The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) has authorized Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Automated People Mover (APM) train at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The RFP for the APM is one component of the larger $5.5 billion Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP), which is designed to reduce traffic at the airport by adding a train into the Central Terminal Area (CTA) that connects to Los Angeles Metro’s light rail system, a consolidated rental car (ConRAC) facility, and additional parking structures with new areas for picking up and dropping off passengers.

“We are excited to move forward with this essential component of the LAMP project,” said Sean Burton, president of BOAC. “One reason Los Angeles World Airports chose a P3 — Public Private Partnership — for this project is to expedite the delivery of this critical improvement that will create a better experience for passengers at LAX.”

The LAMP project consists of five major components: the APM, the ConRAC, two Intermodal Transportation Facilities (ITF East and West), and roadway improvements throughout the LAX area.

- The APM will be a be an elevated electric powered train with six stations along the 2.25 mile alignment, connecting travelers and employees to light rail, regional buses, parking, and terminals. APM stations within the CTA will connect to the terminals via pedestrian bridges with moving walkways.

- The ConRAC will eliminate the need for rental car shuttles/buses to enter the CTA. This will decrease traffic congestion and free up curb space by bringing 23 rental car companies, currently scattered across the airport area, in one facility. Passengers will be dropped off at the ConRAC.

- Both the East and West ITFs will serve airport users with two locations outside the CTA. The ITFs will provide parking and curb space to pick-up and drop-off passengers and will connect passengers to the CTA via the APM.

“The APM is a critical project for the future modernization of LAX and is the solution to providing reliable, time-certain access to airline terminals for passengers, employees, and other users,” said Deborah Flint, CEO of LAWA. “Today’s authorization of the RFP is an important step towards delivering on that promise. The RFP scoring process is designed to give us a qualified team that will deliver a high quality, reliable and beautifully designed system.”