Two separate automated transit systems slated to whisk riders to LAX and to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood now face delays that could push each of their openings out by more than a year.
Both projects plan to use automated people movers to connect their respective destinations to Los Angeles County’s existing Metro Rail system.
A new report from Fitch Ratings suggests the first of the two projects — the LAX Automated People Mover Project, originally slated to open in 2023 — likely will not be finished until April 2025 due to repeated construction delays and a “strained relationship” between the builder-operator, LAX Integrated Express Solutions, or LINXS, and Los Angeles World Airports.
Meanwhile, the Federal Transit Authority, which has pledged more than $1 billion to the separate Inglewood Transit Connector, now expects that project will not be completed in time for the 2028 Olympics as planned, and instead will open in 2030.
LAX project’s bond rating drops
Fitch downgraded its bond rating for the LAX project earlier this month as a result of the anticipated delays and gave it an overall “negative outlook,” suggesting it could receive another downgrade in the future, according to a Jan. 19 report.
“The project has experienced extended construction delays, prolonged dispute resolution, and difficulties in the parties’ working relationship,” the report states. “Although significant construction progress has been made, the project is required to undergo a rigorous testing and commissioning process and is not expected to be completed until April 2025.”
The 2.25-mile elevated train system connecting LAX to parking, car rental services and Metro’s K Line is about 96% complete, according to the report. The People Mover is part of a $5.5 billion modernization effort at LAX.
The project’s completion date has slipped several times already amid fighting between LAWA and LINXS. Previously, LAWA served LINXS with a default notice in July 2023…
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