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  4. A new train at LAX will help travelers avoid the airport's infamous congestion — see where it'll go and how it'll work

A new train at LAX will help travelers avoid the airport's infamous congestion see where it'll go and how it'll work

Brittany Chang   

A new train at LAX will help travelers avoid the airport's infamous congestion — see where it'll go and how it'll work
Los Angeles World Airports
  • Los Angeles International Airport is one of the world's busiest airports.
  • To alleviate its infamous traffic, the airport will begin operating Automated People Mover train cars next year.

If you shudder at the thought of Los Angeles International Airport's (LAX) infamous and constant traffic congestion, you're not alone.

If you shudder at the thought of Los Angeles International Airport
A federal judge in Florida voided the national mask mandate covering planes and other public transportation, by saying it exceeds the authority of US health officials. The majority of travelers at Los Angeles International Airport were still wearing their face coverings on April 18, 2022.      Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images

LAX is one of the world's busiest airports. In 2019, it saw over 88 million passengers.

LAX is one of the world
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And unsurprisingly, this crowd has created enough anxiety-inducing traffic to keep any Los Angeles native away from LAX unless they absolutely have to travel.

And unsurprisingly, this crowd has created enough anxiety-inducing traffic to keep any Los Angeles native away from LAX unless they absolutely have to travel.
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But soon, traveling to LAX may become the most stress-free part of your vacation.

But soon, traveling to LAX may become the most stress-free part of your vacation.
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Meet the airport's upcoming Automated People Mover (APM) train cars …

Meet the airport
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… a $2 billion project that's part of LAX's wider investment aimed at improving the airport and building new infrastructure, like this train and a new rental car facility.

… a $2 billion project that
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According to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, this passenger train is a "piece of the puzzle that will curb the congestion that has been plaguing our airport for decades."

According to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, this passenger train is a "piece of the puzzle that will curb the congestion that has been plaguing our airport for decades."
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The APM concept is straightforward.

The APM concept is straightforward.
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Groups of elevated APM train cars will shuttle passengers to airport terminals, parking lots, the upcoming rental car site, and the Los Angeles Metro …

Groups of elevated APM train cars will shuttle passengers to airport terminals, parking lots, the upcoming rental car site, and the Los Angeles Metro …
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… reducing the need for personal cars while connecting the airport hub to the rest of the city.

… reducing the need for personal cars while connecting the airport hub to the rest of the city.
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This zero emissions and driverless APM model will be the first of its kind in the US, according to LAX.

This zero emissions and driverless APM model will be the first of its kind in the US, according to LAX.
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Source: LAX

But inside, the aluminum-shelled cars will look similar to other intra-airport train models.

But inside, the aluminum-shelled cars will look similar to other intra-airport train models.
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Each people mover will have 12 seats, ample standing space with handles …

Each people mover will have 12 seats, ample standing space with handles …
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… and plenty of windows to entertain passengers with views of the airport.

… and plenty of windows to entertain passengers with views of the airport.
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During peak hours, travelers will only have to wait up to two minutes for a train car, which will come in groups of four to accommodate 200 passengers at every stop.

During peak hours, travelers will only have to wait up to two minutes for a train car, which will come in groups of four to accommodate 200 passengers at every stop.
Los Angeles World Airports

The train cars will then complete its six-stop, 2.25-mile loop in 10 minutes, which may seem like light-speed compared to sitting in traffic for an hour.

The train cars will then complete its six-stop, 2.25-mile loop in 10 minutes, which may seem like light-speed compared to sitting in traffic for an hour.
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LAX will oversee 44 units with 36 cars in operation throughout the day.

LAX will oversee 44 units with 36 cars in operation throughout the day.
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Right now, it only has four sitting in its "maintenance and storage" site.

Right now, it only has four sitting in its "maintenance and storage" site.
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And before the train cars are put to work, they'll have already traveled plenty of miles: All of the APMs are being manufactured in Pennsylvania.

And before the train cars are put to work, they
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As evidenced by these photos, the project is still under construction.

As evidenced by these photos, the project is still under construction.
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But if you're eager to experience LAX without congestion, you won't have to wait much longer.

But if you
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The project will be complete in 2023 well before the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.

The project will be complete in 2023 well before the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
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