The City of Inglewood has just announced a reshaped approach to the Inglewood Transit Connector (ITC), a community-rooted transportation investment approach designed to make it easier for residents to travel within and around the city.
And it goes a little something like this…
In the spring of 2025, ITC will launch the design process with community input and business engagement. In the summer of 2025, ITC will launch of the Destination Market Street Program to support facade and tenant improvements along Market St. Between 2026 and 2028, the final design and construction of streetscape improvements, mobility hubs, and bus lanes will be completed prior to the Olympic Games.
The rephased plan is based on insights gained based on engagement with the Inglewood community, including workshops and one-on-one meetings with business owners and community members. Officials view the reimagined approach as a critical first step in meeting the core needs of Inglewood residents and businesses, including traffic relief, connected and walkable neighborhoods, and a more accessible downtown area.
Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts – photo courtesy City of Inglewood
“With the world watching us as we prepare to host the 2028 Olympics, we’re also looking inward—listening to our community and taking strategic steps to deliver on what matters most to the people who live and work here,” said Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts. “This updated and phased approach to the ITC is our response to what we’ve heard: a desire for traffic relief and improved quality of life, connected and walkable neighborhoods, and a revitalized downtown reflecting Inglewood’s existing vibrant culture.”
The phased approach is supported by transportation agency partners including CalSTA and LA Metro, Inglewood City Councilmembers, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, and other civic leaders who share the City’s commitment to delivering community-centered infrastructure.
Get Ready for Phase 1- Ode to Market Street
Phase 1 of the ITC will focus on investing in the City’s downtown Market Street area with improved storefront and tenant-friendly improvements, coupled with a transit plan that delivers several mobility hubs with convenient access from the Metro K and C lines, improved shuttle services and bus-only lanes, and enhanced smart traffic technology. Together, these elements will invest in the downtown area that holds deep historical and economic significance for Inglewood.
Get there safe and get there fast!
According to Metro, travel time from Hollywood to Miracle Mile on the new K Line Northern Extension would take about 6-12 minutes, Hollywood to downtown Inglewood could be take 23-30 minutes, Hollywood to the LAX people mover would take 28-35 minutes, and Hollywood to Torrance would take 47-54 minutes.
Graphic Courtesy of Metro Transit Authority
“Market Street is more than historic business corridor—it’s a reflection of who we are,” said Mayor Butts. “That’s why we’re starting there first.”
The phasing strategy allows the City to jumpstart improvements that benefit residents and small businesses immediately, while avoiding construction disruptions near Prairie Avenue ahead of or during the Olympics. Simultaneously, Phase 1 improvements will preserve the option in the future for a high-capacity automated people mover designed to serve the long term growth of the City.
Everyday Mobility for Everyday People
With smart traffic signal synchronization, upgraded sidewalks, bus-only lanes, Phase 1 of the ITC is designed to reduce congestion, enhance transportation options, and better connect neighborhoods with Metro lines, local businesses, and community hubs.
“The rephased ITC is designed to invest in Market Street as a priority now ahead of the Olympics and help residents move more freely throughout the city—not just in and out of it,” said Councilmember Morales. “This plan makes it easier to support our small businesses and walk to your favorite restaurant or shop downtown, while improving your safety along the way.”
The mobility enhancements are funded and on track for delivery, demonstrating real momentum and the City’s commitment to getting things done.
“As part of this effort, we will work to consolidate and upgrade existing local circulator services, and create a new branded service to help connect the residents to our Inglewood destinations,” said Councilmember Faulk.
Growth that Supports Local Business
Recognizing the importance of local storefronts to the community, the City is taking a proactive and transparent approach to ensure small businesses are empowered to thrive. Thanks to careful planning and community engagement, the number of businesses impacted by the ITC Project has been reduced from the originally projected 44 to 23. Each of these businesses will receive robust relocation support, supplemental grants, and promotional assistance—reinforcing the City’s strong commitment to helping them remain in Inglewood and continue to grow as part of its vibrant local economy.
“Our goal isn’t just to minimize disruption—it’s to help these businesses build back stronger,” said Councilmember Alex Padilla. “We’re providing the tools and resources businesses need to stay rooted right here in Inglewood.”
In parallel, the City is launching Destination Market Street, which will provide grants for storefront upgrades and tenant improvements, invest in streetscape investments, and update transit-oriented plans to support local businesses along and around Market Street.
What’s Next
On Tuesday, the City Council authorized a contract with the ITC project’s best value proposer, Elevate Inglewod Partners (EIP), to initiate design activities.
Public engagement will continue throughout 2025 as design details are shaped in partnership with EIP and the community. Upcoming opportunities are anticipated to include workshops on pedestrian and
bike safety upgrades, input sessions on transit-oriented development updates, and collaborative planning around the City’s new community mobility hubs.
“The City committed to a transparent public engagement effort—including workshops, focus groups, one-on-one meetings, and open houses—to shape the core components of the plan and there will be robust outreach and assistance to all businesses that will be subject to relocation,” said Councilmember Gloria Gray.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the planning process by visiting inglewoodtransitconnector.com and signing up for project updates.
A Future Built for Inglewood, by Inglewood
As Inglewood prepares for a moment on the global stage, it is also doubling down on what has always made it strong—its people.
“We are here to honor our city’s rich history, build on our economic uplift achieved over the last decade, and continue to create a future where every resident and business owner thrives in our city,” said Mayor Butts.
Officials view the Inglewood Transit Connector as more than a transit project—it’s a shared investment in the city’s future. Built by Inglewood, for Inglewood.
