Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the world's largest airports, the 11e worldwide and 5e of the United States with 76.59 million passengers by 2024. Including almost 24 million passengers on international flights. But it is also one of the only airports of its size that, until now, has not had a dedicated rail line. An anomaly, especially as 88% of passengers using LAX have Los Angeles as their final destination (Source: Los Angeles World Airports 2018). An anomaly to be written in the past tense, since thehe airport authorities have inaugurated a metro station 8 June last.
50 years of waiting for a metro
As stated at the time of the inauguration the CEO of the metro network, Stephanie Wiggins, " For more than half a century, the people of Los Angeles have dreamed of a rail connection to LAX airport - and now that day has finally arrived. Our LAX/Metro Transit Center station not only enhances the travel experience for millions of visitors to Los Angeles, it is also a cornerstone of our ongoing efforts to build a more sustainable and efficient transportation network for our city." . The event went largely unnoticed, however, while the spotlight was on the riots in the Californian metropolis' downtown area.
An automatic shuttle between the airport and the metro in 2026
This rail connection is not yet perfect. But it is, LAX/Metro Transit Centre stationwhich includes rail connections and bus routes, is not at the airport even but nearby. It is therefore only accessible with a bus shuttle.
The station is home to metro lines C and K, which provide connections to Santa Monica, Los Angeles Downtown, Union Station and Pasadena. On the other hand, another connection is needed on the network to reach Hollywood.
However, this bus service is temporary. This is because, 2026 will see the launch of the LAX People Mover automatic shuttle service. The system will connect the metro to three terminals as well as the long-term car park and the space reserved for hire cars. This rail connection is the eighth project to be delivered as part of the " Twenty-eight by 28 ", from key infrastructure projects set up before the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
