Since 1989, Torrance Transit has been operating the Torrance Community Transit Program (TCTP), a taxi-based service to any destination in Torrance for residents who are disabled or age 65 and older. Rates were $5, $3 or $1 per trip, depending on household income and ambulatory status—for up to 12 trips per month. However, on certain days, the taxis can get tied up with other trips. This creates long wait times that are not exactly “on demand.” With riders encouraged to book at least 24 hours in advance to ensure a ride, flexibility is limited for those who want to change their destination at the last minute.

To solve these challenges, Torrance Transit is launching a new pilot micro transit program called Connect Torrance that enables residents and nonresidents of all ages and abilities to book a ride on demand for the same low price using a phone app. Instead of taxis, eight designated micro transit vehicles will provide curb-to-curb transport—four of which will be wheelchair accessible. The technology also matches riders with those who are traveling in the same direction for ride sharing.

“It’s a hybrid model between Uber, Lyft and public transit,” said David Mach, transit planning manager for Torrance Transit. “Instead of waiting at a bus stop based on the bus schedules, the Connect Torrance vehicles will pick you up at the curb where you are located. As soon as a ride is booked, the app will tell you where the vehicle is and how long it will take to get to your location.” The program is aiming for approximately 15-minute wait times on average.

For those who choose not to use the mobile app or don’t know how to use or download it, the service will also offer a call center that enables riders to book their ride while speaking to a live person.
In addition to local trips, the system is also designed as a first- and last-mile solution for those seeking to board a Torrance Transit bus (or train when the Metro K line is eventually connected) at the Mary K. Giordano Regional Transit Center.

During the program’s pilot phase, the service will allow Torrance seniors and disabled residents to travel anywhere within city limits for just $3 (see map of service area 2). For all other members of the public who are not TCTP participants, pickup and drop-off locations must be within a designated zone for a cost of $5. If successful, the service will eventually be expanded to other parts of the city (see map of service area 1).

For all members of the public, the designated zone (which covers about 40% of Torrance) was selected due to its proximity to the city’s primary commerce and job concentration areas, which include but are not limited to Torrance City Hall, the Del Amo Fashion Center, Downtown Torrance, the Torrance Certified Farmer’s Market, Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, El Camino College, Madrona Marsh and the local hotels.

The project is funded by a combination of Metro Measure M Visionary Seed Funds, Metro Measure R Transit program funding administered by the South Bay Cities Council of Governments and Torrance Transit’s annual operating budget.

The service will launch December 11, 2024. It will operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Mary K. Giordano Regional Transit Center serves as the home to Hollywood Bowl and NFL game-day shuttles to SoFi Stadium. Because such events occur outside of those hours, Connect Torrance will extend hours of operation to accommodate those riders. •

For more information on Connect Torrance visit transit.torranceca.gov