Metro Recommends Light Rail to LAX

Los Angeles International Airport remains one of the biggest and most visited airports in the world to not have rail service, but a new recommendation by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority seeks to change that. In a move to get a project underway, the MTA issued a report that called for a $1.7 billion project to extend light rail closer to the terminals. The plan includes an expansion of the Green Line, Crenshaw Line, and a “people-mover” to shuttle people from the light rail stations to the various terminals, rental car facilities, and a planned ground transportation hub.

www.latimes.com

For those who are excited at the prospect of taking the train to LAX, celebrations are a bit premature at this point, unfortunately. The first project that is projected to be completed is the Crenshaw Line, with an anticipated opening date of 2019. And even after this station is completed, it will not be connected to the terminals. That project will take even longer to complete. It seems that any plans to take the train to LAX in the near future will have to be put on hold.

Driving remains the most popular way to get to and from the airport. In fact, even after the completion of the expansions to the Green Line, Crenshaw Line, and people-mover, airport officials project that a majority of travelers will still drive. Just 2 percent will take the train, 33 percent will take taxis, 8 percent will use the FlyAway bus, and the remaining 57 percent will drive themselves.

If you are among the majority of people driving to LAX, consider Hilton LAX Parking. With a secure lot for your car and complimentary shuttle service to and from the terminals, air travel is a breeze. Plus, think of all the lines you’ll avoid at the train stations and people-mover platforms.

More Construction on Deck at LAX

Los Angeles International Airport is in the midst of a $4.11 billion makeover, and that means a lot of new construction. While this will undoubtedly improve airport conditions in the long run, it will also affect the travel plans of millions of Angelenos. According to a recent Los Angeles Times article, there are at least five upcoming construction projects at LAX that may increase your travel times.

Tom Bradley International Terminal

Starting this week, the screening area on the terminal’s south side will be closed. However, the Transportation Security Administration is taking steps to alleviate the congestion from the shuttered checkpoints by opening additional checkpoints near the back and center of the ticketing area. These conditions will be in effect until fall.

Terminal 4

The Connector Project is currently underway, creating a bridge between Terminal 4 and the Bradley terminal. Until it’s completed, travelers will be bused from one to the other. Unfortunately, the bridge isn’t expected to be completed until late next year.

Terminal 5

This Delta terminal is currently undergoing construction upgrades. However, the worst you can expect here is the additional noise that comes from this kind of work. Construction is scheduled through next year.

Sidewalks

Additional shuttle rides and security checkpoint detours aren’t the only things that could delay your travel and cause you to miss flights. Sidewalk construction will reroute passengers near the Bradley terminal’s Upper Level, Terminals 1 and 7, and parking structures 1 and 7. So be on the lookout for additional foot traffic in these areas.

Lane Closures

The inner lane on the Lower Level roadway is set to be closed to allow crews to reinforce the Upper Level. The area of the lane closure will move around the roadway between the hours of 1 and 8 a.m. for the next month. This is the arrivals area of the terminal.

Rather than battle it out in this traffic, why not park off-site and take a shuttle to the terminal? Our Hilton LAX Parking has complimentary shuttle service every 15-20 minutes, helping you avoid the construction hassles and inevitable delays that come with them.