If you’ve flown from or to Los Angeles recently, you may be aware of the brand new LAX/Metro Transit Center that opened to great fanfare this past June. The new station at LAX provides a much-needed rail connection to the airport. But riders won’t experience the new transit center’s true efficacy until the Automated People Mover opens in the second half of 2026 (hopefully).
The Automated People Mover (APM) is a 24/7 automated train system that will link the LAX/Metro Transit Center directly to airport terminals via a 2.25-mile elevated guideway. Not only will this new system provide a seamless connection for travelers, but it will also bypass traffic in and around the airport terminals.
When will the Automated People Mover open?
If you’ve been following the project as closely as we have, you’ll know that the APM was first scheduled to open in 2023, but has been delayed several times.
Despite this year’s earlier reports estimating a January opening date, that estimation was pushed to June for an anticipated opening ahead of the FIFA World Cup. However, the LA Business Journal more recently reported that the project will open in the second half of 2026.
According to LAist, the delays are due to an ongoing dispute over system maintenance between the city of Los Angeles and LINXS, which is the group of companies contracted to build and operate the train.
Until the APM ultimately opens, LAX will continue to run shuttle buses on 10-minute intervals between the LAX/Metro Transit Center and the lower level of each airport terminal.
How does the Automated People Mover work?
The Automated People Mover has a fleet of fully electric cars made with 98% recyclable materials, operating on an elevated rail with partial solar power.
During the day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., trains will run 2-minute intervals, serving six stations: three in the terminal area, one at LAX Economy Parking, one at the LAX Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility, and of course, the LAX/Metro Transit Center station.
The Development Group anticipates that the APM will ultimately serve around 30 million passengers, resulting in an estimated 117,000 fewer vehicle miles traveled per day.
🌐 Learn more: You can find out more about the Automated People Mover at the Los Angeles World Airports website.