The project, which represents the first automated peoplemover system procured through a public-private partnership in the US, will comprise a 3.6km elevated line ranging from 15 to 20m above ground and will have six stations linking airport terminals with a new centralised car rental facility, new pickup and drop-off locations with airport parking, and the light rail station.
LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS), which comprises ACS Infrastructure Development and Hochtief PPP Solutions, each with an 18% stake, plus Dragados USA, Flatiron, Fluor, Balfour Beatty, and Bombardier with a 10% share, was chosen as the recommended developer in January. LINXS subsequently signed a contract with LAWA in April, the largest contract ever awarded in Los Angeles’ history.
The APM will have nine trains, each with four cars accommodating up to 50 passengers and their luggage. LAWA anticipates a maximum ridership of 10,000 passengers an hour and up to 87.7 million a year. Trains will operate every two minutes, have wide doors for easy access for passengers with luggage, large windows, plenty of hand holds and dedicated seats for passengers with reduced mobility. Station platforms will be open air, light-filled and have escalators, elevators, and moving walkways for quick, convenient access to the terminals.
Architectural features include a viewing platform of the iconic Theme Building, an Experience LA centre with a 74.3m2 LED programmable screen and an LED light band that accents the 3.6km guideway.
The project, which was given a construction value of $US 1.95bn in January, is expected to be completed by early 2023 and includes operation and maintenance of the APM for 25 years after construction is completed.
LINXS has split the project and awarded two contracts to joint ventures, with the joint venture in charge of the design and build portion awarding a contract to Bombardier valued at approximately $US 219m.
Bombardier also has a 55% share in the operations and maintenance joint venture, which was awarded a contract valued at $US 576m.
Bombardier will be responsible for the design and supply of 44 Bombardier Innovia APM 300 vehicles utilising its Cityflo 650 automatic train control system, as well as signalling and the on-board and wayside communications systems and will lead a joint venture that will provide operations and maintenance services for the system and related facilities for 25.
