LAWA Official Site | Automated People Mover

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The Automated People Mover (APM) is an electric train system on a 2.25-mile elevated guideway with six stations total – three inside the Central Terminal Area (CTA) and three outside the CTA.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) broke ground on the APM project in March of 2019 and anticipates that the system will be operational in 2023. Pre-construction activities—such as utility relocations, geotechnical investigations and surveying—began in 2018 and major construction activities are ongoing both inside and outside the CTA. The first APM cars will be delivered in 2021, and once major construction is complete, extensive testing will begin.

During peak hours (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.), the APM will run nine trains, each with four cars and will be capable of carrying up to 50 passengers and their luggage, with a total of 200 passengers per train. Train speed will top out at 47 mph. Trains will be available at each station every two minutes during peak hours with a total of 10 minutes travel time end-to-end (from the Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility to the West CTA Station). For easy access, the APM trains will have large, wide doors with level boarding and each car will have 12 seats designated for travelers in need. The APM will be FREE for all users and operate 24/7. With an anticipated use of approximately 30 million passengers per year, it is estimated that the APM will result in 117,000 fewer vehicle miles traveled per day.

The APM trains, elevators, escalators and moving sidewalks provide for quick access to the terminals and stations. Passengers will be able to view real-time flight information, public art in a variety of media, and will see the iconic Theme Building from a brand new perspective as the train enters the CTA.

In addition to reducing traffic, the APM will leverage cutting-edge sustainability practices to reduce the airport area’s carbon footprint. The system’s fleet will consist of 44 cars that are fully electric, 98% recyclable and generate a portion of their own power through regenerative braking, while providing an industry-leading ride quality for users. The command center and maintenance facility generates nearly half of its power from solar energy and is designed to be LEED Gold Certified.

The APM is an historic investment in Los Angeles’ emerging businesses and workforce. More than $585 million has been identified for local, small or disabled veteran-owned businesses, with an $85 million commitment exclusively to local, small businesses right here in Los Angeles. The project will create more than 2,000 construction jobs, with 30% of those opportunities being reserved for residents of Los Angeles as well as highly impacted communities near LAX. Sixty percent of careers during the 25-year Operations and Maintenance phase are designated for local workers. LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS), the selected APM developer—has built partnerships with community-based organizations to focus on expanding the pipeline of workers, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds. Through more than $1 million in investments, the project will create infrastructure career pathways for women, former foster youth, individuals in reentry and transitioning out of gang involvement and persons with disabilities. HireLAX, Los Angeles World Airports’ Apprenticeship Readiness Program, will be a key partner in this effort, as will other resources offered by the Building Trades and other industry partners.

For information on careers or business opportunities, please contact opportunities@lalinxs.com.

Aerial view of People Mover in Central Terminal Area