One of the world’s busiest (and most hated) airports will finally get a rail connection in a bid to alleviate its severe traffic problems.
Currently, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) only has limited bus service for public transportation, forcing most travelers to rely on cars, often resulting in traffic jams. During holiday seasons, wait times can extend by hours.
After decades of delays, city bosses will finally connect LAX to its Metro rail system via the long-awaited Automated People Mover (APM).
When it opens in 2026, the new transit center will link the airport to the K and C lines, addressing a long-standing gap that has baffled visitors and residents alike.
Another hated airport, New York’s JFK, also does not have a proper rail connection to Manhattan or other areas of the city. Instead, the AirTrain takes passengers to a transportation hub where they can change to other trains.
Los Angeles will finally connect LAX to its Metro rail system through the long-awaited Automated People Mover
Historically, plans for a rail connection to LAX were stalled due to budget constraints, airport opposition, and FAA concerns about interference with runway operations.
Line C, originally intended to serve the airport, was stopped within two miles. LAX officials were also concerned about losing parking revenue, which funded lower airline fares.
Once APM opens, passengers will board the people mover at a new transit center at Aviation Boulevard and 96th Street to reach the airport terminals.
The system will operate 24/7, with trains running every two minutes during peak hours, completing the 2.25-mile route in less than 10 minutes.
City leaders believe the connection will ease airport traffic, improve access and benefit the entire region.
Tourists and airport workers are expected to use the APM, although some workers remain unsure about changing their commuting habits.
The $3.34 billion people transportation project will include six stations that will connect the airport to parking lots, car rental facilities and Metro lines.
Officials aim to complete the project before the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, finally aligning LAX with other major airports around the world.
Last month, youhe most stressful airports in the US were revealed in a report.
Travel experts ranked airports based on five stressors: number of passengers, distance from the city center, number of flight destinations, parking fees and overall airport satisfaction score.
They looked at the 15 largest and busiest airports and found that Chicago O’Hare International Airport in Illinois was the most stressful.
An artist’s impression of the Automated People Mover leaving LAX
LAX is known for its heavy traffic as it only has limited public transportation via buses.
The most stressful airports in the US have been revealed, with Chicago O’Hare International flying to the top spot
With more than 33 million passengers, one of the highest flight destination options at 249 and the second most expensive parking charge for a week at more than $283, it ranks almost 10 points higher than any other airport.
New York JFK International Airport is ranked the second most stressful airport in the US, being more than 12 miles away by car from the nearest city, it has one of the worst satisfaction scores in the flight tracking app Flightradar24 and a high weekly parking fee. of $191.67.