LAX automated people mover contract the largest in city’s history

NEXT LEVEL: The decision to award the contract was made unanimously

The 30-year deal was given the nod at a Trade, Travel and Tourism (TTT) committee meeting on April 10. 

“Making LAX the most passenger-friendly airport in the world means giving travellers what they need and have been asking for — reliable, convenient transportation to and from the terminals,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “This historic investment will ensure that LAX is seamlessly connected with communities across the region.” 

The Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) approved the contract at its April 5 meeting. Prior to that, BOAC selected LINXS as the Recommended Developer at the February 15 meeting and entered into an Early Works Agreement, which allowed LINXS to begin pre-construction activities such as hiring, soil testing, engineering and furthering design of the APM. 

“We are pleased to have received unanimous approval from the Los Angeles City Council, the Trade, Travel and Tourism Committee and the Board of Airport Commission for this contract that will propel LAX to be amongst the world’s best airports. The LINXS team contract brings more than we required, and through this partnership, this project will transform the airport and will also transform lives in our local community,” said Deborah Flint, CEO of LAWA. 

LINXS is comprised of Fluor, Balfour Beatty, ACS Infrastructure Development, Dragados USA, HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions, Flatiron, HDR and HNTB. Bombardier Transportation will provide the APM Operating System, including all vehicles.  

“The new Automated People Mover will transform the LAX experience for travellers by removing the frustration of the tangled traffic inside the horseshoe,” said Councilman Joe Buscaino, Chair of the LA City Trade, Travel and Tourism Committee. “Coupled with the new consolidated rent-a-car facility and the LAX/Crenshaw line, in a few short years going to LAX will become stressless for generations to come.” 

“The Landside Access Modernization Program is a perfect example of how we can make LAX a world-class airport and a first-class neighbour at the same time,” said Council member Mike Bonin.

“Every person who boards a train to the airport represents a car that will not need to be on local roads, contributing to traffic in neighbourhoods near LAX and adding more pollution to our air. By making getting to and from LAX more convenient and stress-free for travellers with a connected and efficient transportation system, we are making life better for the people who live in the Westchester and Playa del Rey neighbourhoods near the airport. I am excited and encouraged by today’s vote and I congratulate LAWA on making progress toward finally connecting the region’s largest airport with more public transportation options.”