City
LAX People Mover: A Leap Towards Modernity and Sustainability
The LAX Automated People Mover project progresses with the arrival of the final train cars, promising a modern, efficient, and sustainable transit solution for travelers and the environment.
As the bustling city of Los Angeles continues to evolve, a significant development is coming to one of its most vital hubs, the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). After much anticipation and a series of delays, a major milestone has been reached in the LAX Automated People Mover (APM) project. The final set of four train cars has arrived from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, rounding up the fleet to a total of 44 train cars designed to transform the traveler experience at LAX.
Embracing the Future of Transit
Initiated in 2018 and experiencing its fair share of setbacks, the APM project symbolizes a major leap towards modernizing one of the busiest airports in the world. This 2.25-mile elevated train system aims to significantly improve passenger convenience by offering quick and efficient transportation between terminals, parking structures, car rental facilities, and a new LA Metro transit facility in El Segundo. Once operational, the system hopes to not only enhance the passenger experience but also alleviate the notorious traffic congestions around the airport.
Sustainable Transportation Takes Flight
In alignment with global environmental goals, the APM stands out for its green initiatives. The INNOVIA 300 APM cars, a first in U.S. airports, are designed with sustainability at their core. Features like a fully recyclable aluminum shell and a regenerative braking system, which captures kinetic energy from braking to generate electricity, emphasize the project’s commitment to reducing the environmental footprint. John Ackerman, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, asserted that the APM would “set a new standard for sustainable transportation,” reflecting the commitment to passengers, community, and the planet.
Overcoming Challenges
The journey of the APM project has not been smooth; originally set to be completed by March 2023, it faced various challenges leading to a postponement. Now, with a revised completion target of December 2025, followed by extensive testing for full operational status by January 2026, there is a renewed sense of progress. The Los Angeles City Council’s recent approval of an additional $550 million to cover unforeseen costs demonstrates the city’s dedication to ensuring the project’s completion.
What to Expect
Once fully functional, the APM service will be available around the clock, with trains anticipated every two minutes during peak hours from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The entire transit from one end to the other will take approximately 10 minutes, with seamless stops at three inner-terminal stations and three external ones. Designed for comfort, each train car will feature wide, level doors for easy boarding, air conditioning, as well as audio and visual messaging systems, capable of accommodating around 50 passengers with their luggage.
Looking Ahead
The recent arrival of the final train cars marks a pivotal transition from construction to the testing phases. Shawn West, a board member of LINXS constructors, highlighted that this progress paves the way towards thorough testing needed for each vehicle to ensure safety and efficiency. With 93% of the station and 94% of the guideway work completed, the completion horizon is coming into clearer focus.
The LAX APM project, representing the largest contract ever awarded by the City of Los Angeles, not only promises to redefine the travel experience but also sets a benchmark in sustainable urban transit solutions. As these final pieces literally fall into place, the vision of a world-class facility at LAX is closer to becoming a reality, much to the anticipation of travelers and the Los Angeles community alike.
https://www.lawa.org/transforminglax/projects/underway/apm
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