Knabe Calls on Metro to Speed Up Planned LAX Connector

Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe Thursday called for the Metro board to come up with a plan to complete a transit connection to LAX by 2020.

“Frankly, it’s embarrassing that the second largest city in America with the third busiest airport still does not have a direct transit connection,” Knabe said. “While Metro talks about accelerating projects, there could not be a higher priority than connecting our airport to all regions of Los Angeles County. A direct connection will not only benefit our residents, but also the millions of tourists who visit Los Angeles each year.”

The Green Line extension that would provide a Metro connector to the airport is expected to be finished in 2028. Knabe's motion, which was approved 7-5, requested the Metro CEO to come back to the board with a plan.  That plan would include exploring funding alternatives with Los Angeles World Airport, as well as looking for resources from local, state, and federal entities and public-private partnerships.

Knabe also asked for a timeline and a list of required actions, including a plan for coordination with federal agencies. Metro is expected to report by to the board at its Jan. 24 meeting.