Associated Press
At the end of the month, travelers will not be able to hail a rideshare or taxi outside terminals at Los Angeles International Airport.
LAX announced Friday that travelers will instead have to take shuttles or walk to a special location outside the central terminal area where they can be picked up. Dubbed “LAX-it” the plan only applies to pickups as drop offs will continue to be permitted on the Departures Level.
“Anyone who has come to LAX knows that traffic in the Central Terminal Area can get rough, and we have heard from our guests that the current system with ride pickups can be frustrating,” said Keith Wilschetz, Deputy Executive Director for Operations and Emergency Management, Los Angeles World Airports. “LAX-it will provide an easy, efficient experience for guests using taxis and ride apps and reduce overall traffic in and around the central terminal area for all those driving to and from LAX and our neighbors.”
LAX-it is located just east of Terminal 1, at the corner of World Way and Sky Way and is reachable by walking or a shuttle service.
The move is aimed at relieving congestion on the central road as construction picks up during a $14 billion improvement program. At the height of construction, the airport projects the loss of 30 percent of the inner-lane curb space that is currently used for passenger pickup and drop off.
Ride-hailing vehicles and taxis will still be able to drop off passengers at terminals, but all pickups will be in the new location.
Officials say it should remove about 15 percent of vehicle traffic from the central terminal area.
The new system will remain in effect until a new automated people mover goes into service in 2023.
