The launch of SkyLink, the new people-mover train at Los Angeles International Airport, has faced repeated delays. Newly released video showing a serious malfunction may offer insight into what is holding up the opening.
The footage, obtained by Fox LA and recorded in late September, captures a powerful electrical blast followed by fire and smoke along the tracks during a test run of the much-anticipated train.
People-mover specialist Timothy Borchers identified the incident as an arc flash, also known as a flashover, caused by an electrical problem affecting the current’s path. He said the video was deeply concerning.
“This is one of the most severe flashovers I’ve ever witnessed,” he told Fox LA. “It could lead to a potentially catastrophic electrical incident.”
Borchers, who had previously reviewed reports of four flashovers at LAX, said safeguards should be capable of extinguishing the event immediately. Instead, the footage appears to show the electrical blasts continuing for a significant period.
In response to the video, Los Angeles World Airports referred to a website explaining that arc flashes can occur during testing and are not uncommon.
LINXS, the project contractor, told Fox LA that “the system responded as designed, and System Demonstration Testing has restarted.”
“LINXS remains committed to working with LAWA to successfully deliver the Automated People Mover and provide a world-class transportation system for the Los Angeles region,” the company added in a statement.
The 2.25-mile automated train is designed to carry passengers between airport terminals as part of a $3.3 billion transportation project connecting the terminals with economy parking, the rental car center and the LAX Metro Transit Center.
EXPLORE MORE: Emotional Video of Alexander’s Brother’s Wife Sparks Tears
The people-mover was originally scheduled to open in 2023. Its launch has now been pushed to sometime in January after LINXS acknowledged that it would miss a December completion deadline.
Before passenger service can begin, the train must complete 30 consecutive days of successful testing, followed by an independent review and an assessment by Los Angeles World Airports. An utility agreement with LA Department of Water & Power also remains outstanding.
The contractor has cautioned that even the January target is not guaranteed.
“There can be no assurances that achievement of the Passenger Service Availability Date will not be delayed further,” the contractor said in the filing.
Officials say the project is more than 99% complete, but it has been plagued by a contentious legal battle and mounting cost overruns.
Construction on SkyLink, formerly called the Automated People Mover, began in 2019 with an original projected budget of $1.9 billion. Following years of delays and contract disputes, the cost has risen to $3.34 billion, including $1.34 billion in additional city payouts.
The newly surfaced video has renewed criticism of the project, including from former mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt.
“A BILLION dollars+ over budget, years behind schedule, contractor suing Karen Bass for delays, and now the LAX people mover, which has yet to move any people, is now arcing and catching on fire,” Pratt said on X. “Forget the 3rd World…Karen Bass has turned LA into a 4th World country.”
