LAX SkyLink Overruns and Arc Flashes Complicate Mayoral Race
Nithya Raman cites a $1.4 billion cost increase and recent electrical issues to criticize Karen Bass, who argues the project predates her tenure.
By Sanjay Ivanov ·
The automated people mover system at Los Angeles International Airport has become a central issue in the city’s mayoral race, with the project’s history of delays and cost growth now intersecting with the campaign’s final stretch.
The system, currently known as LAX SkyLink, is designed to connect airport terminals with Metro and allow passengers to move within the facility without relying on shuttle buses or personal cars. It was originally scheduled for completion in 2023. The most recent target for its opening is February 2027.
City Council member Nithya Raman, a mayoral candidate, used the project’s timeline to challenge incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Raman’s comments came one day after a poll showed the two candidates in a statistical tie. She cited a Los Angeles Times report that identified a budget overrun of approximately $1.4 billion. Part of the delay, according to that report, stems from a dispute between the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Los Angeles World Airports regarding the use of solar energy to operate the train.
“The opening is still being delayed, still being delayed, and Angelenos have every right to question the next date they are given,” Raman said. She argued that the disagreement between city departments indicated a lack of leadership from the mayor.
Bass countered that the project was approved and initiated under the previous administration of Eric Garcetti. She stated that current delays are driven by safety concerns and disputes among private contractors. Bass said she expects the system to be ready by the beginning of the year, warning that one contractor will face severe financial penalties if it is not.
Recent video footage recorded in late September appeared to show electrical explosions along the tracks. A report from LINXS, the contractor building the SkyLink, confirmed three arc flashes occurred on September 23 and September 25. LAWA stated that such flashes are not uncommon during the testing phase and that the affected areas have been repaired. The system must complete 30 consecutive days of successful tests to proceed with safety certification.
Marshal McClain, a LAX police sergeant and union president, expressed doubt about the project's progress. He stated that the airport management is not sufficiently considering the safety of the SkyLink operation. The contractor’s report also cites security-related delays and disputes with LAX and LADWP over solar energy. The contractor has filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles.
Source: KVEA
