Overview
- This week lenders agreed to push the project’s near-term deadline from Oct. 8 to Dec. 8 so the contractor, LINXS, avoids a technical default.
- LINXS says the 2.25-mile system is about 99% complete and is projecting possible passenger service in early January but has made no firm commitment to that date.
- Final testing has been paused twice to repair track components that accommodate temperature shifts and seismic movement, and the system must still complete 30 consecutive days of successful tests plus an independent review and LAWA acceptance before opening.
- The project is roughly $3.3 billion and is reported about $880 million over budget; LINXS is suing the city, a county grand jury faulted the contractor, and Fitch downgraded the senior bond to BB with negative watch.
- Delays will affect airport traffic plans and event logistics—passenger service now might begin just weeks before the Super Bowl near SoFi Stadium—and commuters will wait longer for promised changes to terminal access, parking and rideshare routes.