LAX People Mover Delay Highlights California's 'Can't Do' Infrastructure Attitude
A once-efficient state now struggles with massive public works projects, as exemplified by the perpetually delayed LAX Automated People Mover.
The ongoing delays and cost overruns plaguing the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Automated People Mover project are emblematic of a broader decline in California's ability to construct large-scale infrastructure efficiently, according to a recent analysis.
A Tale of Two Eras
Historically, California has demonstrated a capacity for rapid and effective infrastructure development. In the 1930s, the state simultaneously built the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge within approximately four years, completing both projects on time and within budget. However, this efficiency appears to have waned significantly.
The LAX Automated People Mover, a project intended to transport passengers around the sprawling airport, was initially slated for completion in 2023 with an estimated cost of $1.9 billion. The contractor, LAX Integrated Express Solutions, recently announced that the opening, most recently scheduled for October, will be pushed back again, with a potential opening in January at the earliest.
The project's cost has ballooned to $3.34 billion, and its opening may not occur until 2027. This situation mirrors other large-scale projects in the state, such as the California High-Speed Rail, which is nearing two decades in development with substantial budget overruns and no completed track, and the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, also facing significant delays and cost increases.
Impact on Travelers
For travelers at LAX, the continued absence of the People Mover means enduring lengthy waits for shuttle buses. Journeys that would take minutes via the train can now extend to an hour as passengers navigate between terminals, parking lots, and the rental car center. The $900 million LAX Metro Transit Center, which opened last year, remains underutilized without the People Mover to connect it effectively.
The delays are particularly embarrassing given LAX's role as a gateway for major international events. Visitors during the FIFA World Cup this summer experienced the airport's challenges, and the People Mover's unreadiness poses a potential issue for the upcoming Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium in February and the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.
A Cultural Shift Needed
The author argues that the issues extend beyond simple logistical problems, pointing to a systemic "can't do" attitude that has replaced California's historical capability for efficient construction. The article suggests that a fundamental change in approach is necessary to restore the state's ability to build significant projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.