Full Breakdown
LAX Automated People Mover Opening Delayed Again, New Target January 6
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The 2.25-mile (reported as 2.5 mile in one source) automated People Mover that will link Los Angeles International Airport terminals, parking, rental-car facilities and the LAX Metro Transit Center has been pushed back from an October opening to a tentative start on January 6. The contractor, LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS), says additional testing and a pending utility agreement with the city’s Department of Water and Power prevent a firm commitment.
Background & Context
Construction of the People Mover, also called SkyLink, began in 2019 with an original budget of $1.9 billion. Repeated delays and contract disputes have driven total costs to $3.34 billion, including $1.34 billion in extra city payouts and an additional $880 million paid to the contractor consortium. The project has faced five prior deadline extensions and a “bitter legal fight” between LINXS and the City of Los Angeles.
Timeline
- 2019 – Construction starts.
- 2023 – Original scheduled opening (later postponed).
- October 2026 – Most recent deadline before the current delay, set by the construction funders.
- December 2026 – Contractor’s disclosed deadline for completing testing, later extended after LINXS secured lender agreement.
- January 6 – Potential passenger-service date announced by LINXS; not guaranteed.
Data & Statistics
- Project completion reported at >99 % by the contractor.
- Cost overrun: $3.34 billion total, $880 million above the original estimate.
- Required testing: 30 consecutive days of successful operation and a 60-day milestone originally described as a “visible milestone.”
- Lender deadline extension adds two months to the original Oct. 8 passenger-service deadline.
Official Statements & Responses
On-the-Ground Reports
Travelers at LAX expressed resignation about the repeated postponements. Gretta Sparks noted the practical benefit: “They keep talking about a people mover because we used to be over here for Western, and now we’re over on the other side for Delta,” — “They keep talking about a people mover because we used to be over here for Western, and now we're over on the other side for Delta,” — Gretta Sparks.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Length of the line is cited as 2.25 miles and 2.5 miles.
- Cost figures vary between $3.3 billion and $3.34 billion. Both figures are presented without reconciliation.
- The exact date of the next testing phase start is not specified; sources agree only that it must begin “within the next several weeks” to meet the upcoming deadline.
What’s Next
LAWA has indicated that the train must operate successfully for 30 consecutive days before passenger service can commence. If testing proceeds without further interruption, the January 6 target could be met; otherwise, additional delays may occur, potentially affecting upcoming events such as the Super Bowl in February.
