The first of 44 train cars has arrived at LAX.
On Aug. 2, the City debuted a critical component of the future of LAX with the unveiling of the first Automated People Mover (APM) train car. LAX will be the first U.S. airport to feature the INNOVIA 300 APM vehicles, which showcase the latest technology to help revolutionize how travelers get to and from the fifth-busiest airport in the world.
The APM system will reduce vehicle congestion and traffic in and around LAX when it opens, while providing the long-awaited connection to regional transportation, including Metro light rail.
The centerpiece of LAX’s Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP), the APM is a 2.25-mile electric train system that will transport travelers in and out of the CTA. The APM will feature six stations: three inside the CTA, which connect to the terminals via elevated pedestrian walkways, and three stations outside the CTA, which will connect to new off-site parking facilities, including LAX Economy Parking, regional light rail transportation and a Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility. The APM project is a critical investment into the infrastructure of Los Angeles as the city prepares to welcome the world to the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The driverless train system that will be utilized at LAX was specifically designed for flexible operation in both urban and airport transportation. During peak hours (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.), the trains will arrive at stations every two minutes, with an end-to-end run time of 10 minutes. The trains feature wide doors for easy access with luggage, large windows for viewing, plenty of handholds and 12 seats.
The debut of the train car took place at what will serve as the operational hub for the APM system – the Maintenance and Storage Facility – and was emceed by Mayor Eric Garcetti. Also joining in the celebration were Rep. Maxine Waters, whose 43rd Congressional District includes LAX; Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) President Beatrice Hsu; Airports Chief Executive Officer Justin Erbacci; and Roya Noorbakhsh, the Chief Technical Officer of LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS), developer of the APM system.
The Club can’t wait to get our first ride on the LAX automated people mover in the next few years!
