A New Testing Phase for LAX's Automated People Mover Has Begun in the Central Terminal Area
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) employees and their guests now have the chance to witness a significant development in the airport's modernization: the Automated People Mover (APM). The second testing phase has taken the train cars directly into the Central Terminal Area (CTA). KCAL-TV reports this as a major achievement, such as the first time the APM system crossed Sepulveda Boulevard and Century Boulevard.
Initial Testing Plans for the CTA
The first tests will be carried out in the next couple of weeks by LAX Integrated Express Solutions – the design-build company in charge of the project. These tests will also ensure the ability of the APM vehicles to pass through all three stations in the CTA. First clearance tests will be conducted with one pair of APM cars involved and speeds will be kept to the minimum and gradually increase up to 2025 in the tests.
Leadership’s Take Towards Performance
John Ackerman, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, emphasized the significance of this milestone: “This milestone testing brings us closer to providing a more efficient experience for both our employees and customers at LAX. The train is the missing link between the airport and our city. It will allow LAX to welcome Angelenos as well as visitors from around the world in an exceptional way.”
The APM is expected to be a radical change in the environment of LAX by integrating the airport with Los Angeles and bringing a new environmentally friendly transport system.
Building Upon the Previous Success
This phase of testing follows prior advancement on the elevated APM guideway that has been made. Since the first half of 2024, APM vehicles initiated the running between ConRAC and the APM facility at the LAX Economy Parking Garage.
Ongoing Testing Is Being Conducted
Shawn West, a Board Member of LAX Integrated Express Solutions, spoke about the importance of the testing process: “These clearance tests are just the beginning. They will be followed by many more tests, setting the pace for future tests and commissioning.” Further tests are planned for 2025 to confirm the APM’s safe and efficient functioning when it will be built.
Improving the Quality of Travel for Passengers through LAX
When implemented, the APM is expected to significantly enhance the LAX traveler convenience, with an efficient, easy, and environmentally friendly transit mode to the terminals. The illustrated APM is to ease congestion, shorten travel time, and improve accessibility by linking other critical facilities such as the CTA, ConRAC, and parking structures.
With each phase of the testing completed under the APM, it is inching closer to becoming a permanent structure both for Los Angeles and as the blueprint for LAX airport transit systems all over the globe.
