LAX APM - A Transformational Change

Abstract: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the largest origin-destination airport in the world. More people drive to LAX to catch their flight, and drive away upon arrival of their flight, than any other spot on the planet. Current road and highway access was designed and constructed around 1980 to support around 50 Million Annual Passengers (MAP) with very limited public transit options, particularly rail. Current volumes exceed 80 MAP with projected volumes reaching up to 120 MAP in the decades ahead making the current system of roads and highways totally inadequate. Rail transit attempted to reach the LAX Central Terminal Area (CTA) in the 1990’s but failed. A transformational change was needed. Airport executives and municipal leaders examined options that included light rail extensions, both surface and elevated, underground transit connections, and various other “people movers.” After over a decade of alternatives review, and through one of the most disruptive events in aviation history (9-11), Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA – a department of the City of Los Angeles) decided to move forward with an elevated Automated People Mover (APM) as a solution to the crushing traffic facing the LAX Central Terminal Area roadways, connecting the LAX terminals to new parking areas and the world’s largest Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility. LAWA pressed forward with decisions on financing, alignment, property acquisition, delivery methods, contract packaging, program management, and dozens of other issues needed to make this transformation happen. Regional transit authorities were finally able to bring light rail to the edge of the airport with a connection to the APM. Passenger availability for the new LAX APM is scheduled for early 2026 when a truly transformational change will take place. Lessons learned on this $5 billion venture are plentiful and applicable to others desiring to take the same journey.