LA Metro receives proposal for aerial gondola linking station, ballpark
The aerial system would get fans from downtown to Dodger Stadium in about five minutes.

The aerial system would get fans from downtown to Dodger Stadium in about five minutes. Image: Aerial Rapid Transit Technologies LLC

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) received an unsolicited proposal from Aerial Rapid Transit Technologies LLC (ARTT) on Wednesday that calls for building an aerial tram that would carry passengers between Dodger Stadium and Los Angeles Union Station.
Metro’s Unsolicited Proposal policy allows the private sector to submit ideas to improve Metro projects, programs and services. All proposals are subject to a Phase One analysis within 60 days of being received. Metro can then choose to advance proposals with merit to a more detailed Phase Two review.
Aerial transit is a proven technology providing scenic, efficient and clean transportation for millions of people in major cities, including New York and London, every year, according to ARRT officials. The proposed system could move 5,000-plus riders per hour in each direction, benefiting surrounding communities by reducing traffic on local roadways. The aerial system would get fans from downtown to Dodger Stadium in about five minutes.
In its concept proposal to Metro, ARTT proposes to provide funding for the innovative mobility partnership which will design and construct the aerial transit system. Total project costs are estimated to be approximately $125 million and ARTT plans to obtain private financing for construction.
“Dodger Stadium is one of the crown jewels of baseball and draws fans from across our region and the nation,” said Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington. “We take seriously any idea that provides a good alternative to driving, and we’re eager to consider this proposal from the private sector and advise our Metro Board accordingly.”

A gondola and other options for improving access to Dodger Stadium was part of an informational study in 1990 by the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission, which later merged with the RTD to form Metro. The idea was never pursued beyond the study.
“We set up the Unsolicited Proposal process to encourage outside-the-box thinking when it comes to mobility and building new transportation infrastructure,” said Metro Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank. “The Dodgers’ proposal is intriguing and we’re looking forward to reviewing the details.”
Metro has run the popular Dodger Stadium Express free bus service from Union Station since 2010. A second route between Harbor Gateway Transit Center in the South Bay and the ballpark was added in 2015.
More Technology

Cummins Introduces Phased Model Year 2027 Launch Strategy
According to officials, the approach is designed to maintain regulatory compliance, support customer production schedules, and provide additional time to ramp production in a disciplined manner that helps ensure a successful transition for the industry.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
DART Taps Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. as Next President/CEO
Since 2012, Ford has served as the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority
Read More →
AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Building the Next Generation of Transit Maintenance Leaders
The agency’s maintenance chief discusses leadership, workforce development, zero-emission technology, and preparing technicians for the future of public transportation.
Read More →
California High-Speed Rail Authority Signs MOU to Advance High Desert Corridor
The agreement deepens collaboration between the California High-Speed Rail Authority and the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency, supporting design integration, cost savings, and faster delivery of a key Southern California rail link.
Read More →
Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology
In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.
Read More →How Data, Strategy, and Community Engagement Are Reshaping Transit
In this edition of METROspectives, strada360 CEO Steve Lassey discusses how transit agencies can better align planning with operations, leverage data to improve decision-making, and build public trust as they prepare for the future of mobility.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Masabi Teams with St. Louis Metro and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Transdev, Hitachi, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
Metra Begins Drone Pilot Project to Boost Safety and Security
The project is funded through a $620,000 grant from FEMA’s Transit Security Grant Program, which provides transit agencies with funding for projects intended to protect critical transportation infrastructure and the traveling public.
Read More →
Austin Transit Partnership Selects Stadler to Manufacture Light Rail Vehicles
The award marks the conclusion of a series of major procurements over 18 months, as outlined in ATP’s delivery plan, and keeps Austin Light Rail on track.
Read More →