Inglewood Pivots to Rapid Transit Solutions Ahead of 2028 Olympics

Following the apparent demise of plans for a $2.4-billion automated people mover system connecting the K Line with SoFi Stadium and Intuit Dome, Inglewood officials have announced a more modest but immediate approach to improving transportation ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics.

The revised strategy, described as a “rephased approach” to the Inglewood Transit Connector project, will focus on implementing mobility hubs, enhanced shuttle services, and traffic flow improvements that can be completed before the Olympic Games arrive in Los Angeles.

“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 new plan includes the development of mobility hubs along the Market Street corridor and at the southern edge of Inglewood adjacent to the Metro C Line near the 105 Freeway. These hubs will provide access to private shuttles and city buses, with park-and-ride and kiss-and-ride areas for commuters and visitors.

Traffic signal synchronization, upgraded sidewalks connecting Metro lines with the stadium district, and bus-only lanes along Hawthorne Boulevard, La Brea Avenue, and Arbor Vitae Street are also part of the proposal. The bus lanes could help shuttles avoid the notorious traffic congestion that occurs before and after events at SoFi Stadium.

City officials emphasized that none of the proposed improvements would preclude the construction of a people mover system in the future. The plan preserves the alignment for the previously proposed elevated system and provides time to explore additional funding sources.

The transportation initiative is being paired with the “Destination Market Street” program aimed at revitalizing Inglewood’s historic commercial core. This initiative will provide grants for storefront upgrades and tenant improvements, while introducing new streetscape enhancements such as improved sidewalks, seating areas, landscaping, and lighting along Market Street.

The design and community engagement process for the updated transit project is launching immediately, with Destination Market Street to follow in Summer 2025. Final design and construction of the streetscape overhaul, new mobility hubs, and bus lanes is scheduled to occur between 2026 and 2028, with completion targeted before the Olympic Games.

Last year’s setback to the original people mover plan came after opposition from the owners of the Clippers and Rams, who balked at the substantial investment required for the automated transit system. The new approach aims to achieve many of the same goals with a more financially feasible and timely implementation strategy.

Community members interested in providing input on the transportation plans are encouraged to watch for upcoming public engagement opportunities to be announced by the city.