Opening in 2024, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)’s Automated People Mover (APM) has won another significant sustainability honour.

The APM was named the Los Angeles Sustainability Coalition (LASC)’s 2023 Trailblazer Project of the Year. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)’s multi-billion-dollar transformation, the electric train features six stations – three inside the airport’s Central Terminal Area (CTA) and three outside – along a 2.25-mile elevated guideway. Once operational, passengers will have time-guaranteed access to the CTA in 10 minutes or less, creating a streamlined airport arrival and departure experience.

The positive impacts of LAX's Automated People Mover will be felt for generations to come

Justin Erbacci, LAWA
LAX APM train

The APM is a zero-emissions, electric train that creates its own power

The APM is a zero-emissions, electric train that creates its own power through a regenerative braking system that captures energy that is otherwise lost during vehicle braking. A solar power system on the roof of the APM’s Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF) will provide 40% of the facility’s energy needs and 7% of the overall APM’s power requirements. Additionally, the APM’s train cars are made from fully recyclable aluminium shells.

“The positive impacts of LAX's Automated People Mover will be felt for generations to come. Sustainably built to reduce airport guests' reliance on personal automobiles and better connect them to greater Los Angeles, the project is key to our larger environmentally minded transformation,” said Justin Erbacci, chief executive officer, LAWA.

“We are thankful to LASC for honouring the Automated People Mover with the 2023 Trailblazer Project of The Year Award and share this recognition with the project's developer, LINXS, the local workforce building the APM and the entire LAWA team helping to realise the transformation of our airport."

Images: Los Angeles World Airports