The LAX/MTC spans 1,100 square feet north and south and has 11 elevators, 12 escalators and nine staircases.

In June, the new LAX/Metro Transit Center (MTC) opened to connect Metro’s C and K lines directly to LAX via a free airport shuttle, creating a faster and more convenient way to get to and from the airport when arriving by transit. The 500,000-square-foot LAX/MTC is Metro’s first Measure M project to open since voters approved the initiative in 2016.

In late July, the SBCCOG’s staff, board members and partners took a field trip to see the $898.6 million project and experience the rail route to the LAX/MTC from a commuter’s point of view.

“It was my second time riding the Metro rail. It was impressive to see how easy and seamless the entire experience was,” said Colleen Farrell, senior project manager of communications for the SBCCOG. “It was a relaxing ride and fantastic to see so much of the South Bay from the vantage point of an aboveground railway. Also, not having to spend $80 for an Uber ride to LAX is a major selling point to consider for the future.”

The LAX/MTC’s first-come, first-served bike locker (pictured) can be accessed from three levels: ground, intermediate and concourse. The third-floor locker features an automated bike storage service by eLock, providing up to 50 secured bike parking spaces.

Metro estimates that the station will serve nearly 5,000 boardings daily by 2035. It offers 24/7 security with more than 200 security cameras throughout the station. Due to its high-visibility location, it’s patrolled by Metro security, private security, Los Angeles World Airport police and TSA Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response.

During the tour, L.A. Metro Area Manager Andy Sywak called attention to key points of interest, including the art installation “The Distance of the Sun” by local artist Glenn Kaino. Kaino worked with an origami master to create a mobile of paper sculptures. The images were scanned and 3D-printed to create the monumental piece now suspended above the LAX/MTC escalator.
At the bottom of the escalator is an AI-driven smart retail store VenHub, which operates 24/7. Inside the store, robot arms (named “Barb” and “Peter”) recognize merchandise, enabling them to pick up items and pass them through small windows to shoppers after they place their order using a smartphone QR code.

Free LAX Shuttle 
Once you arrive at the LAX/Metro Transit Center, a free dedicated shuttle runs every 10 minutes between the station and all LAX terminals. Shuttles will pick up and drop off passengers at bus bays 1 and 2 on the ground level of the station.

People Mover Connection Coming Soon

In early 2026, the LAWA’s automated people mover will connect directly to the LAX/MTC for even faster access to the terminals. For more information on Metro rail and bus lines, and other buses that service the LAX/MTC, visit metro.net/lax-metro-transit-center. •

METRO HELPS OLDER ADULTS GET TRANSIT-SAVVY

Metro’s On the Move Riders Program works to empower older adults with the information and confidence to travel on fixed-route transportation by providing one-on-one and/or group travel training, educational workshops and hosting regional transportation events. To learn more, visit metro.net/riding/move-riders-club.