Los Angeles has taken a significant step towards improving transportation access to its airport with the grand opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center. This new facility, located at the intersection of Aviation Boulevard and 96th Street, opened its doors on Friday afternoon, marking a long-awaited connection between the city’s public transit system and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The transit center will currently serve as a hub for travelers who will be transported to and from LAX via free shuttle buses that run every 10 minutes. This service will continue until the new automated people mover train becomes operational next year. The people mover is expected to provide a direct link from the airport to the transit center, bringing rail service closer to LAX than ever before.
The project, which cost around $900 million, features a 16-bay bus plaza equipped with electric bus infrastructure and a bicycle hub. There will also be short-term parking available for those who wish to drive to the center.
During the opening ceremony, city officials, including Mayor Karen Bass and Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins, highlighted the importance of this development. Bass noted that this improvement required extensive collaboration across various government levels, emphasizing that it addresses the needs of both Angelenos and global travelers. Wiggins echoed this sentiment, stating that the new transit center is part of efforts to create a world-class public transportation system.
The transit center will connect to the K Line and C Line of the Metro system. For those traveling from downtown Los Angeles, they can take the A Line to the C Line or the E Line to the K Line to reach the center. The new facility is part of Metro’s broader initiative to enhance transit options in Los Angeles, especially in anticipation of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
The absence of a direct rail connection to LAX has long been a point of frustration for travelers. Many major cities around the world already have efficient rail links to their airports, and this new development aims to rectify that gap in Los Angeles’ transit infrastructure.
As the city prepares for increased travel and tourism in the coming years, the LAX/Metro Transit Center stands as a crucial development in making public transportation more accessible and efficient for everyone.