Completion Date for LAX Automated People Mover Delayed Once Again
Ongoing Construction Estimated to Delay People Mover Completion Until 2025
Travelers using Los Angeles International Airport will have to endure ongoing construction around the loop a little while longer as the completion date for the LAX Automated People Mover has been pushed back to October 30, 2025, according to a recent projection by Fitch Ratings.
Fitch Ratings, a leading credit agency, has cited “increasing delays in completion” for the downgraded bond rating assigned to the People Mover project. While funding issues are not a concern, the agency also attributed the rating decrease to “various disagreements and disputes between the parties.”
Exponential Delays
Originally groundbreaking over 5 years ago, the 2.25-mile Automated People Mover was initially scheduled to be operational this year. However, this recent setback marks the second delay in completion as the project was initially expected to be ready by 2023.
Currently, the People Mover project is said to be more than 96% finished.
Expected Benefits
The LAX Automated People Mover system, handled by LAX Integrated Express Solutions under a $4.9 billion contract, is designed to connect passengers among terminals and integrate with nearby rail lines. The system will comprise of six stations, three inside the airport terminal loop, and three outside the airport. Passengers will be able to conveniently transition to the Metro Green and Crenshaw/LAX light rail lines.
Additionally, the People Mover will connect with the planned Consolidated Rent-A-Car Center that aims to bring together over 20 car rental offices at a single location. Officials estimate that this facility will eliminate the need for rental car courtesy vehicles entering the central terminal area and reduce the volume of daily vehicles driving in and out of the airport by 3,200.
LAWA officials anticipate the fully automated, electric-powered trains to operate every two minutes, with a capacity of up to 200 passengers per train. This efficient transportation system is expected to serve a staggering 85.1 million passengers annually.
