****

The newly inaugurated LAX Metro Transit Center is poised to serve as a crucial entry point for the influx of visitors expected during Los Angeles' hosting of the 2028 Olympic Games. According to L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board chair Janice Hahn, the station is set to be the "welcoming mat" for millions of tourists. They will be able to reach the LAX Metro Transit Center directly via the C or K Metro lines.

The final link in the transportation chain, known as the Automated People Mover, is anticipated to open in early 2026. Harold Samms, deputy executive director of Los Angeles World Airports, announced that LAX will become one of the most accessible airports globally with the completion of the People Mover. Meanwhile, from the LAX Metro Transit Center, travelers can utilize free shuttles departing every ten minutes to reach the airport. These shuttles make stops at the lower levels of each terminal, easily identifiable by pink columns marked "Free LAX Shuttles."

Metro is celebrating the new transit center's opening by offering free rides on trains, buses, Micro, and bikes until early Monday morning. The LAX Metro Transit Center is strategically located east of the airport at the intersection of Aviation Boulevard and 96th Street. This hub, approved by the Metro Board in June 2014, also integrates multiple bus routes and features a 16-bay bus plaza for seamless passenger drop-offs and pick-ups.

Travelers can expect a range of amenities at the new station, including a waiting area, restrooms, ticket vending machines, and a Metro customer service desk. An artistic centerpiece, a sculpture by local artist Glenn Kaino, graces the station's ceiling. However, there are no provisions for personal vehicle drop-offs or ride-share pickups to ensure efficient traffic flow and bus operations within the transit center.

The recent opening of this station represents the culmination of efforts dating back to the early 1960s when the idea of a rail connection to LAX first emerged. Despite numerous setbacks, including funding issues and political challenges, significant progress began in 2008 with voter approval of a half-cent sales tax for rail projects. Further momentum came in 2016 with the passage of Measure M, another sales tax increase, which secured reliable funding for the project.

On an average day in 2024, nearly 96,000 vehicles are expected to pass through LAX. While personal vehicles have traditionally dominated airport traffic, the rise of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has significantly changed the landscape since 2015. Nevertheless, transportation researcher Jacob Wasserman of UCLA suggests that despite improved transit options, many passengers may still prefer driving or rideshares due to the complexities of navigating multiple train lines.

Looking ahead, additional rail links, such as those planned for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor, promise to further enhance airport connectivity. However, these developments remain years away. For now, the LAX Metro Transit Center marks a significant step towards easing congestion and improving accessibility for travelers heading to and from the airport, setting the stage for a smoother transit experience during the mega-events on the horizon.