5/4/2005 1A transportation concept from Roger J. Rudick, 323-906-9747
Introducing the solution to the Introducing the solution to the County’s airport congestion problemCounty’s airport congestion problem
Existing infrastructure, off-the-shelf technology, low cost—the LAX Express
Introducing the Solution to LA’s Airport Introducing the Solution to LA’s Airport Congestion ProblemCongestion Problem
Presentation by Roger J. Rudick
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• 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
LAX Express Concept
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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
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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?
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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.
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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 cuttraffic and pollution
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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
LAX
Union Station
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Map of the Heathrow Express. Notice it also uses existing infrastructure.
• Based on experiences in other cities• London Heathrow Express, Paddington to
Heathrow in 15 minutes at 100 mph
LAX Express...A fast Central Rail Station to Main Airport Link
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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)
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Interior and Exterior of the 100 mph Heathrow Express
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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?
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Union Station
LAX
Existing freight infrastructure, including the LA-US to LAX tracks
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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)
Budd-RDC diesel multiple unit
Diesel light rail
(Examples of diesel-powered, off-the-shelf equipment that could run from LAUS to LAX right now)
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This new FRA-Compliant diesel car is available from Colorado Rail Car. Also equipped to run right now on the tracks.
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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
Examples of existing tracks being upgraded for higher speeds and quieter, pollution-free operation, via electrification
Electrification can be added as a future upgrade
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Commuter planes take up as much runway space as a 747The LAX Express will allow rail--especially a future highspeed 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
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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)
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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.
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What we need to do now?
FIND FUNDS FOR AN INVESTMENT STUDY
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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 * [email protected]
