Los Angeles officials broke ground on the Automated People Mover (APM) project, a train which will connect travelers directly to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) terminals and create new and convenient locations for passenger pick-up and drop-off outside the Central Terminal Area. The historic infrastructure project will transform public transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and deliver a world-class experience for travelers at (LAX), according to officials.
The train is the centerpiece of the Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP), which also includes a Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility and associated roadway improvements. Once completed in 2023, the APM will connect with L.A. Metro's light rail system.
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Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti (center) was joined by Councilmember Mike Bonin, Supervisors Janice Hahn and Mark Ridley-Thomas, Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) President Sean Burton and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) CEO Deborah Flint, as well as community and labor leaders at the groundbreaking ceremony. Photo: Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti
The APM will have nine trains, each with four cars. Each car will carry up to 50 passengers and their luggage, with a total of 200 per train. Train speed will top out at 47 mph. Trains will arrive every two minutes, have wide doors for easy access, large windows for viewing, and plenty of hand holds and seats for those in need. Station platforms are open air and will have escalators, elevators, and moving walkways for quick access to the terminals. The trains will relieve traffic congestion and are expected to serve 30 million travelers annually from 2023.
Rendering of people mover interior. Image: LAWA
On April 11, 2018, a 30-year, $4.9 billion contract with LINXS, the developer of the APM, was unanimously approved by the Los Angeles City Council, marking the largest contract ever awarded in the City’s history. Since then, LINXS has focused on finalizing the design of the guideway, operations systems, and stations along the 2.25-mile path — work that now allows for the start of major construction on the project. Through this public-private partnership contracting model, LINXS is designing, building, and financing the project and is also responsible for operating and maintaining the trains and stations for a 30-year period.
People mover as it rides by the iconic Theme Building LAX. Image: LAWA
During the design and construction phases, LINXS has committed to 30% local hiring, which exceeds local hiring requirements, and together with LAWA is developing opportunities for local small businesses. LINXS has also agreed to place first-period apprentices from HireLAX and other pre-apprenticeship programs.
LINXS team members (Fluor, Balfour Beatty, ACS Infrastructure Development, Dragados USA, HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions, Flatiron, HDR and HNTB) have extensive experience building and operating APMs domestically and internationally.
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