Los Angeles International Airport Unveils First Train Car for the Automated People Mover

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti joined city, federal and airport officials to debut a critical component of the future of LAX with the unveiling of the first Automated People Mover (APM) train car. LAX will be the first U.S. airport to feature the INNOVIA 300 APM vehicles, which showcase the latest technology to help revolutionize how travelers get to and from the fifth-busiest airport in the world.

The APM system will reduce vehicle congestion and traffic in and around LAX when it opens, while providing the long-awaited connection to regional transportation, including Metro light rail.

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“The Automated People Mover will be so much more than another way to get to LAX – it’s the piece of the puzzle that will curb the congestion that has been plaguing our airport for decades,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “As we welcome the first car that will whisk travelers to renovated terminals, parking structures, Metro rail, and a new rental car facility, it’s clear that a completely reimagined LAX is on the horizon.”

The debut of the train car took place today at what will serve as the operational hub for the APM system – the Maintenance and Storage Facility – and was emceed by Mayor Garcetti. Also joining in the celebration were Rep. Maxine Waters, whose 43rd Congressional District includes LAX, Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) President Beatrice Hsu, LAWA Chief Executive Officer Justin Erbacci and Roya Noorbakhsh, the Chief Technical Officer of LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS), developer of the APM system.

View a new video showing a glimpse of LAX’s future when the APM system opens:

“I am excited and proud to see the first train cars delivered for LAX’s Automated People Mover,” said Rep. Maxine Waters, 43rd District. “Construction has been moving at a fast pace and when complete will enable airline passengers to reach their terminals from anywhere near a Metro light rail line at a fraction of the current cost and without contributing to local traffic and vehicle emissions.”

“The arrival of the first APM train cars marks a new era in modernizing transportation in Los Angeles,” said Councilmember Mike Bonin. “Through innovation and a major investment in our future, LAX is setting a high bar with this transformational train system that will improve access and connectivity for travelers while reducing congestion and our carbon footprint.”

“Visitors arriving at LAX will soon be whisked high above the crowds below on these new comfortable, quiet, air-conditioned train cars, while enjoying panoramic views of the entire Los Angeles basin from the elevated guideway,” said Councilmember Joe Buscaino. “What once existed only in the minds of science fiction writers is now reality and represents the very real future of transportation in Los Angeles, where residents and visitors have options beyond a single passenger vehicle, with multiple modes of modern, efficient transportation to choose from.”

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