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Breakthrough for LAX – automated train on the way

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Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), still the prime gateway to the US for Australians, has taken a big step towards becoming “the most passenger-friendly airport in the world” in the form of the largest contract ever awarded in the history of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles City Council yesterday unanimously voted to approve a 30-year USD 4.9 billion contract with LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS) to design, build, finance, operate and maintain an Automated People Mover (APM) train system at Los Angeles International Airport. The APM train should be running in five years.

“Making LAX the most passenger-friendly airport in the world means giving travellers what they need and have been asking for – reliable, convenient transportation to and from the terminals,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti.

“This historic investment will ensure that LAX is seamlessly connected with communities across the region.”

LAX, the fourth-busiest airport in the world and second busiest in the US, is generally regarded as busy rather than friendly. It’s in the middle of a project to relieve congestion for travellers.

Here’s how the APM train will look (see image/video above) and work:

The five main components are:

  • The Automated People Mover (APM) just approved – a 3.6 km electric train system comprised of six stations that will connect travellers to the regional rail system, rental car facility and other drop-off/pick-up locations. See clip above.
  • Intermodal Transportation Facility (ITF- West) – a facility for airport parking and passenger drop-offs and pick-ups from personal vehicles, buses, shuttles, taxis, and ride-sharing services.
  • Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) – a facility that will house 23 rental car locations in one area with easy access to the 405 and 105 Freeways.
  • Roadway Improvements – designed to alleviate traffic congestion in and around the airport.

Construction of the APM train, ConRAC, ITF and part of the roadway improvements will start in 2018 and become operational in 2023. The remaining roadway improvements are anticipated to start in 2023 and be completed by 2035.

 

| A Global Travel Media release written by Peter Needham  |  ||  April 13, 2018   |||