Berkshire Hathaway-backed BYD has announced its partnership with Keolis in North America for the proposed Los Angeles SkyRail Express (LASRE).
Keolis is a global leader in the shared mobility market, with over a century of experience in enhancing the transit experience for passengers.
LASRE was awarded a Predevelopment (PDA) by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor (STC) Project. Under the PDA, LASRE is working collaboratively with Metro to provide the most modern high-capacity SkyRail solution to ease congestion on the I-405 corridor between Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley and the Westside in the shortest timeframe possible.
SkyRail is an advanced, driverless, straddle-type transit system representing state-of-the-art technology that has evolved over nearly 60 years.
SkyRail is a growing transit option across the globe, including São Paulo, Bangkok, Cairo, Tokyo and Chongqing. In total, SkyRail covers 269 miles, with over 400 stations, and carries millions of passengers each day.
SkyRail is far lighter, less costly, faster, and easier to construct than comparable elevated structures required by traditional rail vehicles, increasing mobility options for a more sustainable future.
The advantages of SkyRail operating in the I-405 median include minimizing disruption to communities and making it a visible option that encourages taking public transportation. LASRE aims to deliver this project with the fastest construction time possible, compared to any other traditional rail technologies.
SkyRail would be configured for a potential peak line capacity of up to 22,000 passengers per hour per direction with a 2-minute headway.
SkyRail is a compelling alternative for the Sepulveda Corridor, providing a much-needed alternative to the heavily-traveled Sepulveda Pass, where over 400,000 people travel each weekday between the LA Basin and the San Fernando Valley through the 405 freeway and Sepulveda Blvd to get across the Santa Monica Mountains. SkyRail would link thousands of people who live, work, and play in the San Fernando Valley at four future stations: Ventura Blvd, Metro G Line, Sherman Way, and the Van Nuys Metrolink Station.
SkyRail alternatives would also provide a new transit connection from the main alignment to UCLA via electric bus, elevated SkyShuttle (APM), or an underground monorail within the main route.
© 2023 David Mazor
Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.