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LAX begins testing automated transit system ahead of 2026 World Cup
🇦🇷 Argentina /Technology

LAX begins testing automated transit system ahead of 2026 World Cup

From La Nación · (4h ago) Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has begun testing its new automated passenger transit system, with trains running empty on a 24/7 schedule.
  • The system, which aims to improve mobility between terminals, parking, and rental car facilities, experienced a minor collision during testing but is expected to be operational without passengers by the FIFA World Cup 2026.
  • Despite initial delays and a minor incident, airport officials are confident the system will be ready, noting that summer travel demand often exceeds that of the World Cup.

LAX is gearing up for a significant upgrade in passenger experience with the commencement of testing for its new automated transit system. This multi-kilometer network promises to revolutionize how travelers navigate the sprawling airport, connecting terminals, parking, rental car facilities, and public transport links. The project, initiated in 2019, has faced its share of hurdles, including technical issues and contractual disputes, leading to delays beyond its originally planned 2023 opening.

ya hubo un incidente cuando uno de los trenes que circulaba chocó contra otro en la zona de mantenimiento y almacenamiento.

— Jake AdamsAn executive at the airport, Jake Adams, shared with the cited media that there had already been an incident when one of the trains circulating collided with another in the maintenance and storage area.

Despite a minor collision reported during maintenance testing, airport officials, like Jake Adams, emphasize that the incident was minor and did not result in injuries or significant damage. This meticulous testing phase, running trains 24/7 for 30 days, is crucial for ensuring the system's reliability before passenger service begins. The airport is even planning a final stage where select passengers will be invited to use the trains, gathering valuable feedback to fine-tune operations.

fue leve, sin heridos ni daños relevantes.

— Jake AdamsThe official emphasized that it was minor, with no injuries or relevant damage.

While the initial target of having the system ready for the FIFA World Cup 2026 might not be met with full passenger service, LAX authorities are not overly concerned. They point to the airport's peak summer travel season, which often sees higher passenger volumes than the World Cup. This perspective suggests a confidence in the system's eventual readiness and its capacity to handle massive passenger flows, regardless of specific major events. The focus remains on a robust launch that prioritizes safety and efficiency, ensuring a smoother journey for millions of travelers.

la situación no le preocupa debido a que el aeropuerto de Los Ángeles presenta su mayor demanda de viajes durante el verano y esta es mayor al tráfico que esperan para el Mundial, por lo que no prevén retrasos.

— Jake AdamsAdams affirmed that the situation does not worry him because Los Angeles Airport experiences its highest travel demand during the summer, which is greater than the traffic they expect for the World Cup, so they do not foresee delays.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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