The plan to decrease auto traffic at Los Angeles International Airport with the construction of an automated people mover took a step forward Thursday as the airport’s civilian oversight board approved a recommended developer for the project.

LAX Integrated Express Solutions was chosen by the Los Angeles World Airports Board of Airport Commissioners as the recommended developer for the project, and LAWA will present a 30-year contract valued at about $4.5 billion to the BOAC and City Council for approval.

Under the deal, LINXS would design, build, finance, operate and maintain the APM.

“Los Angeles relies on LAX to power our economy forward — that’s why we’re making historic investments to ensure it remains one of the most passenger-friendly airports in the world,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said. “Today’s recommendation brings us one step closer to a people mover that will provide Angelenos and travelers from everywhere with reliable, convenient transportation to and from the terminals.”

The APM is part of a $5.5 billion LAX project that includes a Consolidated Rent-A-Car Center that aims to bring together more than 20 car rental offices and would feature the 2.25-mile APM to eliminate the need for rental car courtesy vehicles to enter the central terminal area and reduce the number of autos driving in and out of the airport by an estimated 3,200 each day.

The plan — called the Landside Access Modernization Program — also includes roadway improvements to increase vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian access.

–City News Service

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