Dropping someone off or picking someone up from LAX is considered a gesture of real love in this city. While it may be a few decades late, the torturous journey may become a thing of the past for Angelenos when the new LAX Metro station opens in 2024.
Now that the future Crenshaw/LAX Line is getting closer to completion, the $900-million LAX Metro rail station is finally underway, according to Urbanize Los Angeles. The Airport Metro Connector (AMC) will connect L.A.’s metro lines to the airport’s future people mover, who will take passengers directly to their terminal. This long-overdue project aims to provide more opportunities to travel in the city and has been primarily influenced by the 2028 Olympics.
- Credit: Metro
L.A.’s exciting new transport hub will be situated on a 9.5-acre site at Aviation Bl/96th Street. Plans include a light rail station, bus plaza, bicycle parking, customer service center, passenger pick-up and drop-off area, and direct connection to the future LAX Automated People Mover (APM). The 2.25-mile system aims to provide more options for travelers and employees to get to the airport that accommodates all modes of transport.
- Credit: Grimshaw Architects.
There’ll also be a sculpture by Los Angeles artist Glenn Kaino that is currently being designed specifically for the station’s structure.
“Everyone traveling to or from LAX should have access to modern, reliable public transportation that gets them to their destination on time,” said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Chair Eric Garcetti. “The Airport Metro Connector is a historic step toward reimagining how travelers experience our airport — a turning point that will be a source of jobs and economic growth, reduce congestion, and help our airport realize its potential as a world-class gateway to Los Angeles.”
With a price tag of nearly $900 million, the budget for the long-sought-after AMC has soared above the original $637 million estimated budget. However, as the new “Gateway” to Los Angeles, it has the potential to improve the lives of residents and attract more visitors in considerable ways.
You can find the latest updates for this project here.