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Finally Some Movement on a Rail Connection to LAX

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In less than two weeks, Metro will have its first community meeting to discuss a direct connection from the Green and Crenshaw lines to the LAX terminals, reports The Source. These are the first of such meetings on bridging the one mile gap between the proposed Crenshaw light rail station at Aviation and Century and the actual airport (it's likely that some Green Line trains will empty out at the A&C station, allowing people taking that train to get to LAX). This advance couldn't have come soon enough, as the Crenshaw Line is supposed to open in 2016 and planning is still very much in the beginning stages for building this final connection to the airport. Even if it's unclear how many people will actually take this connection to LAX, the missing link in the rail system is a PR problem for Metro (it doesn't look great when cities like Baltimore have already figured out how to get their rail systems to their airports). The community meetings will help decide whether the connection will be a people mover (requiring a transfer from the light rail), direct light rail connection (complicated), or bus rapid transit (which will please approximately no one). The airport is already studying the people mover option as part of their modernization process. Considering the environmental studies, FAA regulations, and construction, Metro--which has $200 million in Measure R money for this project--will be lucky if they have this connection ready by the time the Crenshaw Line is up and running.

-- Tuesday, August 23, 2011 (6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) Flight Path Learning Center, 6661 West Imperial Highway, Los Angeles.

-- Thursday, August 25, 2011 (6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) Metro Headquarters Building, Plaza Level Lobby, 1st Floor, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles.

-- Tuesday, August 30, 2011, (6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) Veterans’ Memorial Complex, Yanji-Iksan Room, 4117 Overland Avenue, Culver City.
· Metro to Hold Meetings on Connecting Rail to LAX [The Source]
· How to Pay for the Green Line Connection to LAX? [Curbed LA]

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045