The Landside Access Modernization Program will Transform LAX

All aboard the Automated People Mover!

LAX APM Guideway over Century Boulevard | Rendering courtesy of LAWA
LAX APM Guideway over Century Boulevard | Rendering courtesy of LAWA

Traffic into and on the roadways in the LAX Central Terminal Area is a major concern, with an estimated 50 percent of air travelers driving to and from the airport by car. The number of vehicles is expected to increase as annual passenger volume continues to grow. The $5.5-billion Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP) will give airport guests choices that provide a first-class, swift, convenient, and reliable way to access LAX.

LAX APM Guideway over Century Boulevard | Rendering courtesy of LAWA
LAX APM Guideway over Century Boulevard | Rendering courtesy of LAWA

A future project of the multi-billion dollar LAX modernization program, LAMP includes five major elements: a 2.25-mile Automated People Mover (APM) that will connect three on-airport stations to Metro Rail and transit services; a Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) Facility; two Intermodal Transportation Facilities for additional parking, ground transportation services, and meeter-greeter activities; and roadway improvements. The ITF-West facility opened in 2021 and the remaining major elements are scheduled to be delivered by 2024.

Automated People Mover

The Automated People Mover (APM) is a critical project for the future modernization of LAX and will provide reliable, time-certain access to the airline terminals for passengers, employees and other users.

The electric APM system will feature:

  • A total of six stations (three stations in the Central Terminal Area and three outside) connecting new rental car, airport parking and Metro facilities to the airline terminals
  • Fast and easy connections to the airline terminals with a convenient pedestrian walkway system
  • The APM system will simultaneously operate up to 9 trains
  • Trains will arrive every two minutes during peak hours (9am-11pm)
  • Free for airport users, operating 24/7
  • The guideway will be approximately 2.25 miles long, 50 to 70 feet above ground with a width of 35-75 feet and columns every 100 feet
  • Each train could consist of 4 cars up to 175 feet long
  • Each train will hold approximately 200 passengers with luggage
  • Pedestrian Access will be enhanced by moving walkways* to the terminals and parking garages
    *Not every pedestrian walkway will have moving sidewalks

 

ITF West Plaza at LAX | Rendering courtesy of LAWA
ITF West Plaza at LAX | Rendering courtesy of LAWA

Intermodal Transportation Facilities

The Intermodal Transportation Facilities (ITF) provide airport users multiple locations outside the terminal area to pick-up and drop off passengers, park their cars, check-in and get to their flights by taking the LAX Train.

The Intermodal Transportation Facilities will feature:

  • Fast and efficient access to the APM
  • Airport parking for private vehicles
  • Passenger pick-up/drop-off
  • Commercial curbside space and circulation roads
Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) Facility at LAX | Rendering: LAWA
Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) Facility at LAX | Rendering: LAWA

Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility

The Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility will relocate existing rental car companies into one convenient location adjacent to the 405 Freeway with direct connections to the airport using the LAX Train.

The ConRAC facility will feature:

  • Offer a variety of rental car options in a single location
  • Provide rental car customers direct access to major freeways
  • Remove all rental car shuttles currently driving into LAX
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Airport Metro Connector Station main entrance | Rendering courtesy of Metro

Metro Rail & Bus Connections

In October 2022, the Metro K Line opened to the public, extending from the E Line (Expo) at Expo/Crenshaw Station and merging with the C Line (Green) at Aviation/LAX Station, connecting the Crenshaw Corridor, Inglewood and El Segundo. The K Line serves the Crenshaw District, Inglewood, Westchester and surrounding areas with eight new stations.

Two additional stations are currently under construction and will open in 2023 and 2024:

  • Aviation/Century (2023)
  • LAX/Metro Transit Center (2024)

In late 2024, the Airport Metro Connector (AMC) at Aviation Boulevard and 96th Street will provide a direct connection to LAX. Once operational, the station will be renamed the LAX/Metro Transit Center.

NOTE: While the K Line is open to the public and major construction has concluded, minor construction work continues in support of the rail line operations. This work is anticipated to conclude in 2024 and will not impact full line operations.

LED light poles at TBIT | Photo courtesy of AECOM
LED light poles at TBIT | Photo courtesy of AECOM

LAX Modernization

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is in the midst of a $15 billion Capital Improvement Program at LAX that's projected to last through 2024. The LAX modernization program is considered the largest public works program in the history of the City of Los Angeles.

"LAX From Daylight Into Darkness" | Photo: Mike Kelley
"LAX From Daylight Into Darkness" | Photo: Mike Kelley

From travel info to transportation, dining, shopping, layover activities and future projects, read on for guides to LAX.