Metro LAX/Transit Center Officially Opens, Revolutionizing Travel for Angelenos and Visitors
On June 6, 2025, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) proudly celebrated the grand opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center. This state-of-the-art facility aims to redefine how Angelenos and visitors travel to and from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), especially as the city prepares to host significant events like the FIFA World Cup 2026, Super Bowl LXI, and the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics.
The inauguration ceremony featured local leaders, including Janice Hahn, chair of the Metro Board, who remarked, 'The wait is finally over for Los Angeles. We now have a train to LAX!' This new link promises to streamline transportation options for residents and travelers alike, marking a pivotal shift for a city historically known for its automobile addiction. Hahn pointed out that the forthcoming Automated People Mover (APM) will further enhance connectivity by bridging the airport terminals and Metro’s extensive network.
The LAX/Metro Transit Center is part of Metro's ambitious ‘Twenty-Eight by ’28 initiative, aimed at improving public transit infrastructure before the upcoming Olympic Games. The center not only facilitates transportation for athletes and visitors during such global events but also serves as a crucial hub for residents traveling in and around the city.
Located at Aviation Blvd and 96th Street, this new transit center features an expansive, open-concept design that includes continuous canopies guiding users through its airy spaces. It reinforces intuitive navigation and pedestrian access to light rail and buses, establishing seamless connections to six Metro bus lines and eight municipal bus services, including those from Beach Cities, Big Blue Bus, and Torrance Transit. This aim is to reduce the reliance on costlier travel options such as taxis or rideshares, which ultimately makes getting to the airport more accessible and sustainable.
Holly Mitchell, Los Angeles County Supervisor, highlighted the importance of the transit center for local jobs, particularly in the South Los Angeles area, stating, 'The station LAX/Metro Transit Center will play a crucial role for the visitors, residents, and essential workers in the airport region.' This underscores the broader goal of the project to be a transformative element in the community’s transportation hierarchy.
As the construction boasts a bus plaza, a bike hub, and a customer service center, its impressive expanse spans over 335 meters. The Metro network will soon welcome the widest light rail platform, with safe and comfortable access points for countless destinations throughout Los Angeles. 24/7 monitored security ensures user safety and adds to the overall convenience of traveling through this new center.
Moreover, aligning with Metro’s commitment to sustainable urban planning, the transit center is designed with eco-friendly features such as energy-efficient lighting and native plant landscaping. Metro continues its mission to improve regional mobility while advocating for green infrastructure in preparation for the future.
Upon the opening of the APM and its integration with Metro in 2026, traveling to LAX will become even more straightforward, connecting six stops within the transit system. Current shuttle bus services will continue to run every ten minutes, aligning with light rail schedules for all smooth commuting experiences. This enhancement is designed to alleviate traffic congestion around LAX, allowing smoother travel processes for both travelers and airport employees.
Stephanie Wiggins, Metro’s CEO, encapsulated the sentiment perfectly: 'For too long, Angelenos have dreamt of having a rail connection to LAX, and it has finally come to fruition. The LAX/Metro Transit Center enhances the travel experience for millions while establishing a more efficient and sustainable transport network.'
Art also plays a significant role in the center; a striking installation by local artist Glenn Kaino welcomes visitors with a suspended sculpture titled 'The Distance of the Sun.' This artwork serves as a bridge between ambition and hope, reinforcing the cultural richness of Los Angeles as a worldwide art capital.
With this opening, celebrations erupt not just for its completion but for what it represents: a future where public transportation can authentically connect residents to opportunities, educational institutions, and essential services, consequently redefining the narrative around public transit dependence.
For further information regarding ongoing transit projects, visit Metro's dedicated portal. In the years to come, as Los Angeles gears up to welcome countless visitors with open arms, the LAX/Metro Transit Center stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to connectivity, sustainability, and urban growth.