By admin 
LOS ANGELES (CNS) — The long-delayed $3.3 billion Automated People Mover at Los Angeles International Airport is not expected to launch passenger service until at least early January, though that date could be pushed back, the Los Angeles Times reported Thursday.
Read more Xavier Becerra expands lead over Steve Hilton in California governor’s race, poll shows
In a Sept. 16 disclosure filing by the contractor LAX Integrated Express Solutions, or LINXS, completion of the 2.25-mile automated train is set for Dec. 8, according to The Times. However, the train will have to go through 30 days of testing, receive an independent overview and an assessment by Los Angeles World Airports, the city agency that oversees LAX and the Van Nuys Airport.
A utility agreement with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power also needs to be formed and finalized.
The filing noted that there are “no assurances” that the opening date will not be further delayed, The Times reported.
LAWA has said it will not open the train without testing and ensuring that safety standards are met. The Automated People Mover is expected to circulate through the airport’s central terminal area, linking terminals with parking facilities, the Metro train/bus station and pick-up and drop-off zones.
“Rigorous, exhaustive testing of all tracks, signaling systems and vehicles is the standard industry practice for major automated airport transit infrastructure to guarantee seamless long-term system integration,” LAWA officials told The Times. “We will not compromise on these stringent safety protocols, as delivering a system that safely, dependably, and durably serves Los Angeles and our upcoming global events is our primary focus.”
Read more More than 12,000 homeless-related fires already reported in LA this year, straining fire crews
LINXS is a private-public partnership that consists of companies Fluor, Balfour, Beatty, ACS Infrastructure Development, Dragados USA, HNTM and others. LAWA partnered with LINXS to begin construction on the project in 2019, with an original target debut of 2023. The project has since been delayed multiple times due to technical challenges and disputes between LAWA and the contractor.
Bondholders for the project agreed to consolidate an Oct. 8 deadline to Dec. 8, and if LINXS fails to adhere to it, LAWA could dump the contractor. LINXS said in its filing that they believe additional time would be granted beyond the December deadline to work on the project if claims with LAWA are resolved, The Times reported.
Fitch Rating downgraded the Automated People Mover’s bonds to its negative watch list in the summer, a warning that the project could be at risk of default.
The legal disputes have resulted in significant financial claims and contributed to delays in testing timelines. LAX officials previously said they remain hopeful outstanding issues can be resolved without further postponements. The project is 99% completed.
In July, LINXS sued the city and blamed LAWA for the delays. A grand jury report later faulted the contractor for the issues.
Read more Man struck, nearly run over in road rage confrontation at Pico Rivera shopping plaza