1. Introducing the Solution to LA’s Airport Congestion Problem
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
11/13/2018
A transportation concept from Roger J. Rudick,

2. 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
11/13/2018

3. 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
11/13/2018

4. *
11/13/201807/16/96
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?
11/13/2018 *

5. 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.
11/13/2018

6. 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
11/13/2018

7. 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
Union Station
LAX
11/13/2018

8. 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.
11/13/2018

9. Is it an airport or a railway station
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)
11/13/2018

10. Interior and Exterior of the 100 mph Heathrow Express
11/13/2018

11. 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?
11/13/2018

12. Existing freight infrastructure, including the LA-US to LAX tracks
Union Station
LAX
11/13/2018

13. 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)
11/13/2018

14. Budd-RDC diesel multiple unit
(Examples of diesel-powered, off-the-shelf equipment that could run from LAUS to LAX right now)
Diesel light rail

15. This new FRA-Compliant diesel car is available from Colorado Rail Car
This new FRA-Compliant diesel car is available from Colorado Rail Car. Also equipped to run right now on the tracks.
11/13/2018

16. 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
11/13/2018

17. Electrification can be added as a future upgrade
Examples of existing tracks being upgraded for higher speeds and quieter, pollution-free operation, via electrification

18. 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
11/13/2018

19. 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 added later as part of the airport plan. (Photograph is of Lille, France, passport-controlled area)
11/13/2018

20. 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.
11/13/2018

21. What we need to do now?
FIND FUNDS FOR AN INVESTMENT STUDY
11/13/2018

22. Report designed and produced by:
Roger J. Rudick, (323)
* *
12463 Telfair Avenue * Sylmar, CA
(818) * Fax (818) *
11/13/2018