LAX’s long-awaited Automated People Mover system will begin running without passengers Monday, marking a visible step forward in a project years behind schedule.
Airport officials said the 2.25-mile electric train will operate on a full schedule for roughly two months as part of ongoing testing designed to prepare the system for public use. The trains will circulate through the airport’s central terminal area, linking terminals with parking facilities and pick-up and drop-off zones.
“It’s really exciting, because not only is it a big milestone for the project, but it’s going to be a really visible milestone for all of our guests,” airport executive Jake Adams told the Los Angeles Times. “They’re going to get to see tons of trains running up and down the guideway all over the LAX campus.”
Adams is overseeing the $5.5 billion initiative to improve access at LAX.
He said the testing phase will simulate real operations, with trains running continuously to evaluate reliability and performance under expected conditions. Before passengers are allowed aboard, the system must complete a 30-day period of uninterrupted operation without significant issues.
Construction on the Automated People Mover began in 2019 with an original target debut of 2023. The project has since been delayed multiple times due to technical challenges and disputes between Los Angeles World Airports and the contractor, LAX Integrated Express Solutions.
Those disputes have resulted in significant financial claims and contributed to delays in testing timelines. Officials said they remain hopeful outstanding issues can be resolved without further postponements.
The electric train system, on 2.25 miles of elevated rail with six stations, will be available to ticketed passengers, their guests and airport employees for free.
No opening date for passenger service has been announced.