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LAX has fallen in global airport rankings. Will a pre-Olympics transformation help?
By Colleen Shalby
Staff Writer
Sept. 25, 2025 3 AM PT

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The most anticipated project is the Automated People Mover — a 2.25-mile elevated train that promises to whisk travelers between airport terminals and a new parking lot, rideshare lot and the newly opened LAX/Metro Transit Center, finally offering a direct connection between the airport and rail, while improving vehicle traffic on its infamous horseshoe.

The train has faced setbacks. Originally slated to open in 2023, clashes between the airport and contractor LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS) over timeline, compensation and production led to significant delays. Last year, LAWA officials said the train was expected to open in January 2026. Then the goalposts moved to “early 2026.” Now Ackerman said that the hope is for it to open by the 2026 World Cup in June, but officials are working on contingency plans that would rely on shuttles if there’s further delay.

“The company knows they owe us the train — we paid for the train, we expect to get the train. But we do not need the train to operate the World Cup,” Ackerman said. “We will have a plan to be ready for the World Cup and welcome those fans with the excellence that they deserve, irrespective of the train.”

https://www.latimes.com/california/s...formation-help