LAX/Metro Transit Center Station opens for passenger service

Designed by international architecture practice Grimshaw, together with architect of record and landscape architect Gruen Associates, and Arup, the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station, located at Aviation Blvd./96^th St., is part of the wider Landside Access Modernization Program underway at the airport, which creates a fully intermodal facility and a new point of arrival into the city. Including a bus plaza, bus hub and a customer service center, the station spans more than 1,100 feet from north to south. With the widest light rail platform in the Metro system, its two main levels provide a welcoming, convenient and secure connection point offering riders access to a wide array of destinations throughout LA County.

Connecting the various transit options is integral to the design of the station, creating a linked, safe, fluid movement of passengers. Elegant skylights, sweeping canopies, and glazed screens establish a lightweight, spacious environment that reinforces intuitive wayfinding. This ‘humanized’ journey extends to the wide above-grade concourses, which are flooded with natural light. At ground level, bus bays are integrated into a landscaped public plaza that nestles between the bus canopy structures.

Occupying a previously industrial site, the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station is also designed as an open space that leverages California’s coastal climate by adopting passive design strategies for comfort, including shading by canopies, natural daylighting through skylights, and natural ventilation. Future-proofing the station, the design includes readily maintained PV panels in adjacent landscaping, and infrastructure that will support future EV bus charging. The project is targeting LEED Gold.

“The Metro Transit Center Station transcends the typical function of a transit hub, emerging as a significant civic landmark and gateway to the city’s transport network,” said Andrew Byrne, Managing Partner of Grimshaw’s LA studio. “A hub of multi-modal activity, the station also exemplifies the importance of thoughtful infrastructure to accelerate the necessary shift in our cities: fostering economic vitality and equity and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike as Los Angeles moves towards a more sustainable and connected future.”

“It serves as a new iconic entry point for air travelers arriving in Los Angeles,” said Debra Gerod, FAIA, Gruen Associates’ Partner-in-Charge.

The public plaza, a mezzanine at concourse level and other public spaces, within the station, including a bike hub, is also designed to provide moments of respite and comfort in this transitory environment, in these spaces complemented by integrated artworks. Externally, considering its context, drought-tolerant native planting increases the biodiversity of this urban, transport-oriented place.

“The LAX/Metro Transit Center Station will help relieve congestion and enable sustainable and equitable access to the airport without the need to drive into the central terminal area,” said Simon Rees, Principal at Arup.

LAX/Metro Transit Center Station will dramatically improve the travel experience for visitors of upcoming cultural events, such as the FIFA World Cup 26™, Super Bowl LXI, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The introduction of these new transit services to LAX, is expected to significantly increase ridership and reduce the number of personal vehicles in the terminal area. With an estimated 5,000 daily boardings by 2035, the station will be instrumental in easing traffic congestion and improving mobiliIy.

Image credit: © Jason O’Rear