Inglewood Shelves $2.4 Billion People Mover, Adopts Phased Transit Plan for Olympics

Inglewood City Council has officially put the brakes on its ambitious $2.4 billion automated people mover project, approving a new phased approach to transportation planning that shifts focus to more immediate solutions ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

At its April 22 meeting, the Council unveiled a revised transit connector blueprint that replaces the original elevated, automated light-rail initiative with smaller-scale improvements including dedicated bus lanes, bike infrastructure, and enhanced pedestrian connections.

“With the world watching us as we prepare to host the 2028 Olympics, we’re also looking inward — listening to our community and taking strategic steps to deliver on what matters most to the people who live and work here,” said Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts in a statement following the decision.

The original people mover project faced significant opposition from local stakeholders including the owners of the Los Angeles Rams and Clippers, as well as Congresswoman Maxine Waters, effectively halting the project’s momentum last year despite securing $1 billion in federal funding during the Biden administration.

As part of the revised approach, the City Council approved a new $34 million contract with Tutor Perini-led Elevate Inglewood Partners, the design-build consortium previously selected for the original project, to reassess and implement the scaled-back transportation improvements.

The phased approach prioritizes traffic relief, improved quality of life, connected neighborhoods, and downtown revitalization while leaving open the possibility of revisiting the automated people mover concept after the Olympics.

“This updated and phased approach to the ITC is our response to what we’ve heard: a desire for traffic relief and improved quality of life, connected and walkable neighborhoods, and a revitalized downtown reflecting Inglewood’s existing vibrant culture,” Mayor Butts added.

The fate of the previously awarded $1 billion in federal funding remains uncertain, particularly as the Trump administration has canceled previously awarded grants for other transit projects across the country.

The decision comes as Inglewood continues its transformation into a major sports and entertainment destination, with SoFi Stadium, Intuit Dome, and the Forum all requiring effective transportation solutions to manage the influx of visitors expected during the 2028 Olympic Games.

This story draws on information from the City of Inglewood, KTLA 5, and the Los Angeles Times.