LAX People Mover Project Delayed and Over Budget, Opening Date Yet to Be Confirmed
Delays Continue for LAX’s Automated People Mover
The long-awaited automated people mover at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) remains closed, years after its anticipated opening. Despite the project being initially slated for completion approximately three years ago, officials have yet to announce a new timeline.
The people mover, intended to alleviate congestion in and around LAX, is currently behind locked doors and fencing. On Tuesday, empty trains were spotted running along the elevated guideway, but it remains unclear when passengers will have access to the system. Airport officials have not responded to inquiries regarding the delays, which have been attributed to ongoing disputes and rising costs associated with the project.
Travelers and drivers have voiced their frustration over the situation. One traveler described it as "just annoying,” emphasizing the lack of timely progress. Meanwhile, some shuttle bus drivers, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated that they had been informed the system might open in the coming months, although definitive timelines remain elusive.
"It was supposed to open in the springtime; now I hear June, so we’ll see," one driver mentioned, expressing a blend of skepticism and hope regarding its readiness for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Construction on the nearly $3.5 billion project commenced in 2019, and by 2024 it was reported to be 96% complete. However, clashes between airport authorities and contractors have led to significant setbacks, with costs soaring to nearly $1 billion above the original budget.
Another traveler expressed disappointment over the ongoing delays, stating, "That’s unfortunate if there’s something avoidable they could have done to get it ready in time."
Once operational, the people mover is expected to transport tens of thousands of passengers daily, offering connections between terminals, rental car facilities, rideshare pickup areas, and Metro lines.
With uncertainty surrounding the opening date, concerns persist about whether the people mover will be ready for either the World Cup or the 2028 Olympic Games. "I’m disappointed about that," remarked one anxious traveler. "Although the Olympics in 2028, maybe it’ll be ready by then."
As of now, no official launch timeline has been released.
