Plans have been revealed to install a new aerial rapid transport connection that links Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles to the downtown area of the California city.
Aerial Rapid Transit Technologies (ARTT) is leading the project and this week sent an unsolicited proposal to Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation.
The proposed system could move more than 5,000 people each hour, which ARTT said would benefit other transport networks in the local area and allow fans to travel from downtown Los Angeles to the venue in just five minutes.
Dodger Stadium is home to Major League Baseball franchise the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Total project costs are estimated at $125m (€103.6m/£90m) and ARTT plans to obtain private financing to fund construction. The system would be the first permanent public transit link since the stadium was built nearly 60 years ago.
The public review process is due to start later this year, with ARTT hoping to obtain approval for stations and the route for the system either next year or in 2020.
Should the project get the green light, the system could be operational by 2022.
Martha Welborne, project director of ARTT, said: “This is a major investment in the future of Los Angeles, with a zero-emission, sustainable technology that is increasingly popular for urban areas throughout the world. We look forward to working with Metro to make it a reality.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcett, who has backed the project, also said: “Our team has been at the centre of so many landmark moments for Los Angeles, and this bold idea to ease congestion could transform how Angelenos — and millions of visitors — experience our city on their way to and from the ballpark.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers added in a statement: “This is an important and innovative project that will significantly improve traffic around Dodger Stadium, taking cars off neighbourhood streets, and adding value to the fan experience at Dodger Stadium.”
Image: Frederick Denstedt
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