sharyo P865 vehicles used on the [[A Line (Los Angeles Metro)|Blue Line (now known as A Line)]]. In late 2001, the P2020 fleet was transferred to the Blue Line, and the Green Line received new [[Siemens P2000]] railcars that have been operating on the line ever since, until its removal in 2024 and subsequent transfer to the A Line. Since 2019, newer Kinki Sharyo P3010 trains were added to the Green Line alongside P2000s to supplement the fleet and have been used since then. Trains are limited to two-car sets due to platform length limitations at Aviation/LAX.<ref name="LA Times 2018-11-24" />

== Incidents ==
* On February 22, 2015, a train near the Hawthorne/Lennox station struck and killed a man who was trespassing on the tracks.<ref name="ABC 2015-02-23" /><ref name="Daily Breeze 2015-02-23" />
* On August 24, 2018, a collision involving a tanker truck on the westbound lanes of I-105 between Vermont Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard exploded with flames that crawled onto the tracks and damaged the catenary system. The rail line and the freeway were closed for cleanup and repairs.<ref name="LA Times 2018-08-24" />

== References ==
{{reflist|refs=
<ref name="ocsbusshuttle">{{cite web |last1=Hinton |first1=Lexi |title=Service Advisory: C Line overhead power replacement project set to begin this Saturday, August 12 |url=https://thesource.metro.net/2023/08/07/service-advisory-c-line-overhead-power-replacement-project-set-to-begin-this-saturday-august-12/ |website=The Source |date=August 7, 2023 |publisher=[[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |access-date=September 19, 2023}}</ref>

<ref name="c-2chosen">{{cite web |title=Board of Directors - Regular Board Meeting |url=https://metro.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6256772&GUID=796A05B2-2510-4BAF-B692-2B635C82FB85 |website=Metro |access-date=23 June 2023}}</ref>

<ref name="CKreconfig">{{Cite web |last=Hymon |first=Steve |date=October 14, 2024 |title=Changes are coming Sunday, Nov. 3, to the C and K Lines as we open the new Aviation/Century Station |url=https://thesource.metro.net/changes-are-coming-soon-to-the-c-and-k-lines-as-we-open-the-new-aviation-century-station/ |access-date=October 16, 2024 |website=[[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority|Metro]] The Source |language=en-US}}</ref>

<ref name="ridership">{{Cite web |date=August 20, 2013 |title=Ridership Statistics – Rail Ridership Estimates |url=https://www.metro.net/news/pages/ridership-statistics/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204034651/http://www.metro.net/news/pages/ridership-statistics/ |archive-date=February 4, 2012 |access-date=August 25, 2013 |publisher=Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority}}</ref>

<ref name="Ridership-Plot">{{Cite web |date=November 2013 |title=Monthly Ridership Plot |url=https://www.metro.net/news_info/images/ridership_graphs.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108024109/http://www.metro.net/news_info/images/ridership_graphs.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |access-date=November 16, 2013 |publisher=Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority}}</ref>

<ref name="Metro timetables">{{Cite web |title=Maps & Timetables |url=https://www.metro.net/riding/maps/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919142743/https://www.metro.net/riding/maps/ |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |access-date=July 16, 2018 |publisher=[[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]}}</ref>

<!-- Not in use
<ref name="Daily Breeze 2014-01-21">{{Cite news |last=Sumers |first=Brian |date=January 21, 2014 |title=Metro breaks ground on new $2 billion L.A. Crenshaw/LAX Line |work=Daily Breeze |url=http://www.dailybreeze.com/general-news/20140121/metro-breaks-ground-on-new-2-billion-la-crenshawlax-line |url-status=live |access-date=January 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204222235/http://www.dailybreeze.com/general-news/20140121/metro-breaks-ground-on-new-2-billion-la-crenshawlax-line |archive-date=February 4, 2016}}</ref>
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<!-- Not in use
<ref name="LA Times 2018-04-11">{{Cite news |last=Nelson, Laura J. |date=April 11, 2018 |title=City Council approves long-awaited people mover to LAX |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-lax-people-mover-20180411-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412102814/http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-lax-people-mover-20180411-story.html |archive-date=April 12, 2018}}</ref>
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<!-- Not in use
<ref name="StreetBlogsLA 2018-06-22">{{Cite news |last=Linton |first=Joe |date=June 22, 2018 |title=Crenshaw/LAX Line Operations Plan Being Debated, Will Affect Green Line |work=Streets Blog LA |location=Los Angeles |url=https://la.streetsblog.org/2018/06/22/crenshaw-green-line-operations/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608001406/https://la.streetsblog.org/2018/06/22/crenshaw-green-line-operations/ |archive-date=June 8, 2019}}</ref>
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<!-- Not in use
<ref name="Curbed LA 2018-07-03">{{Cite news |last=Chiland, Elijah |date=July 3, 2018 |title=Will the Crenshaw Line strand South Bay riders? |work=Curbed Los Angeles |url=https://la.curbed.com/2018/7/3/17528832/metro-crenshaw-line-lax-green-line-connection |url-status=live |access-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521012842/https://la.curbed.com/2018/7/3/17528832/metro-crenshaw-line-lax-green-line-connection |archive-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>
Not in use-->

<ref name="SCAG Study">{{Cite web |title=Norwalk Green Line Extension Study |url=http://www.scag.ca.gov/programs/Pages/NorwalkGreenlineStudy.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903071809/https://scag.ca.gov/programs/Pages/NorwalkGreenlineStudy.aspx |archive-date=September 3, 2017 |publisher=[[Southern California Association of Governments]]}}</ref>
<ref name="LA Mag 2017-01-12">{{Cite news |last=Broverman, Neal |date=January 12, 2017 |title=A New Metro Extension Could Seamlessly Connect L.A. and the O.C. |work=Los Angeles Magazine |url=https://www.lamag.com/driver/green-line-study-metro-moves-close-gaps-system/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221085932/https://www.lamag.com/driver/green-line-study-metro-moves-close-gaps-system/ |archive-date=December 21, 2019}}</ref>

<ref name="LA Daily News 2008-01-08">{{Cite news |last=Maddaus |first=Gene |date=January 9, 2008 |title=Why Green Line stopped short of LAX |work=[[Los Angeles Daily News]] |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2008/01/09/why-green-line-stopped-short-of-lax/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820232035/https://www.dailynews.com/2008/01/09/why-green-line-stopped-short-of-lax/ |archive-date=August 20, 2020}}</ref>

<!-- Not in use
<ref name="Streetsblog tweet">{{Cite tweet |number=1070795844046090241 |user=StreetsblogLA |title=Metro bd mtg: Barger votes yes. Hahn Crenshaw/Green C3 motion passes 7-4-2 (Ridley-Thomas, Kuehl abstained) |author=StreetsBlogLA |date=December 6, 2018 |access-date=August 12, 2019}}</ref>
Not in use-->

<!-- Not in use
<ref name="Metro presentation">{{Cite web |last=Los Angeles Metro |author-link=Los Angeles Metro |date=November–December 2018 |title=Crenshaw/LAX Line and Green Line Operating Plan Presentation |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/393304103/Crenshaw-LAX-Line-and-Green-Line-Operating-Plan-Presentation#download&from_embed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728195216/https://www.scribd.com/document/393304103/Crenshaw-LAX-Line-and-Green-Line-Operating-Plan-Presentation#download&from_embed |archive-date=July 28, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2019 |publisher=Scribd}}</ref>
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<ref name="ABC 2015-02-23">{{Cite news |date=2019 |title=Pedestrian fatally struck by Green Line train in Hawthorne |work=ABC 7 |publisher=[[KABC-TV]] |url=https://abc7.com/news/pedestrian-fatally-struck-by-green-line-train-in-hawthorne/530495/https://abc7.com/news/pedestrian-fatally-struck-by-green-line-train-in-hawthorne/530495/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812101911/https://abc7.com/news/pedestrian-fatally-struck-by-green-line-train-in-hawthorne/530495/https://abc7.com/news/pedestrian-fatally-struck-by-green-line-train-in-hawthorne/530495/ |archive-date=August 12, 2019}}</ref>

<ref name="Daily Breeze 2015-02-23">{{Cite news |date=February 23, 2015 |title=Man struck, killed by Metro Green Line train in Hawthorne |work=Daily Breeze |url=https://www.dailybreeze.com/2015/02/23/man-struck-killed-by-metro-green-line-train-in-hawthorne/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812101352/https://www.dailybreeze.com/2015/02/23/man-struck-killed-by-metro-green-line-train-in-hawthorne/ |archive-date=August 12, 2019}}</ref>

<ref name="LA Times 2018-08-24">{{Cite news |last1=Serna |first1=Joseph |last2=Reyes-Velarde |first2=Alejandra |date=August 24, 2018 |title=Eastbound lanes of 105 Freeway in Hawthorne reopened after fiery crash that killed two |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |location=[[Los Angeles]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-tanker-fire-freeway-20180824-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812101007/https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-tanker-fire-freeway-20180824-story.html |archive-date=August 12, 2019}}</ref>

<ref name="LA Times 2018-11-24">{{Cite news |last=Nelson |first=Laura J. |date=November 24, 2018 |title=Westside and South Bay clash over how to connect two rail lines |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-metro-green-crenshaw-line-20181124-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=November 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126234542/https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-metro-green-crenshaw-line-20181124-story.html |archive-date=November 26, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="2016-01-10">{{Cite news |last=Weikel, Dan |date=January 10, 2016 |title=Closing 2.8-mile transit gap in Norwalk could smooth regional commute |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |location=[[Los Angeles]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-transit-gap-20160110-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812103304/https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-transit-gap-20160110-story.html |archive-date=August 12, 2019}}</ref>

<!-- unused refs
<ref name="Daily News 2018-12-13">{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2018 |title=Because they're out of colors, LA Metro will rename all its train lines and rapid busways with letters in 2019 |url=http://www.dailynews.com/because-theyre-out-of-colors-la-metro-will-rename-all-its-train-lines-and-rapid-busways-with-letters-in-2019 |access-date=December 19, 2018 |website=Daily News |language=en-US}}</ref>
<ref name="Streetsblog 2018-11-20">{{Cite web |last=Newton, Damien |date=November 20, 2018 |title=Metro Moves Ahead with Changes to How They Name Rail/BRT |url=https://la.streetsblog.org/2018/11/20/metro-moves-ahead-with-changes-to-how-they-name-railbrt/ |access-date=December 19, 2018 |website=Streetsblog Los Angeles |language=en-US}}</ref>

<ref name="Streetsblog 2019-06-07">{{Cite web |last=Linton, Joe |date=December 6, 2018 |title=Metro Approves Crenshawgreen Line Operations Plan Pushed by Hahn, South Bay |url=https://la.streetsblog.org/2018/12/06/metro-approves-crenshawgreen-line-operations-plan-pushed-by-hahn-south-bay/ |access-date=June 7, 2019 |website=Streetblog Los Angeles |language=en-US}}</ref>
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}}

== External links ==
{{Attached KML |display=title,inline}}
* [http://www.mta.net/ MTA Home Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111192340/http://www.mta.net/ |date=November 11, 2020 }}
* [https://www.metro.net/riding_metro/green_line.htm Green Line Home Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125072502/https://www.metro.net/riding_metro/green_line.htm |date=January 25, 2010 }}
* [https://www.metro.net/riding_metro/maps/images/green_all.pdf Green Line connections overview] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626121813/https://www.metro.net/riding_metro/maps/images/green_all.pdf |date=June 26, 2013 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130626121949/http://www.metro.net/riding_metro/bus_overview/images/803.pdf Green Line schedule]

{{Los Angeles Metro Rail and Busway stations navbox}}
{{Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority}}
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[[Category:C Line (Los Angeles Metro)]]
[[Category:Airport rail links in the United States|Los Angeles County Metro Rail]]
[[Category:Light rail in California]]
[[Category:Public transportation in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Public transportation in Los Angeles County, California]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 1995]]
[[Category:Railway lines in highway medians]]
[[Category:1995 establishments in California]]