LAX People Mover begins passenger-free testing in major project milestone

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: LAX's people mover opening gets delayed

A long-promised transit project at LAX remains closed to the public, years after its original target opening date.

LOS ANGELES - The long-awaited Automated People Mover at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) will begin running empty trains on a full schedule this Monday. 

What we know:

The 2.25-mile elevated rail system features six stations designed to connect the central terminal area with parking lots and regional transit hubs. 

According to airport executive Jake Adams, the testing will involve "tons of trains running up and down the guideway" to simulate real-world conditions. 

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 

• LAX automated people mover opening delayed
• LAX People Mover considered years late, over budget, with no opening date announced
• Get an inside look at LAX's Automated People Mover

Use of the system will eventually be free for ticketed passengers, guests, and airport employees.

What we don't know:

An official opening date for passenger service has not been announced. 

It's unclear if the ongoing financial and technical disputes between Los Angeles World Airports and the contractor, LAX Integrated Express Solutions, will cause further friction as the system moves toward its final certification.

Timeline:

• 2019: Construction officially begins on the $5.5 billion project.
• 2023: The original target date for the system's debut (missed due to delays).
• April 20, 2026: Start of the passenger-free "simulated operations" testing phase.
• Next 60 Days: Ongoing testing; the system must achieve 30 days of "uninterrupted operation" during this window.

LAX automated people mover opening delayed

The $3 billion project is facing yet another delay.

What they're saying:

"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. They're going to get to see tons of trains running up and down the guideway all over the LAX campus," Adams said.

What's next:

Following the two-month testing period, officials will evaluate the system's performance data.

A first look at the LAX automated 'People Mover'

We're getting our first look at LAX's future automated people mover.

If the People Mover completes its required 30-day streak of perfect operation, airport authorities will be in a position to finalize and announce an official start date for public passenger service.