The unveiling of lax/metro transit center station: what you need to know

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is set to unveil the highly anticipated LAX/Metro Transit Center Station in November 2024. This project, designed by Grimshaw Architects, is located on a 9.5-acre property at the intersection of 96th Street and Aviation Boulevard. The station will serve as a critical transfer point between Metro’s K and C Lines and the new automated people mover system at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This development is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance public transportation in Los Angeles, a city known for its traffic congestion and reliance on private vehicles.

Project Details and Features

The LAX/Metro Transit Center Station is an at-grade stop that will feature a 16-bay bus plaza, charging infrastructure, a multi-level active transportation bike hub, public toilet facilities, and a sculpture by Los Angeles artist Glenn Kaino. The station’s key function is to serve as a transfer point between Metro rail and LAX’s new automated people mover system, which will transport passengers to the airport’s central terminal area. The 2.25-mile elevated train system, which has undergone delays, is on track for completion by the end of 2025, with an estimated cost of $3.3 billion.

The station will replace the overhead wire C Line trains, which have been in operation for 30 years, running between Norwalk and Redondo Beach. Metro plans to hire 100 new employees, including new security, cleaning, and customer service staff, as well as new vehicle operators, to manage the station’s operations.

Historical Context and Development

The concept of connecting Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the Metro Rail system dates back to the 1960s. However, it wasn’t until the late 1980s that serious proposals were made to extend the Metro C Line (formerly the Green Line) north from the Aviation/LAX station towards LAX. These plans faced numerous challenges, including disagreements with the Federal Aviation Administration and local politicians who wanted the line to focus on serving local communities. Critics also accused Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) of preserving parking revenues at the expense of public transportation improvements.

Despite these setbacks, the opening of the C Line in 1995 brought the closest station to the airport, located 2.4 miles away at the Aviation/LAX station. A free LAX Shuttle was provided to bridge this gap. Over the years, various developments and proposals aimed to connect the Metro Rail system to LAX, culminating in the current project to build the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station.

Future Prospects and Extensions

The LAX/Metro Transit Center Station is poised to become a significant transportation hub in Los Angeles. Metro has proposed the station as the southern terminus for the Phase 2 Sepulveda Transit Corridor and the Lincoln Boulevard Transit Corridor, with completion dates projected for 2040 and 2047, respectively. Both projects are funded by Measure M, a sales tax measure approved by Los Angeles County voters to fund transportation improvements.

The station will also feature a sculpture by Glenn Kaino titled “The Distance of the Sun,” which consists of vessels joined in a spiral pathway suspended in the air. The sculpture symbolizes dreams of spaceflight and the importance of collaboration and imagination, connecting to the station’s ceiling and referencing the short story “The Distance of the Moon.”

Operational Changes and Impact

As Metro prepares to open the new LAX/Metro Transit Center Station, several operational changes are being implemented. The Phase 2 C Line overhead wire replacement project is scheduled to begin on July 14, 2024, and continue through January 27, 2025. During this period, C Line service will operate with varying frequencies, and bus shuttles will replace train service on certain segments to allow staff access to the tracks for wire replacement.

The K Line, which opened on October 7, 2022, will also see changes as it integrates with the new LAX/Metro Transit Center Station. The K Line runs from Expo/Crenshaw to Westchester/Veterans and will connect to the C Line at the new station. The connection to the LAX Automated People Mover is planned for 2025, providing a seamless transfer for passengers traveling to and from the airport.

Our Advice on the City

For occasional travelers visiting Los Angeles, we recommend taking advantage of the new LAX/Metro Transit Center Station once it opens. This station will provide a convenient and efficient way to travel between LAX and various parts of the city, reducing the need for private vehicles and helping to alleviate traffic congestion.

For expert travelers, consider exploring the future extensions of the Metro system, such as the Sepulveda Transit Corridor and the Lincoln Boulevard Transit Corridor. These projects will further enhance connectivity and provide more options for navigating the sprawling city of Los Angeles.

In conclusion, the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station represents a significant step forward in Los Angeles’ efforts to improve public transportation and reduce reliance on private vehicles. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this new station will undoubtedly make your journey through the city more convenient and enjoyable.