What Impact Will the LAX People Mover Have on the Airport in 2026?

The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners has approved an agreement to complete the construction of Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) Automated People Mover (APM) train service by December 8, 2025, paving the way for it to enter operational service in January 2026.

Construction of the new train service began in 2019 as part of a wider multi-billion dollar improvement project at LAX.

The train is expected to significantly enhance the passenger experience at the airport while also reducing the notoriously bad traffic and congestion in the surrounding area.

Photo: Couresy of LAWA

Once fully operational in January 2026, the train is expected to transport around 30 million passengers each year, reducing 42 million road vehicle miles per year.

The service will be available free of charge to all air passengers, their guests, and airport staff.

Once completed, the network will include 2.25 miles of elevated guideway, ferrying passengers between six stations. This includes three stations within the airport’s Central Terminal Area: one at its Economy Parking area, one at its Rent-A-Car facility, and another connecting to the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station, with connections to the C and K Metro lines.

The train will operate 24 hours per day, with a peak service of one train every two minutes between 9:00 AM and 11:00 PM. With a top speed of 47 miles per hour, the train will take just 10 minutes to travel from start to finish.

Photo: LAX Airport. Courtesy of LAWA

“This project is going to reduce traffic on our freeways and our local streets while bringing good-paying union jobs to Los Angeles,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “This train will make a direct connection to the Metro system to ensure LAX welcomes Angelenos and visitors from across the globe in a truly world-class way.”

John Ackerman, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, said: “LAX’s train will make life better for millions of people year after year. This is a critical step in our transformation of LAX to make it more welcoming, convenient and sustainable, and to enhance the airport as an economic engine for our region.

“Completing this program with certainty is a top priority for LAX leadership, and this agreement does just that. The train will also make it easier for Angelenos to work at LAX, easing commutes and stress.”

The now-confirmed project completion date was agreed upon between the Los Angeles Board of Commissioners and LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS) – the firm behind the train’s development.

Photo: Couresy of LAWA

The agreement also approved an additional $550 million of funding to LINXS and another $50 million for contingencies. So far, the construction project has created almost 10,000 jobs in the local economy.

“It is an honor to continue our partnership with LAWA and deliver a transportation system that will offer an elevated experience for travelers and Los Angeles residents alike,” said LINX Constructors board member Shawn West. “Our team has worked on large and complex transit projects around the globe, and the transformation provided by the LAX People Mover is poised to truly set the bar.”

Karim Webb, President of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners, added: “This will be a game changer for LAX’s millions of travelers and for the residents and businesses surrounding neighborhoods. We have been working hard to ensure Angelenos benefit during the construction of this project by awarding more than $1.02 billion in contracts to local, diverse, small and veteran-owned businesses. More than 85 local businesses have been working to build this train.”