The final four automated people mover (APM) train cars have arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), bringing the total number on site to 44.
The first cars arrived in summer 2022 and the remaining cars have since been steadily making the cross-country journey from the manufacturer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The new cars will join the rest of the fleet in testing on the APM’s elevated guideway, as the design-build team at LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS) continues progress toward the project completion date of 08 December 2025.
“Receiving the final train cars for the APM signifies a major milestone for this project and our airport’s transformation,” said John Ackerman, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports.
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“The APM will enhance the travel experience at LAX and set a new standard for sustainable transportation.
“As we move this project forward, we remain dedicated to delivering a state-of-the-art solution that reflects our commitment to our passengers, community and environment.”
LAX will be the first US airport to use the Innovia 300 APM cars, which include a variety of sustainable features such as fully recyclable state-of-the-art aluminium shells, a regenerative braking system, and a design to eliminate hazardous substances and toxic emissions.
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Additionally, the APM maintenance and storage facility is designed to meet the LEED Gold Standard set by the US Green Building Council, with almost half of the facility’s power being produced from a photovoltaic generation system.
Following approval by the Board of Airport Commissioners on July 18, Los Angeles City Council approved an agreement that sets the construction completion date to 08 December 2025 and provides LINXS with an additional US$550m (£420m), primarily to cover added work previously completed and a longer than anticipated construction timeline.
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“The arrival of all the APM vehicles in Los Angeles marks the beginning of the next phase of this enormous project,” said Shawn West, LINXS constructors board member.
“Our focus now shifts from the construction of the APM’s physical structures to an extensive testing process with each and every vehicle.”
The APM train is expected to begin 24/7 service for LAX guests and employees in January 2026, with trains arriving at stations every two minutes during peak hours (9am to 11pm).
Innovations and achievements in transportation will be highlighted and celebrated at the second annual Robotics & Automation Awards on 06 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.roboticsandautomationawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable industry event – and to book your table today!
