My proposal is to construct a new concourse atop the existing baggage service buildings at LAUPT. Designed to blend with the existing station building, this glass covered concourse would include such amenities as food service as well as information kiosks and a first class lounge. While Metrolink passengers would continue to use the existing tunnel portal to trains, high-speed rail and Amtrak passengers would instead board using a series of viaducts connecting the new concourse and station platforms. One would be used for boarding while the other would be used for exiting passengers as well as a connecter to the Bus Plaza and Metro headquarters. This concourse would also include a new people-mover connection to a brand new parking structure south of the US-101 freeway to handle high-speed rail passenger demand. The concourse would be designed with a glass layer to allow natural sunlight to penetrate wherever possible. To prevent the concourse from becoming too warm, this glass canopy would also be covered with photovoltaic solar panels to absorb much of the heat from the sun’s rays. This also provides the power necessary when heating/air conditioning is needed.

This post was submitted by Michael Gimbel.