The final four train cars for Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) long-awaited Automated People Mover (APM) have arrived at the airport, bringing the total number on site to 44, officials announced Aug. 21.
The first train cars arrived in the summer of 2022, and the remaining cars have been arriving from the manufacturer in Pennsylvania, airport officials said.
“Receiving the final train cars for the APM signifies a major milestone for this project and our airport’s transformation,” John Ackerman, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, said in a statement.
“The APM will enhance the travel experience at LAX and set a new standard for sustainable transportation. As we move this project forward, we remain dedicated to delivering a state-of-the-art solution that reflects our commitment to our passengers, community and environment.”
LAX will be the first U.S. airport to use the INNOVIA 300 APM cars, featuring recyclable state-of-the-art aluminum shells and a regenerative braking system.
LAX Integrated Express Solutions, known as LINXS, is the design-build team at the helm of the airport’s $3 billion project, and will soon begin testing the train cars on the Automated People Mover’s elevated guideway.
Officials aim to complete the project by Dec. 8, 2025, with operation set for January 2026.
On Aug. 16, the Los Angeles City Council increased the total cost of LAX’s significantly delayed Automated People Mover from $2.9 billion to $3.34 billion to settle legal claims and set a date of operation for January 2026.
The Los Angeles World Airports board in May already approved some $200 million in additional money for the project, to address similar claims submitted by the contractor—and that money is included as part of this $400 million-plus, increasing the total settlement to about $550 million.
An additional $50 million will be part of a contingency that may or may not be allocated fully, according to airport officials. The settlement agreement largely covers already completed extra work by LINXS dating back to August 2018, and a longer than anticipated construction timeline.
The project could be completed in time for world events taking stage in the Los Angeles region, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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.
