LAX people mover enters 2-month test run ahead of public debut

Los Angeles International Airport's long-delayed Automated People Mover began running on a full schedule this week without passengers, entering an approximately two-month testing phase ahead of its public opening.

The $5.5 billion elevated rail project, originally slated to open in 2023, must complete at least 30 consecutive days of uninterrupted service before passengers are allowed aboard — a milestone that would end years of delays tied to technical problems and contractor disputes.

The 2.25-mile fully electric train will circle LAX's central terminal area for roughly two months, replicating real-world demands, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. The project has faced repeated setbacks since breaking ground in 2019, with disputes between airport officials and contractor LAX Integrated Express Solutions repeatedly pushing back the original opening target.

Once operational, the system will serve six stations on an elevated track, linking all three terminals and three additional stops outside the terminal loop. Ticketed passengers, their guests and airport employees will ride at no charge.

"On our LAX campus, the train is going to connect to all three of the terminals, plus it's going to connect to three stations outside of the terminals," said Jake Adams, an LAX official.

Adams highlighted the system's potential to transform cross-airport travel times. "The game-changing part is that from our rental car facility, which is located out by the 405 Freeway, to Tom Bradley International Terminal, you're going to be able to travel from there to there in less than ten minutes," Adams said. "And you know today, you can't get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 in 10 minutes on some days."

Once open, the people mover will provide free service connecting the 405 Freeway-adjacent rental car facility to the international terminal in under 10 minutes. For Southern California travelers who regularly route through LAX, the system promises to ease one of the region's most persistent airport frustrations.