Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has made considerable progress in its Automated People Mover (APM) project, five years after breaking ground. The last four of the 44 train cars have arrived, with the completion date set for December 8, 2025. This complimentary service will serve ticketed passengers, their guests, and airport staff, boasting the capacity to transport 30 million passengers annually while cutting down on vehicle travel by around 42 million miles each year.
In a recent conversation, John Ackerman, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), shared his enthusiasm over the arrival of all 44 train cars, calling it a significant milestone not only for the APM project but also for the airport’s overall transformation. There are high hopes that this transit system will help alleviate the chronic traffic issues that have historically affected LAX, thereby speeding up passenger movement to and from the terminals.
LAX is on track to become the first airport in the U.S. to deploy the INNOVIA 300 APM vehicles. These all-electric trains will feature sustainable components, including fully recyclable aluminum exteriors, advanced regenerative braking systems, and designs aimed at minimizing harmful emissions. Each train will offer 12 seats, an air conditioning system, and wide doors for easy boarding, accommodating about 50 passengers and their luggage. The APM will run around the clock, with trains scheduled to arrive every two minutes during peak hours from 9 AM to 11 PM, covering a 2.25-mile route in just 10 minutes. The system will include six stations, three of which are within the central terminal area, plus stops at LAX’s economy parking facility, a connection to the Metro LAX/Metro Transit Center (servicing the C and K lines), and the LAX car rental center.
As the eighth busiest airport worldwide, LAX welcomed over 75 million travelers last year. The APM is projected to facilitate more than 3,200 trips daily, reducing peak hour traffic by 27% and easing congestion at 30 intersections around the airport.
Initially expected to be fully operational in 2023, the APM project faced delays due to legal disputes and other challenges that resulted in increased costs. In May, the LAWA board approved around $200 million in additional funding to resolve contractor claims, and in early August, the Los Angeles City Council authorized a total of $400 million to address the legal issues.
