LAX Skylink Delays Become Key Issue in Mayoral Race
The long-delayed Skylink people mover at LAX, now years behind schedule and over budget, has become a central point of contention between mayoral candidates Karen Bass and Nithya Raman.
Photo: Gratisography / PexelsThe automated Skylink people mover at Los Angeles International Airport is years behind schedule and more than $1 billion over its original budget, according to the Los Angeles Times. This 2.25-mile train, designed to connect airline terminals with ground transportation, is now a significant issue in the mayoral race between incumbent Karen Bass and challenger Nithya Raman.
Nithya Raman has criticized Mayor Bass and the city’s board of airport commissioners, who are appointed by the mayor, for not controlling costs or ensuring deadlines. Raman stated that a $550 million payment was approved by Bass's commissioners to cover cost overruns in 2024, with a service start promised for January 2026, a date that has passed without the project being on track. Mayor Bass responded that the project's problems predated her term and that her administration pushed for a settlement to establish a firm completion date.
The Skylink project, initially approved by the City Council in 2018 with a projected budget of $1.9 billion and a completion goal of March 2023, is now expected to be operational no earlier than January 2027. Its cost has increased by 74% to over $3.3 billion. The contractor recently sued the city, attributing delays to the city, although an independent grand jury report previously pointed to the contractor as largely responsible.
Beyond Skylink, both candidates acknowledge broader transit challenges. Bass, as chair of L.A. Metro, has announced a goal to make fares free, while Raman supports free rides for those in need but calls Bass's proposal financially unsustainable. Raman, with a background in urban planning, emphasizes bus network improvements, while Bass's campaign focuses more on general infrastructure like streets and sidewalks.
Need to know
- Project: LAX Skylink automated people mover
- Original Completion: March 31, 2023
- New Estimated Completion: January 2027 (at earliest)
- Original Budget: Approximately $1.9 billion
- Current Cost: Over $3.3 billion
The AKUSO take: The Skylink project's escalating costs and delays are a headache for Angelenos and a major point of discussion for anyone interested in the future of LA's transit infrastructure and the upcoming mayoral election.
