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Metro taking public comment on LAX connection project
Metro is seeking public comment on an environmental review of its plans to build a station near LAX that would serve travelers riding the under-construction Crenshaw/LAX.
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Metro taking public comment on LAX connection project
Los Angeles' transit agency is asking for public input on an environment review of its plan to put a Metro station near LAX.
A public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight at the Flight Path Learning Center, but residents can also weigh in on the environmental review on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority website.
Los Angeles has made a lot of strides with public transit recently, with two new train sections opening in just the last six months, but it still lacks a rail link to its largest airport.
L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, however, points to the fact that Los Angeles is planning a train to LAX.
"You know, I think tourists get off of the plane and they go, 'Wait, there’s no train even from LAX?' — which is something we’re correcting now," he said at a press conference in May.
Metro's latest environmental impact review examines the plan to build a station at Aviation Boulevard and 96th Street near LAX served by the existing Green Line and the under-construction Crenshaw Line. A people mover will shuttle passengers from the station into the terminal areas.
The 96th street LAX station is scheduled to open in 2028, but could be accelerated by four years and expanded with funds from a proposed sales tax increase Metro plans to put before voters this November. That would bring the total for the project above $550 million.
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Several studies have shown lower than expected ridership of airport rail systems in the U.S. Currently, less than 1 percent of passengers arriving at LAX do so on public transit.
Those who miss tonight's meeting have until Aug. 6 to submit their comments. They can do so in writing by sending it to Meghna Khanna, Deputy Project Manager, One Gateway Plaza, Mail Stop 99-22-34, Los Angeles, CA. 90012 or via email at laxconnector@metro.net.
Comments can also be submitted through Metro's online form page, via Twitter using @laxconnector or on the Airport Metro Connector Facebook page.
Draft Environmental Review Executive Summary
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