In 2018, the announcement of a new people mover at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) sparked hope among Angelenos. The promise of a sleek, driverless, elevated train that would efficiently connect terminals to an off-site parking garage and subway station was seen as a much-needed upgrade for the airport. This $1.9 billion project was slated for completion in 2023, well ahead of Los Angeles’ hosting duties for both the World Cup and the Summer Olympics. By 2024, it was claimed that the project was 97 percent complete — and then, silence fell. Many were left wondering about the status of the people mover until Nick Andert stepped in to bring the story to light.
Nick Andert: The Voice of L.A. Transit
Andert, a freelance editor known for his work on acclaimed projects such as Ugly Delicious and Abstract: The Art of Design, has gained a substantial following in the L.A. public transit community. Under the moniker “Nandert” on YouTube, his videos, highly regarded by Reddit users and often referenced by city council members and Los Angeles Metro’s board members, offer insights into the often complex world of public transport. He recently found himself embroiled in a public disagreement with Mayor Karen Bass regarding delays to the Metro K Line extension. So, when Andert released his exposé video titled “The REAL Story Behind the LAX People Mover Fiasco” this past summer, it made waves.
The Investigation Begins
Our conversation took place on a recent afternoon during a subway ride from his home station at Wilshire/La Brea, where Andert arrived on his bicycle. Initially hesitant about producing the video, he felt optimism about the impending completion of the people mover. However, concerns arose when he learned of numerous disputes between the construction consortium LINXS and the airport—each mediated in favor of LINXS. “I wasn’t getting a good understanding of why these disputes were happening, and I wanted to dig into it more,” Andert explained.
His investigation began to unveil alarming information, particularly when he discovered a grand jury report from the L.A. County Superior Court examining the project in 2024. “I was shocked that I had never heard of it,” he recalled. This report revealed what he described as “brazen and unethical behavior” from major contractors, suggesting that vast amounts of public funds were being mismanaged.
Unpacking the Controversy
In his video, Andert contends that LINXS has effectively extorted LAX for $880 million to finish the remaining tasks on the project. His analysis, which he emphasizes is merely his opinion, aligns with findings from the grand jury report. It indicated that the contractor leveraged the change order process — traditionally used for minor adjustments — by threatening litigation against the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to expedite the project, ensuring completion before critical upcoming events. Notably, the grand jury report did not include actionable recommendations, seemingly serving as a fact-finding mission.
Legal Repercussions and Public Reaction
Following the release of Andert’s exposé, LINXS filed a lawsuit against LAWA, citing multiple contract breaches. A spokesperson from LINXS emphasized their commitment to delivering the people mover successfully, adding that the legal action was necessary due to the statute of limitations.
Through his video, Andert has ignited public interest in a matter that local news outlets struggled to illuminate. He noted, “The video broke containment,” as it garnered over 116,000 views—nearly three times his average—in less than a month. Social media buzz further amplified his findings, drawing endorsements from influential figures like City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who praised Andert for highlighting the issues behind the delays and cost overruns.
A Shift in the Narrative
Encouraged by the enthusiastic response, Andert mentioned that he has already received inquiries from reporters pursuing further investigative work into the situation. He also pointed out that LINXS has since taken down its website in light of heightened scrutiny.
As we arrived at Wilshire/Fairfax station, I asked Andert if he believed the LAX people mover would open within this year or by the time of the 2028 Olympics. He paused, contemplating the uncertain future: “I’m not holding my breath.”
This story appeared in the Aug. 5 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.
