Torrance Transit marks 85 years, cuts ribbon on Connect Torrance and previews electric trolley

Torrance Transit celebrated its 85th anniversary at the Mary Kay G. O'Donnell Transit Center, marking the agency's expansion from three buses at its founding to serving about 2,100,000 riders annually and operating 12 routes.

The celebration included a ribbon-cutting for Connect Torrance, service partnerships at the regional transit center and a preview of a new all-electric red car trolley slated to roll out later this year. Nicole Nash, with the City of Torrance, closed the program by directing listeners to the agency website for updates: "To keep up with new services and future transit events, visit transit.torranceca.gov," she said.

The event highlighted Torrance Transit's growth and partnerships. Agency remarks noted the Mary Kay G. O'Donnell Transit Center now hosts Torrance Transit service alongside stops for the Hollywood Bowl and a FlixBus route to San Diego. Officials described Connect Torrance as a newly launched service and said the anniversary ceremony included its official ribbon cutting.

Speakers described a range of service additions. A city speaker characterized At Base as "our version of a little Uber or Lyft within our city," presenting it as a local first- and last-mile option; the transcript identifies that phrasing but does not provide a speaker name. A transit supervisor, speaking about career opportunities at the agency, said the position had provided long-term employment and noted a 27-year personal tenure in the system.

Among the quantitative details cited at the ceremony: Torrance Transit reported about 2,100,000 annual riders, an increase from the agency's original three buses and growth from three routes to 12 routes. The agency said it hopes to onboard more bus operators to support service expansion and future launches.

The ceremony also served as an occasion to display a new all-electric red car trolley, which speakers said is planned for rollout later this year; no firm delivery date or launch schedule was provided at the event. Officials cited ongoing partnerships and service offerings at the transit center but did not provide a funding breakdown for the new trolley or the Connect Torrance program.

For riders and residents, organizers directed listeners to the agency website for service updates and event information. Nicole Nash, with the City of Torrance, closed the program by encouraging the public to consult transit.torranceca.gov for details and upcoming transit events.

Less central details at the ceremony included recognition of past and current city leaders and long-time transit employees in attendance. The remarks combined celebratory history and promotional material about new services and recruitment; the event did not include any formal votes or policy actions recorded in the transcript.