Los Angeles may finally get a world-class subway system that connects to its airport.
Metro is moving forward with plans to connect the Green Line and Crenshaw line directly to airport terminals and will host the second in a series of public meetings Thursday night seeking the community’s input.
The public will have the opportunity to voice ideas, view project boards and ask questions to Metro staff. Metro is looking to narrow down the choices that will be carried forward to the environmental review phase.
Several connection alternatives are being considered including light rail, an Automated People Mover, and Bus Rapid Transit, said Metro spokesman Rick Jager.
More: Full Map PDF | Meeting Schedules
Metro is looking to narrow down the choices that will be carried forward to the environmental review phase.
More than 20 years ago, plans to connect the Green Line to the airport were dropped over concerns about parking revenue and potential interference between electric train lines and airport radar.
Since the train line was built, travelers have had to use shuttle buses for the 1.3- mile gap, and a trip from downtown to the airport by rail involves two transfers and delays.
If a direct airport link is built, trains will be able to make direct trips from downtown L.A. to LAX using the Crenshaw Line, now under advanced planning, Metro officials said. Trains may also link LAX to Pasadena and Ontario if a downtown connection and Gold Line extension are built as planned.
The project would be partially funded through Measure R, the half-cent sales tax increase approved in 2008 that provides $200 million.
The project is scheduled to be completed sometime in 2028, but could open as early as 2018 if Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's America Fast Forward initiative, which uses federal funds to accelerate construction, is approved.
Thursday's meeting will be held from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Metro Headquarters in downtown Los Angeles.
An additional workshop is planned for Tuesday, Aug. 30.
