Angelenos is currently one step closer to having a direct rail connection between the Los Angeles Transit Network and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
In 2014, city officials approved the construction of a much-needed building. Automated People Movers Connect the LAX to the city’s public transport system. The plan also included construction. Metro Transit CenterOpens on June 6th at 96th Street and Aviation Boulevard, offering direct access to the K and C Metro lines, which connect the airport to downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach, California, respectively.
This is part of LAX $30 billion improvements Advances the 2028 Olympics, authorities hope to have a car-free event.
What can travelers expect now?
The opening of the Metro Transit Center is a big step in the right direction, but it is not expected that most travelers will benefit immediately, as it is not expected that the biggest missing piece, APM, will open until 2026. APM provides direct connections to other airport facilities such as Metro Transit Center, LAX terminals, car rental centres and car parks.
When the Metro Transit Center opens in June, travelers will use ride services to complete their final 1.7-mile trek to the LAX terminal, and vice versa until APM opens.
At the Metro Transit Center, travelers can jump on the K-line or C-line. This provides access between the Northern Exposition/Crenshaw Station. South station in Redondo Beach, California. Norwalk, California is located to the east. Passengers from downtown LA can take their E-line to Expo/Crenshaw and move to the K-line or to the A-line to Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station to the C-line.
This will save travelers money on transport. LAX ride service can be expensive, and for most riders a one-way metro trip is $1.75. However, the time spent waiting in traffic in LA – will not come until APM opens. I have used the ride service the past few times, but I spent more time sitting in the traffic jam from the entrance to the terminal than I came from downtown LA to the entrance to the LAX.
Once the APM opens, passengers can travel from the 24-hour Metro Transit Center to the LAX Terminal. The train runs every two minutes during peak hours from 9am to 11pm, and takes 10 minutes to travel the APM from end to end. Free for anyone who drops off ticketed passengers, airport employees, and travelers.
According to Los Angeles World Airport and LAX Integrated Express Solutions, APM is projected to attract 30 million riders per year, ease traffic within the terminal area by 27%, and reduce 117,000 vehicle miles every day.
The opening of the Metro Transit Centre will not affect most travelers at the moment, but once APM opens in 2026, it will be much easier to reach LAX.
Related readings:
