LAX People Mover Begins Testing: Anticipated Opening Date Announced
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is making significant strides with its new Automated People Mover (APM) system. The testing phase is set to begin next week, introducing empty trains running on the 2.25-mile electric rail designed to enhance connectivity and reduce congestion at the airport.
LAX People Mover Testing Phase Begins
Jake Adams, overseeing the $5.5 billion project, announced that trains will run without passengers starting Monday. This 60-day testing period aims to ensure reliability and safety in operation.
Details of the Automated People Mover
- Length: 2.25 miles
- Purpose: Connect terminals, parking lots, and drop-off areas
- Goal: Alleviate airport congestion
During this testing phase, trains will operate on a schedule similar to what is expected once public service begins. Adams emphasized that this will be a visible milestone for visitors at LAX, showcasing multiple trains in operation.
Testing Requirements and Current Challenges
For successful operation, the system must demonstrate reliability by running continuously for 30 days. Any issues, from train malfunctions to operational hiccups, could delay public rollout. Recently, a minor incident where a slowly moving train bumped into another has been reported, though it did not affect testing.
After reliability tests, there will be further evaluations involving volunteers to provide feedback on the system navigation.
Potential Opening Date and Future Concerns
Originally slated for a 2023 opening, the APM’s launch has encountered several delays due to disputes between the city agency managing LAX and the contractor, LINXS. Recently, these disputes have led to hundreds of millions in claim settlements.
While there are concerns regarding the impact of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup on airport traffic, Adams notes that summer travel demand is a greater challenge for LAX compared to the anticipated World Cup arrivals.
Financial Disputes and Delays
Disagreements over project responsibilities, particularly related to an electrical maintenance system, have also caused setbacks. LINXS has filed a claim for $36 million in repairs, asserting that this work was not included in their original scope.
Despite these challenges, Adams remains optimistic about resolving ongoing disputes without extending the project timeline. He is hopeful that the APM will soon be available to augment travel at LAX, marking a significant development for airport infrastructure.
