Transportation
LAX SkyLink Is 99% Complete — But New Financial and Legal Questions Cloud October Opening
Last Updated on August 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff
LOS ANGELES — After years of delays, construction disputes and rising costs, the long-awaited train that promises to transform how passengers move through Los Angeles International Airport appears tantalizingly close to the finish line.
But there’s still a catch.
LAX SkyLink — formerly known as the Automated People Mover — is more than 99% complete and trains are running along the elevated guideway as part of testing. Yet passengers still can’t climb aboard, and new financial and legal concerns are adding uncertainty as the project approaches critical deadlines this fall.
The latest estimates point toward passenger service beginning no earlier than October 2026, with October 6 emerging as a target date in project documents and recent reporting. However, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has not announced October 6 as a firm public grand-opening date.
For travelers who have watched empty trains glide above LAX for months, the obvious question remains:
If SkyLink is essentially finished, what’s taking so long?
Trains Are Running — Just Without Passengers
SkyLink entered a major new phase in April when extensive operational testing began on the 2.25-mile elevated system.
The testing isn’t simply about determining whether the trains move. The entire automated system — trains, signaling, stations, platform doors, communications and other components — must demonstrate that it can operate reliably and safely before passengers are allowed aboard.
One major requirement calls for the system to operate for 30 consecutive days without a significant problem before passenger operations can begin. As of late June, that milestone had not yet been achieved.
That explains why travelers at LAX can see what looks like a functioning railroad while still being directed to buses, cars and shuttles.
The trains may be moving, but the system hasn’t completed the certification process required for public service.
October 6 Is a Target — Not Yet a Grand Opening
Recent reporting based on project scheduling information has identified October 6, 2026, as an estimated date for passenger service availability.
That’s an important distinction.
Until LAWA announces an official opening date, travelers shouldn’t necessarily start planning an October 6 SkyLink ride.
And developments reported in August suggest there is still reason for caution.
A New Financial Warning
The latest wrinkle involves the financing behind the project.
Fitch Ratings recently placed approximately $1.2 billion in senior bonds associated with the project on negative watch and downgraded the bonds deeper into speculative-grade territory, according to reporting published in August.
Fitch cited the increasingly limited amount of time available before important contractual deadlines.
According to the ratings agency, the project’s lenders face a longstop date of October 8, 2026, while the overall project has another critical longstop date of December 8, 2026. Further delays could create increasingly serious contractual and financial complications.
That doesn’t mean SkyLink is about to be abandoned.
But it does demonstrate just how little breathing room remains after years of delays.
The Legal Battle Isn’t Over Either
Meanwhile, the relationship between LAWA and the consortium responsible for building and operating SkyLink remains strained.
LAX Integrated Express Solutions, better known as LINXS, filed a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles in July alleging breaches of its project agreement.
LINXS contends that airport-related actions contributed to delays and that the consortium is entitled to additional compensation and schedule extensions.
LAWA has maintained that its focus remains getting SkyLink completed and safely opened to passengers.
The dispute is the latest chapter in a project that has experienced years of disagreements between the airport and its contractor.
From a 2023 Opening to Late 2026
It’s worth remembering just how late this project has become.
SkyLink was originally expected to enter service in 2023.
Subsequent schedules moved the opening into 2024, 2025 and then early 2026. LAWA announced in 2024 that it expected passenger service to begin in January 2026.
That didn’t happen either.
Testing finally accelerated in spring 2026, but additional technical work and project disputes pushed expectations deeper into the year.
The project’s reported construction cost has climbed to roughly $3.34 billion, making SkyLink both one of LAX’s most important modernization projects and one of its most troubled.
Why SkyLink Matters So Much
Despite the delays, SkyLink could dramatically improve the passenger experience at LAX once it opens.
The fully automated electric train will operate along a 2.25-mile elevated guideway serving six stations.
Three stations will serve the Central Terminal Area, while the remaining stations provide connections to ground transportation, parking, rental cars and regional transit.
Most importantly for public transportation riders, SkyLink will connect airport terminals with the LAX/Metro Transit Center, finally creating the missing rail link between LAX terminals and Metro’s C and K Lines.
Currently, Metro passengers reaching the Transit Center must transfer to shuttle buses to reach their terminals.
SkyLink is designed to eliminate that final shuttle ride.
According to LAWA, trains will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. During peak hours between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., trains are expected to arrive approximately every two minutes.
Each four-car train can carry as many as 200 passengers and their luggage, while the complete end-to-end journey is expected to take approximately 10 minutes. Trains can reach speeds of up to 47 mph.
The Finish Line Is Finally Visible
For anyone who has followed the SkyLink saga, skepticism about another projected opening date is understandable.
The project has been “almost finished” for a remarkably long time.
But there is an important difference in 2026: the trains are now running across the actual system.
Construction has largely given way to testing, certification and final completion work.
That makes the current situation considerably different from previous years when major construction and systems integration remained unfinished.
Still, the combination of reliability testing, financial pressure, contractual deadlines and litigation means October shouldn’t be written in permanent ink just yet.
For now, October 2026 remains the target rather than a guaranteed opening.
And after waiting three years beyond the original opening schedule, Southern California travelers may want to wait until LAWA officially announces the first day of passenger service before celebrating.
When that day finally arrives, however, it will mark a major milestone not just for LAX but for Los Angeles transportation.
For the first time, travelers will be able to step off a Metro train, transfer to SkyLink and reach the airport terminals without sitting in LAX’s infamous horseshoe traffic.
After all the delays, disputes and billions of dollars spent, that first passenger trip can’t come soon enough.
Official Project Information
For the latest official information about the project, visit the Los Angeles World Airports SkyLink project page.
STM Daily News will continue following SkyLink as the project moves toward passenger service.
Related Links
- Los Angeles World Airports — LAX SkyLink — Official project page with system details, stations, train capacity, operating plans and project information. LAX SkyLink Official Project Page
- LA Metro — LAX/Metro Transit Center — Information about the transit center that will connect Metro’s C and K Lines with SkyLink. LAX/Metro Transit Center
- LA Metro — Getting to LAX — Current information for travelers using Metro to reach LAX, including the shuttle connection that will eventually be replaced by the direct SkyLink transfer. Go Metro to LAX
- LA Metro — C and K Line Schedules — Current rail schedules for the lines serving the LAX/Metro Transit Center. LA Metro Rail Schedules
- Los Angeles World Airports — Transforming LAX — Overview of the airport’s broader modernization program, including SkyLink and other major LAX infrastructure projects. Transforming LAX
High Speed Rail
Brightline West Construction Advances, But Opening Timeline Shifts Beyond the 2028 Olympics
Construction continues to expand along Interstate 15 as Brightline West moves closer to connecting Southern California and Las Vegas with 200 mph electric trains, though the opening timeline has shifted to late 2029.
The vision of traveling between Southern California and Las Vegas in about two hours by high-speed rail is steadily becoming more tangible as Brightline West expands construction activity along the Interstate 15 corridor.
Since construction officially began in 2025, work has continued to ramp up in both California and Nevada. Motorists traveling I-15 may have noticed increased construction activity, survey crews, utility work, and periodic lane closures as the project moves from planning into full-scale development.
Construction Is Becoming More Visible
Brightline West’s 218-mile all-electric high-speed rail line will connect Rancho Cucamonga, California, with Las Vegas, Nevada, using the median of Interstate 15 for much of the route.
Current work includes:
- Utility relocation
- Geotechnical investigations
- Site preparation
- Early civil construction
- Continued work around future station locations
As construction progresses, travelers should expect additional traffic impacts along portions of I-15 while crews prepare for bridges, guideways, track installation, and station construction.
A New Timeline
One of the biggest developments since construction began is a revised completion schedule.
While Brightline West was once expected to open before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, current projections now place passenger service in late 2029.
Large infrastructure projects frequently experience schedule adjustments due to inflation, labor availability, permitting, and supply chain challenges. Although the delay means Olympic visitors are unlikely to ride the line, construction continues to move forward.
Four Passenger Stations Planned
The line will include stations at:
- Las Vegas
- Apple Valley
- Hesperia
- Rancho Cucamonga
Passengers traveling from Los Angeles will transfer to Brightline West using Metrolink at Rancho Cucamonga, creating an important connection between Southern California’s commuter rail network and the new high-speed line.
Fast, Electric Travel
When complete, Brightline West trains are expected to operate at speeds approaching 200 mph, reducing travel time between Rancho Cucamonga and Las Vegas to approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
The fully electric trains are being manufactured by Siemens and are designed to offer a comfortable alternative to one of America’s busiest highway corridors.
Looking Ahead
The next major milestones will likely include visible bridge construction, elevated guideways, station buildings, track installation, electrical systems, and eventually testing of the first trainsets.
While passengers will have to wait a bit longer than originally hoped, Brightline West remains one of the most ambitious passenger rail projects currently under construction in the United States.
For Southern California, it represents more than a faster trip to Las Vegas—it could signal the beginning of a new era for high-speed passenger rail in the American West.
Have you driven the I-15 corridor recently? Have you seen any Brightline West construction? Share your observations in the comments below, and subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for more transportation and infrastructure updates.
Source and Related Links
- Brightline West – Construction:Construction Plan & Current Project Details — breakdown of the Nevada and California construction segments, stations, track/electrification and maintenance facility.
- Brightline West – Construction Advisories:Current Construction Advisories — useful for ongoing field investigations, lane impacts and work-zone updates.
- Brightline West – Project Overview:Official Project Overview — confirms the 218-mile Las Vegas–Rancho Cucamonga route and overall project scope.
- Nevada Department of Transportation:Brightline West High-Speed Rail Project — government source covering the route, stations, $3 billion federal award and construction background.
- Siemens Mobility:American Pioneer 220 Manufacturing Facility — details on the U.S.-built high-speed trainsets and Siemens’ Horseheads, New York manufacturing facility.
- Brightline West – Official Groundbreaking:April 2024 Groundbreaking Announcement — useful background on the project’s infrastructure, bridges, rail, electrification and Buy America commitments.
News
Joby Aviation and Toyota kick off manufacturing alliance to scale electric air taxi production
Joby Aviation and Toyota launch a joint venture to improve productivity, quality, and cost as they prepare to scale electric air taxi production.
Joby Aviation and Toyota Motor Corporation have launched the initial phase of a strategic manufacturing alliance aimed at accelerating commercial production of electric air taxis—an early step the companies say is designed to make “air mobility for all” a practical, everyday reality.
Announced June 30, 2026, the partnership formalizes a new joint venture that will combine Joby’s electric aviation development with Toyota’s production systems and operational expertise. The near-term focus: building the groundwork for commercial production while pushing improvements in productivity, quality, and cost—key factors as the industry moves from prototypes to scaled manufacturing.
What the joint venture is designed to do
According to the companies, the alliance will initially concentrate on:
- Establishing the foundation for commercial production capability
- Advancing manufacturing excellence with an emphasis on productivity, quality, and cost
- Supporting expansion of Joby’s production capacity as it works toward aircraft certification and prepares for anticipated demand
The announcement positions Toyota’s manufacturing playbook—known globally for lean production and continuous improvement—as a lever to help Joby move from development into repeatable, high-quality output at scale.
Why it matters: eVTOLs need scale, not just flight tests
Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft have become one of the most closely watched bets in next-generation transportation, but the path to viable air taxi services depends on more than successful test flights. Certification timelines, supply chain readiness, and the ability to produce aircraft consistently (and affordably) are often what separates promising technology from commercial reality.
By forming a joint venture focused on manufacturing readiness, Joby and Toyota are signaling that the next competitive frontier is industrialization—how quickly and reliably eVTOL aircraft can be built to meet safety standards and market demand.
Related Links for Further reading
- Joby Aviation (official): https://www.jobyaviation.com
- Joby Investor Relations / News (official updates & filings): https://ir.jobyaviation.com
- Toyota Newsroom (official): https://www.toyotanewsroom.com
- Toyota Global (corporate overview): https://global.toyota/en
- FAA Advanced Air Mobility / Air Taxis (context): https://www.faa.gov/air-taxis
What executives are saying
Joby founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt emphasized the long-running relationship between the companies, calling the joint venture a reflection of shared confidence in the opportunity ahead.
“Toyota has been by Joby’s side for nearly a decade, providing invaluable guidance and support as we built the foundation for manufacturing our aircraft,” Bevirt said. “Together, we share a vision of making aerial mobility an everyday reality.”
Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda framed air mobility as an extension of the company’s broader mission.
“Since our founding, we’ve been guided by the philosophy of providing mobility for all,” Toyoda said, adding that Toyota views air mobility as “a natural extension of that philosophy—from the ground into the sky.”
About the companies
Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY) is a California-based transportation company developing an all-electric eVTOL air taxi. The company intends to operate its own air taxi service in cities worldwide and sell aircraft to other operators and partners.
Toyota (NYSE: TM) has operated in North America for nearly 70 years and says it is focused on sustainable, next-generation mobility through Toyota and Lexus brands. Toyota reports nearly 64,000 employees in North America, 14 manufacturing plants, and more than 1,800 dealerships. The company also noted that its North Carolina plant began assembling automotive batteries for electrified vehicles in 2025.
What to watch for next
For readers tracking the air taxi sector, the next milestones will likely center on:
- Details on how the joint venture will be structured operationally
- Updates on Joby’s certification progress and production ramp timelines
- Signs of how manufacturing improvements translate into cost reductions and throughput
- Additional agreements or expanded collaboration as the alliance progresses
While the companies highlighted expected benefits, they also noted the usual forward-looking risks—such as regulatory certification timelines, market conditions, and the ability to finalize additional agreements.
Source: Toyota Motor North America / PRNewswire (June 30, 2026)
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Blog
Terminal Island: The Untold Story of Los Angeles Harbor’s Forgotten Community and Industrial Giant
Discover the remarkable history of Terminal Island in Los Angeles Harbor—from its thriving Japanese American fishing village to World War II shipbuilding and today’s global shipping hub.
Whenever I think about Terminal Island, my mind immediately goes back to childhood trips with my parents to San Pedro’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Those visits were some of my favorite family outings. We’d walk along the waterfront while my parents picked up fresh crab, shrimp, fish, and occasionally shellfish. The smells of the ocean, the sound of fishing boats, and the towering presence of the Vincent Thomas Bridge left a lasting impression on me long before I understood the incredible history hidden just beyond the docks.
As a child, I simply saw ships, cranes, and bridges. It wasn’t until years later that I learned Terminal Island had once been home to one of Southern California’s most vibrant immigrant communities—and that much of it disappeared almost overnight during World War II.
Today, Terminal Island stands at the crossroads of history, commerce, and remembrance.
From Sandbar to Strategic Harbor
Terminal Island wasn’t always an island as we know it today. Originally a marshy stretch of land in San Pedro Bay, it was reshaped through decades of dredging and engineering projects that transformed Los Angeles Harbor into one of the world’s busiest ports.
As railroads arrived in the late 1800s, the island became a gateway for commerce. Warehouses, rail terminals, and docks expanded rapidly, laying the foundation for the economic powerhouse that would eventually emerge.
The Village That Built an Industry
In the early 1900s, Japanese immigrants established a thriving fishing village along Fish Harbor.
Families built homes, schools, churches, markets, and businesses while creating a close-knit community unlike any other in Southern California. Many residents came from Japan’s Wakayama Prefecture, bringing generations of fishing knowledge with them.
Their expertise helped build California’s tuna fishing industry into one of the largest in the nation. Long before canned tuna became a pantry staple across America, many of the fishermen of Terminal Island were helping shape the industry that made it possible.
The community even developed its own distinctive blend of Japanese and English known as “Terminal Island lingo,” reflecting the unique culture that flourished there.
A Community Lost
Everything changed after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Within weeks, Terminal Island became the first Japanese American community in the United States to be forcibly removed.
Residents were given little time to leave their homes.
Many men were arrested first under suspicion simply because of their ancestry. Families were separated. Businesses were abandoned. Eventually, nearly every house in the village was demolished.
For many residents, there was nothing to return to after the war.
Today, the story of Terminal Island serves as a powerful reminder of how fear and prejudice can overwhelm constitutional rights during times of national crisis.
Building Victory
As one community disappeared, another chapter began.
Terminal Island became one of America’s great wartime industrial centers.
Shipyards worked around the clock constructing destroyers, cargo ships, and support vessels for the Allied war effort. Thousands of workers—including many African Americans who had migrated west seeking defense jobs—helped build and repair ships that crossed the Pacific.
The island became a symbol of American industrial strength, contributing directly to victory during World War II.
The Bridge That Became an Icon
In 1963, the opening of the Vincent Thomas Bridge forever changed the harbor skyline.
The graceful green suspension bridge connected San Pedro with Terminal Island, replacing ferry service and improving access to the growing port.
For many Southern Californians—including myself—the bridge became more than just a transportation link. It was a landmark that signaled you were entering one of the hardest-working waterfronts in America.
Every crossing offered sweeping views of ships arriving from around the world, reminding visitors that Los Angeles Harbor is one of the nation’s most important economic engines.
Terminal Island Today
Modern Terminal Island bears little resemblance to the fishing village that once stood there.
Today it is home to massive container terminals, rail yards, ship repair facilities, Coast Guard operations, federal facilities, and the Federal Correctional Institution. Together with the neighboring Port of Long Beach, the Port of Los Angeles moves millions of cargo containers every year, supporting jobs and businesses across the United States.
The island remains essential to global trade while quietly preserving memories of the people who first called it home.
Remembering the Whole Story
Terminal Island is more than an industrial center.
It represents the American dream of immigrants who built thriving businesses through hard work.
It reminds us of the injustice experienced by Japanese American families during World War II.
It showcases the extraordinary industrial effort that helped win a global conflict.
And it demonstrates how one small piece of land helped shape the economy of Southern California and the nation.
The next time you cross the Vincent Thomas Bridge or see the towering cranes along the harbor, remember that beneath today’s shipping terminals lies a story of resilience, sacrifice, innovation, and hope.
Sometimes the most important history isn’t found in famous landmarks—it lives in the places we pass every day without realizing what came before.
Further Reading & Related Links
- Port of Los Angeles – Harbor Communities: Terminal Island History
- Port of Los Angeles – *Terminal Island: Lost Communities of Los Angeles Harbor*
- Japanese American National Museum (JANM)
- National Park Service – Japanese American Confinement Sites
- LA Waterfront – Japanese American Fishing Village Memorial
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