Presentation by Roger J. Rudick Introducing the solution to the County s airport congestion problem Introducing the Solution to LA s Airport Congestion Problem Existing infrastructure, off-the-shelf technology, low cost the LAX Express 5/4/2005 1 A transportation concept from Roger J. Rudick, 323-906-9747
LAX Express Concept Emulating international and national solutions for LA s traffic problems Vision: Make Los Angeles a world-class, international destination with an airport that is integrated with its rail transit system 5/4/2005 2
Goals and Objectives Integrate LAX with the regional transit network Realize the regional airport transportation plan Significantly reduce ground traffic and congestion Turn Union Station back into LA s gateway to the world 5/4/2005 3
Today s Situation LAX users must allow enormous amounts of pad time to deal with airport traffic, wasting hours LAX is isolated on the Western edge of the City, no viable transit links between LAX and downtown We have an expansive regional rail network We have a way to tie it into Los Angeles Airport with a direct, fast link Why not give people an alternative to grueling airport traffic? 5/4/2005 4
The Los Angeles Regional Rail System An LAX to Union Station train would integrate the airport into this vast rail network, eliminating the need for thousands of long-distance auto trips, greatly reducing traffic and pollution throughout the region. 5/4/2005 5
By linking LAX to Union Station, we eliminate the longest drives across the region to the airport. This cuts down on passenger miles traveled by car and does the most to cut traffic and pollution 5/4/2005 6
A look at LA s urban rail shows more detail, especially of planned future light rail lines. Notice the significance of Union Station as a regional hub. A fast Union Station to LAX link would make LAX, in effect, a Union Station West. Note the Green Line/LAX link is still needed to serve Long Beach and areas closer in to the airport 5/4/2005 7 LAX Union Station
LAX Express...A fast Central Rail Station to Main Airport Link Based on experiences in other cities London Heathrow Express, Paddington to Heathrow in 15 minutes at 100 mph Map of the Heathrow Express. Notice it also uses existing infrastructure. 5/4/2005 8
Is it an airport or a railway station? From a traveler s POV, does it matter? (in this case it is the floor of Paddington Station) 5/4/2005 9
Interior and Exterior of the 100 mph Heathrow Express 5/4/2005 10
The LAX Express, Union Station to LAX in 15 minutes! No traffic Joining Union Station to the airport expands the reach of the station to the Westside LAX becomes a regional transportation hub, joining the Westside into the rail network Union Station becomes linked to the airport How? 5/4/2005 11
Existing freight infrastructure, including the LA-US to LAX tracks Union Station LAX 5/4/2005 12
Incremental approach First, a coach bus service from LAUS to LAX, using the HOV lanes of the 110 and 105 freeways (80% HOV lane for the trip) Second, upgrade tracks to permit slower speed, DMU operations, perhaps a 30 minute trip (a flyover is needed at Redondo Junction). Lastly, eliminate street crossings, upgrade tracks electrify (adds speed, nearly eliminates noise and pollution) 5/4/2005 13
Budd-RDC diesel multiple unit (Examples of dieselpowered, off-the-shelf equipment that could run from LAUS to LAX right now) Diesel light rail
This new FRA-Compliant diesel car is available from Colorado Rail Car. Also equipped to run right now on the tracks. 5/4/2005 15
Current Status Two MetroLink trains in each direction are permitted today on the tracks by agreement signed with BNSF MetroLink already runs trains (albeit not frequently enough) to Burbank Airport, so the precedent exists for this kind of service in LA MetroLink runs trains to Palmdale and Ontario (although not directly to the airports) MetroLink service on this track was mentioned in the last MTA Long Range Transportation Plan but is unfunded 5/4/2005 16
Examples of existing tracks being upgraded for higher speeds and quieter, pollution-free operation, via electrification Electrification can be added as a future upgrade
Commuter planes take up as much runway space as a 747 The LAX Express will allow rail--especially a future high speed rail--to take the place of many short-haul commuter flights, thus increasing airport capacity without expansion. Amtrak trains could service LAX directly. A traveler from Paris to Santa Barbara might transfer to rail instead of a commuter flight at LAX 5/4/2005 18
This is what Union Station West, adjacent to LAX s external terminal, might ultimately look like. In the early stages, all that would be built is the platform. The the remaining amenities could be 5/4/2005 19 added later as part of the airport plan. (Photograph is of Lille, France, passport-controlled area)
How much will it cost? Obviously, a detailed study must be done. Amtrak has upgraded existing tracks for less than $8 million per mile to full, 150 mph operations. That means about $120 million for the length of track between LAX and LAUS. Initial phases for the project could be far cheaper, saving upgrades for later. If a flyover is needed at Redondo Junction add $40 million more, for a total of $160 million a bargain when compared to much slower busway or LRT. 5/4/2005 20
What we need to do now? FIND FUNDS FOR AN INVESTMENT STUDY 5/4/2005 21
Report designed and produced by: Roger J. Rudick, (323) 906-9747 www.fogl.org * www.transitcoalition.org * www.friends4theredline.com 12463 Telfair Avenue * Sylmar, CA 91342-3736 (818) 367-1661 * Fax (818) 362-7997 * transitcoalition@earthlink.net 5/4/2005 22