In anticipation of increased demand due to the construction of the Crenshaw/LAX Line and the LAX automated people mover system, Metro is seeking state funds to pursue projects which could expand passenger capacity on the Green Line by 50 percent.

According to items presented to both the Gateway Cities and South Bay Cities Service Councils, the agency is seeking a $70-million grant from the California State Transportation Agency to fund its "CORE Capacity" project. Proposed improvements include:

platform extensions at the Redondo Beach, Douglas, Mariposa, and Aviation/LAX Stations to accommodate three-car trains;

two new traction power substations for the Crenshaw/LAX Line; and

state of good repair work.

Metro would package the requested grant money with $130-million in local matching funds, accounting for a total project budget of $200 million.

According to letters of support considered by both service councils, the Green and Crenshaw/LAX Lines "will be the backbone of an expanded rail network serving this part of Los Angeles County with LAX as its hub."

In addition to proximity to several major destinations - including LAX and various venues slated for use during the 2028 Summer Olympic Games - both of the light rail lines are also slated for future extensions.

Metro is considering multiple routes for an extension of the Crenshaw/LAX Line which would eventually terminate in Hollywood, while the Green Line is expected to reach farther south to Torrance and farther east to connect with the Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Metrolink Station.

In a related request, Metro has also applied for a $105-million state grant to fund the agency's transition to a zero-emission bus fleet.