LAX – Starting October 29 at 3 a.m., ride shares and taxis will no longer be allowed to pickup inside the terminals of LAX. A new shuttle system will be in place called LAX-It. 

 There are many questions about this process and we have answered them for you according to a spokesperson for LAX. 

The main question is why?

LAX is expecting more construction in the next three years. The consutrction is already causing congestion at the airport and it is only expected to get worse. LAX says removing the amount of cars in the airport will help reduce traffic over time.

Will we still be able to get dropped off at LAX?

Yes, rideshares, taxis, and personal cars can still enter the terminals for drop-off only.

So what is this shuttle?

The new LAX-It shuttle is a bright green bus that will pick up travelers from their terminals and bring them to the new ride share and taxi lot. There are over 30 shuttles on rotation stopping at specific terminals. They will only make two stops per trip to ensure the quickest possible transport time. The shuttles are expected to not wait until it is full. If there is no one else waiting, the shuttle is supposed to leave, again to keep moving. The shuttles will have their own lane in the airport to stay out of the daily traffic.

RELATED:

How long will this take?

Each shuttle route is expected to take between 7 to 15 minutes depending on what terminal you are leaving from. With Terminal 1 being the longest drive time.

What if I don't want to ride the shuttle?

Speaking of Terminal 1 having the longest drive time, it is actually only a 3 minute walk to the lot. Anyone can walk to the lot if they choose to from their terminals. LAX says it should be about an 8 minute walk from Terminals 2, 7, and 8.

Will personal pickups change?

Personal cars can still enter the terminals for pickup, but they will pull up to a new curb. Instead of picking up from the curb closest to the doors, personal cars will be re-directed to the outer curb, as the shuttles will be using the inner curb.

How will I get my ride share or taxi once I am at the lot?

Once you leave your plane, you can call your ride share. The apps are aware of this change and will walk you through the new process as well. LAX says they should have cars waiting and should deploy them as needed.  By the time you arrive at the lot, your car should be waiting for you in a designated lane. As for taxis, they are expected to be lined up and ready to go in their desginated lane in the lot, according to LAX.

Is this ADA friendly?

All shuttles are ADA compliant with ramps. The lot itself is also ADA friendly.

What if I am traveling at an off time?

According to LAX, shuttles will run 24/7 and staff will be on site 24/7 as well. The lot will be bright for traveling at any time of day.

The program is still new and LAX is hopeful it will be a fast, easy option for travelers.