AirTrain JFK

Summary

AirTrain JFK is an 8.1-mile-long (13 km) elevated people mover system and airport rail link serving John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK Airport) in New York City. The driverless system operates 24/7 and consists of three lines and nine stations within the New York City borough of Queens. It connects the airport's terminals with the New York City Subway in Howard Beach, Queens, and with the Long Island Rail Road and the subway in Jamaica, Queens. Alstom operates AirTrain JFK under contract to the airport's operator, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

AirTrain JFK
Overview
OwnerPort Authority of New York and New Jersey
LocaleConnects John F. Kennedy International Airport to various points within Queens, New York City
Stations9
Service
TypePeople mover, airport rail link
Services3
Operator(s)Alstom
Rolling stock32 × Innovia Metro ART 200[1]
Daily ridership26,000 (weekdays, Q4 2023)[2]
Ridership6,737,100 (2023)[3]
History
OpenedDecember 17, 2003 (December 17, 2003)
Technical
Line length8.1 mi (13 km)[4]
CharacterElevated railway
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge[5]
ElectrificationThird rail, 750 V DC[1]
Operating speed60 mph (97 km/h)[6]
Route map
Legend
Jamaica "E" train"J" train"Z" train
Atlantic Avenue/
94th Avenue
Howard Beach "A" train
A train to the Rockaways
Lefferts Boulevard
(Long-term parking)
 
AirTrain Storage Yards
Federal Circle
(Rental car lots, shuttles)
 
Terminal 1
Terminal 8
Terminal 2/3
(Closed)
Terminal 7
Terminal 4
Terminal 5

A railroad link to JFK Airport was first recommended in 1968. Various plans surfaced to build a JFK Airport rail connection until the 1990s, though these were not carried out because of a lack of funding. The JFK Express subway service and shuttle buses provided an unpopular transport system to and around JFK. In-depth planning for a dedicated transport system at JFK began in 1990, but was ultimately cut back from a direct rail link to an intra-borough people mover. Construction of the current people-mover system began in 1998. During construction, AirTrain JFK was the subject of several lawsuits, and an operator died during one of the system's test runs. The system opened on December 17, 2003, after many delays. Several improvements were proposed after the system's opening, including an unbuilt extension to Manhattan. AirTrain JFK originally had ten stations, but the Terminal 2 stop was closed in 2022.

All passengers entering or exiting at either Jamaica or Howard Beach must pay an $8.50 fare, while passengers traveling within the airport can ride for free. The system was originally projected to carry 4 million annual paying passengers and 8.4 million annual inter-terminal passengers every year. The AirTrain has consistently exceeded these projections since opening. In 2023, the system carried a total of 6,737,100 passengers, or about 26,000 per weekday as of the fourth quarter of 2023.

History edit

Plan for direct rail connection edit

Early plans edit

The first proposal for a direct rail link to JFK Airport was made in the mid-1940s, when a rail line was proposed for the median of the Van Wyck Expressway, connecting Midtown Manhattan with the airport. New York City parks commissioner Robert Moses, at the time an influential urban planner in the New York City area, refused to consider the idea.[7][8][9] In 1968, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) suggested extending the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to the airport as part of the Program for Action, an ambitious transportation expansion program for the New York City area.[8][10][11] Ultimately, the rail link was canceled altogether due to the New York City fiscal crisis of 1975.[12] Another proposal, made by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in 1987, called for a rail line to connect all of JFK Airport's terminals with a new $500 million transportation center.[13] The Port Authority withdrew its plans in 1990 after airlines objected that they could not fund the proposal.[14][15]

In 1978, the MTA started operating the JFK Express, a premium-fare New York City Subway service that connected Midtown Manhattan to the Howard Beach–JFK Airport station.[8][16][17] The route carried subway passengers to the Howard Beach station,[8][18] where passengers would ride shuttle buses to the airport.[17][19] The shuttle buses transported passengers between the different airport terminals within JFK's Central Terminal Area, as well as between Howard Beach and the terminals.[20] The JFK Express service was unpopular with passengers because of its high cost, and because the buses often got stuck in traffic.[21][22] The service was ultimately canceled in 1990.[8][21]

1990s plans edit

By the 1990s, there was demand for a direct link between Midtown Manhattan and JFK Airport, which are 15 miles (24 km) apart by road.[11][23] At the time, the airport was only served by two highways: the Belt Parkway and Van Wyck Expressway.[23] During rush hour, the travel time from JFK to Manhattan could average up to 80 minutes by bus; during off-peak hours, a New York City taxi could make that journey in 45 minutes, while a bus could cover the same distance in an hour.[11] The Port Authority, foreseeing economic growth for the New York City area and increased air traffic at JFK, began planning for a direct rail link from the airport to Manhattan. In 1991, the Port Authority introduced a Passenger Facility Charge (PFC),[11] a $3 tax on every passenger departing from JFK,[11][15] which would provide $120 million annually.[24]

In 1990, the MTA proposed a $1.6 billion rail link to LaGuardia and JFK airports, which would be funded jointly by federal, state, and city government agencies.[22] The rail line was to begin in Midtown Manhattan, crossing the East River into Queens via the Queensboro Bridge.[25] It would travel to LaGuardia Airport, then make two additional stops at Shea Stadium and Jamaica before proceeding to JFK.[22][26][27] After the Port Authority found that the ridership demand might not justify the cost of the rail link, the MTA downgraded the project's priority.[28] The proposal was supported by governor Mario Cuomo[15] and Queens borough president Claire Shulman.[21][25] The transport advocacy group Regional Plan Association (RPA) called the plan "misguided", and the East Side Coalition on Airport Access's executive director said, "We are going to end up with another [...] uncompleted project in this city."[25]

The Port Authority started reviewing blueprints for the JFK rail link in 1992.[27][24] At the time, it was thought that the link could be partially open within six years.[24] In 1994, the Port Authority set aside $40 million for engineering and marketing of the new line, and created an environmental impact statement (EIS).[29] The project's budget had grown to $2.6 billion by that year.[29] The EIS, conducted by the New York State Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), found the plan to be feasible, though the project attracted opposition from area residents and advocacy groups.[30]

 
An AirTrain in front of the TWA Flight Center

The project was to start in 1996, but there were disputes over where the Manhattan terminal should be located. The Port Authority had suggested the heavily trafficked corner of Lexington Avenue and 59th Street,[25][27][29] though many nearby residents opposed the Manhattan terminal outright.[31] The Port Authority did not consider a connection to the more-highly used Grand Central Terminal or Penn Station because such a connection would have been too expensive and complicated.[25] To pay for the project, the Port Authority would charge a one-way ticket price of between $9 and $12.[25] By February 1995, the cost of the planned link had increased to over $3 billion in the previous year alone. As a result, the Port Authority considered abridging the rail link plan, seeking federal and state funding, partnering with private investors, or terminating the line at a Queens subway station.[25] The following month, the administration of governor George Pataki directed the Port Authority to devise and finalize revised plans for the JFK rail link.[32]

Curtailment of plan edit

The direct rail connection between Manhattan, LaGuardia Airport, and JFK Airport was canceled outright in mid-1995.[33][34][35] The plan had failed to become popular politically, as it would have involved increasing road tolls and PATH train fares to pay for the new link.[34] In addition, the 1990s economic recession meant that there was little chance that the Port Authority could fund the project's rising price.[34][36] Following the cancellation, the planned connection to JFK Airport was downsized to a 7.5-mile (12.1 km) monorail or people mover, which would travel between Howard Beach and the JFK terminals.[21] The Port Authority initially proposed building a $827 million monorail, similar to AirTrain Newark at Newark Airport, which would open the following year.[37] In August 1995, the FAA approved the Port Authority's request to use the PFC funds for the monorail plan[36] (the agency had already collected $114 million, and was planning to collect another $325 million).[35] After the monorail was approved, the Port Authority hoped to begin construction in 1997 and open the line by 2002.[35][36]

The Port Authority voted to proceed with the scaled-down system in May 1996,[33][38] and it simultaneously set aside $25 million for planning and engineering.[39] The FAA had already given the Port Authority permission to collect PFC funds for the Howard Beach branch and the terminal section, but not for the branch to Jamaica.[32] The Port Authority's final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for the JFK people mover, released in 1997, examined eight possibilities.[40] Ultimately, the Port Authority opted for a light rail system with the qualities of a people mover, tentatively called the JFK Light Rail System.[41] It would replace the shuttle buses and run to Jamaica and Howard Beach.[33][4] The FEIS determined that an automated system with frequent headways was the best design.[42][43][44] Although there would not be a direct connection to Manhattan, the Port Authority estimated it would halve travel time between JFK and Midtown, with the journey between JFK and Penn Station taking one hour.[33] The New York Times wrote that 21 prior recommendations for direct rail links to New York-area airports had been canceled in the preceding 30 years,[33][43] while the Engineering News-Record said 22 such proposals had failed.[45]

The people mover system was one of several major projects proposed at JFK Airport during the late 1990s.[46][47] Pataki supported the revised people-mover plan, but New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani said the city would have to contribute $300 million, and that it was not a direct rail link from Manhattan, and thus would not be profitable because of the need to transfer from Jamaica.[48] The Port Authority was originally planning to fund the project using $1.2 billion in PFC fees and $300 million in rental income.[43][49] Giuliani wanted the Port Authority to study extending the Astoria elevated to LaGuardia Airport, as well as making the light rail system compatible with the subway or LIRR to allow possible future interoperability.[50] By March 1997, five companies had expressed interest in building the system.[50][51] The next month, Pataki agreed to provide $100 million to study a rail link to LaGuardia; in exchange, Giuliani and Queens borough president Claire Shulman agreed to not oppose the JFK link. The Port Authority was reluctant to approve more than $5 million for the LaGuardia study.[52]

Giuliani's continued opposition to the system delayed the project, and, if construction did not start by October, the project could lose $100 million worth of federal funds.[49] Giuliani agreed to the plan in October 1997, when the state agreed to reimburse the city for its share of the system's cost.[43][53] As part of the agreement, the state would also conduct a study on a similar train link to LaGuardia Airport.[53] By that time, the Port Authority had collected $441 million in PFC funds.[54] An artist's impression of the proposed people mover was presented to residents of southern Queens that November.[55] Public reception was mixed. One civic leader in Jamaica was optimistic that the people mover would spur development in that neighborhood,[56] and other supporters said it would benefit business and alleviate Van Wyck Expressway traffic in the long run.[57] On the other hand, two community boards and several civic groups claimed the people mover would worsen traffic,[57] and local newspaper Newsday criticized the proposal as being ineffective without a direct link to Manhattan, citing the failure of the JFK Express.[58]

Construction edit

Approval and groundbreaking edit

 
AirTrain viaduct over the Van Wyck Expressway

The Port Authority could use the funds from the Passenger Facility Charge only to make improvements that exclusively benefited airport passengers. As a result, only the sections linking Jamaica and Howard Beach to JFK Airport were approved and built, since it was expected that airport travelers would be the sole users of the system.[42] The federal government approved the use of PFC funds for the new light rail system in February 1998.[59][60] The PFC funds could not be used for as much as $200 million of the cost because, according to the FAA, the tax funds could not be used to pay for additional costs such as storage, maintenance, operation, and fare collection expenses.[60] The Air Transportation Association of America (ATA), which argued that FPC funds could only be used for projects within the airport itself, sued the FAA the next month, saying the light rail project was using the funds illegally.[61]

The Port Authority awarded a $930 million design–build–operate–maintain contract in April 1998[61][62] to AirRail Transit Consortium, a group composed of Slattery Skanska, Bombardier Transportation, STV Inc., Perini Corporation, and numerous consultants.[45][63] Giuliani, who did not want the city to pay the project's $200 million cost difference, said he would not allow construction to begin unless the funding dispute was resolved.[62][63] Construction of the system ultimately began in May 1998,[64][65] and an official groundbreaking took place on September 16, 1998.[9][66][67] By the beginning of 1999, the system was known as the AirTrain.[68]

The route was to run mostly along existing rights-of-way, but three commercial properties were seized and demolished to make way for the route.[69] Members of the New York City Planning Commission approved the condemnation of several buildings along the route in May 1999 but voiced concerns about the projected high price of the tickets, ridership demand, and unwieldy transfers at Jamaica.[70][71] Before major construction could begin, the New York City Council had to vote on whether to approve the project, and the AirTrain's supporters and opponents both lobbied the City Council heavily.[72] Although City Council speaker Peter Vallone was publicly neutral on the project,[73] his own office had published a study in early 1999, which criticized the AirTrain's lack of direct access to Manhattan and predicted that it would be of little help to the local economy.[72][74] To attract local support, the Port Authority offered to pay for other projects in surrounding neighborhoods, such as a waterfront park.[75] The council approved the AirTrain that June on a 47–3 vote,[76] even though many council members also had reservations about the AirTrain.[77]

Early construction edit

Most of the system was built one span at a time, using cranes mounted on temporary structures that erected new spans as they progressed linearly along the structures. Several sections were built using a balanced cantilever design, where two separate spans were connected to each other using the span-by-span method.[78] The Jamaica branch's location above the median of the busy Van Wyck Expressway, combined with the varying length and curves of the track spans, caused complications during construction.[65] One lane of the Van Wyck had to be closed in each direction during off-peak hours, causing congestion.[45][65] The Port Authority also installed new sidewalks, plantings, and fences along the Van Wyck.[75][79] By the end of 1999, the columns in the Van Wyck's median were being erected,[80] and half of the viaduct spans had been built, although only fifteen percent of the system was finished at the time.[81]

The project also included $80 million of tunnels within the airport, which was built using a cut-and-cover method;[82] the tunnels had been among the first contracts to be awarded.[45] Two shifts of workers excavated a trench measuring 25 feet (7.6 m) deep, 100 feet (30 m) wide, and 1,000 feet (300 m) long. The water table was as shallow as 5 feet (1.5 m) beneath the surface, so contractors pumped water out of the trench during construction. For waterproofing, subcontractor Trevi-Icos Inc. poured a U-shaped layer of grout, measuring 80 feet (24 m) wide and between 50 and 90 feet (15 and 27 m) deep.[82]

Reception, opposition, and complaints edit

The project was controversial from the outset: although several local politicians, community leaders, and the politically powerful construction industry supported the AirTrain, it faced opposition from the ATA and local residents.[72] Community leaders supported the project because of its connections to the Jamaica and Howard Beach stations.[70] Proponents, including retired U.S. congressman Floyd Flake and the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, claimed the system would attract businesses to downtown Jamaica and create jobs.[83] Queens community boards 10, 12, and 13 cast advisory votes in support of the project.[84]

Almost all civic groups along the Jamaica branch's route opposed it due to concerns about nuisance, noise, and traffic.[70][83] Opponents claimed that the system had not undergone the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure process,[66] and more than 90 local organizations wanted the FAA to allow the public to discuss the PFC charges.[85] Residents of Briarwood, a neighborhood that was not even near the AirTrain, also opposed the project because they feared the Jamaica branch would be extended to LaGuardia.[68] There were multiple protests against the project, such as in 2000, when a crane caught fire in a suspected arson.[86] Homeowners believed the concrete viaducts would lower the value of their houses,[87][65][88] and some residents reported that vibrations from construction had caused their homes to shake and crack.[87] Residents were also concerned about the noise that an elevated structure would create;[21] according to a 2012 study, the majority of residents' complaints were due to "nuisance violations".[65]

In light of the ATA's 1998 lawsuit, the Port Authority threatened to halt the development of a new terminal for American Airlines (one of the ATA's primary members) at JFK Airport unless American dropped its opposition to the system.[89] The ATA filed a federal lawsuit in January 1999,[90] alleging misuse of PFC funds.[88] In March, a federal judge vacated the project's approval because the FAA had collected and perused public comments after the public-comment deadline, but found that the PFC funds had not been misused.[90][91] Additionally, the judge found that the Port Authority and FAA had shut the ATA out of discussions.[45] The FAA opened a second request for public comment[92] and approved the project for the second time in August 1999.[91] The ATA and two local advocacy groups appealed the funding decision in late 1999.[93] The advocacy groups filed a second federal lawsuit in 2000, claiming that the FEIS had included misleading statements about the effects of the elevated structure on southern Queens neighborhoods.[94][95] The ATA withdrew from the lawsuit, but one of the advocacy groups proceeded with the appeal and lost.[96][97]

The Port Authority also hired a community liaison in 1998 to address local residents' concerns.[98] During the next two years, the liaison received 400 calls seeking damages or complaining about vibrations and construction.[99] In response to complaints, the Port Authority imposed strict rules regarding disruptive or loud construction activity, as well as implementing a streamlined damage claim process to compensate homeowners.[100] Through 2002, there were 550 nuisance complaints over the AirTrain's construction, of which 98 percent had been resolved by April of that year.[101] By contrast, Queens Community District 12, which includes the neighborhood of South Jamaica along the AirTrain's route, recorded few complaints about the construction process.[102]

Testing, delays, and completion edit

A website for the project was launched in April 2000.[103] Pile-driving for elevated columns was nearly completed in late 2000,[99][104] when two-thirds of the system's columns had been installed.[96] The United States Congress provided almost $2 million in November 2000 for wayfinding, marketing, and access projects and a study related to the AirTrain.[105] The system was ready for its first test trains by the end of the year,[94] and two AirTrain cars were delivered and tested after the system's guideway rails were complete by March 2001.[102][106] By then, workers had completed 140 columns for the guideways in the Van Wyck Expressway's median.[106] The guideways themselves were completed that August.[107] Although the Port Authority had planned to award 17% of contracts for the first phase of AirTrain's construction to minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs), only 8.6% of contracts had been awarded to MWBEs by mid-2001.[108] Following a small protest by one group of minority workers, the Port Authority to hire consultants[109] and create a committee to oversee the awarding of contracts.[110] Despite the September 11 attacks later the same year, work on the project was not interrupted.[111]

As part of the AirTrain's construction, a renovation of the Jamaica LIRR station was announced in 2000.[112] A $75 million renovation of the Howard Beach station was completed in May 2001,[113] with an ADA-compliant transfer to and from the AirTrain.[114] The same month, work started on the renovation of the Jamaica station, which entailed building a transfer passageway to the AirTrain;[113][114] the Port Authority planned to spend $326 million on the AirTrain terminal and some work on the LIRR station at Jamaica.[115] Though the Jamaica station's rehabilitation was originally supposed to be finished by 2005,[101] it was not completed until September 2006.[116]

 
Terminal 5 station interior

Service was originally planned to begin on the Howard Beach branch in October 2002,[64][101] followed by the Jamaica branch in 2003,[117][118] but the opening was delayed because of incidents during testing.[119] In July 2002, three workers were injured during an AirTrain derailment.[119] By the next month, the guideway, most of the stations and substations, and the rolling stock were complete, and test trains were running on the system.[118] Bombardier employee Kelvin DeBourgh was piloting a test train with concrete ballast blocks when his train derailed in September 2002, causing the blocks to tilt forward and kill him.[120][121] DeBourgh's death prompted an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB),[122][123] which found that the train had been speeding on a curve;[124][125] in particular, it had been going as fast as 55 mph (89 km/h) on a segment of track that was meant to be traversed at 25 mph (40 km/h).[126][127] Further investigations found that DeBourgh's supervisors had not correctly trained him.[128][129]

The opening was postponed indefinitely as officials looked into the cause of the derailment that killed DeBourgh.[127][130] In February 2003, the Port Authority announced that the system could open that June,[131] although the opening was then delayed further.[80] Work on the stations continued throughout early 2003,[132][133] and the Port Authority resumed test runs of the system in April after its internal safety board found that DeBourgh's death had not been caused by the system's design.[128][132] DeBourgh's family sued the Port Authority and Bombardier in September 2003, as the new Jamaica terminal was being unveiled.[134][135] At the time, the system was planned to open by the end of the year.[136] The AirRail Transit Consortium said in November 2003 that it would open the entire system later that month,[137] but this date was subsequently delayed to December 17.[138][139] The latter date was chosen to mark the centennial of the Wright Flyer's maiden flight, as well as to accommodate increased air traffic for the Christmas and holiday season.[138]

Opening and early years edit

The system opened on December 17, 2003,[80][140][141] and was fare-free on its first day.[142] According to Newsday, politicians were optimistic about the AirTrain, but travelers' enthusiasm was dampened by the fact that travelers had to transfer—though, the paper said, "the stations where the schlepping will take place are polished and sleek".[9] Newsday, which sent several reporters to test out whether the LIRR and AirTrain were faster than a car and a taxi, said the AirTrain was ideal for people "looking for a modern ride removed from the stresses of the roadway".[143] The New York Daily News said that riders had mixed opinions of the new system.[142] A writer for The New York Times said that, while the system was superior to the bus routes that it replaced, the AirTrain was "a complicated travel experience" that required a transfer, necessitated an additional fare, and lacked adequate signage.[144]

Southeast Queens residents feared the project could become a boondoggle,[100] as the construction cost of the system had increased to $1.9 billion.[9][145] This figure was $400 million over what had been budgeted for the system in 1999.[136] Like other Port Authority properties, the AirTrain did not receive subsidies from the state or city for its operating costs. This was one of the reasons cited for the system's relatively high initial $5 fare, which was more than twice the subway's fare at the time of the AirTrain's opening.[146] The Port Authority predicted that the AirTrain's opening would create 118 jobs at JFK Airport.[147] Crain's New York Business said in 2003 that the system's opening and other upgrades at JFK Airport would allow the airport to accommodate 50 million annual passengers by 2007;[148] by comparison, the airport had recorded 31.7 million travelers in 2003.[149]

Early riders had difficulty finding the trains because navigational signs were still covered up.[150][151] In its first month of service, the system experienced several outages, delays, and lower-than-expected ridership,[152] and some travelers could not easily find the system because it was not shown on LIRR and subway maps.[153] These issues had subsided by the AirTrain's first anniversary, when Bombardier reported that the system had an uptime rate of between 97 and 99 percent.[154]

Effects on development edit

 
Exterior of the AirTrain station building at Jamaica station

Several projects were developed in Jamaica in anticipation of the system's opening,[155][156] and local civic leaders hoped the system would help revitalize downtown Jamaica.[157][158] The Jamaica Center Mall, Joseph P. Addabbo Federal Building, the Civil Court, and a Food and Drug Administration laboratory and offices were all built in the five years before the AirTrain opened.[155] As early as 2000, local leaders had envisioned hotels, offices, and parking around the AirTrain station in Jamaica.[158] One development firm began constructing a 300,000-square-foot (28,000 m2) office building at the site in 2001.[159] Another project, a 250-room hotel above the AirTrain terminal,[160][161] was deferred after the September 11 attacks.[162] By mid-2003, a 500,000-square-foot (46,000 m2), 16-story building was being planned on Sutphin Boulevard across from the Jamaica station;[155] this structure was the first building in a planned mixed-use development spanning 4,500,000 square feet (420,000 m2).[163][164]

After AirTrain JFK began operating, Jamaica saw a boom in commerce,[162] and the area around Sutphin Boulevard in particular was expected to attract more business activity.[165] A 15-screen movie theater opened in the area in early 2004, and developers were also planning a 13-floor building in the area.[162] In 2004, the city proposed rezoning 40 blocks of Jamaica, centered around the AirTrain station, as a commercial area. According to the RPA, the rezoning was part of a proposal to re-envision Jamaica as a "regional center" because of the area's high usage as a transit hub. During the average weekday, 100,000 LIRR riders and 53,000 subway riders traveled to or from Jamaica, and the Port Authority had estimated that the AirTrain JFK would carry 12.4 million passengers a year.[162] The area was rezoned in September 2007, and the first development to be proposed in the rezoned area, a 13-story merchandise mart and showroom building, was announced the next month.[166]

A New York Times reporter wrote that the presence of AirTrain JFK riders was one factor in the redevelopment of downtown Jamaica, where, by 2011, three budget hotels had been developed near the Jamaica station.[167] The area west of the Jamaica station was still underdeveloped, so many travelers chose to transfer to the LIRR or subway in Jamaica rather than stay there overnight.[167]

Unbuilt extensions edit

Plans to extend the AirTrain to Manhattan were examined even before the system's opening.[168] In 1998, the Port Authority examined the possibility of reactivating the abandoned Rockaway Beach Branch, allowing LIRR trains to run from Manhattan directly onto the Howard Beach Branch.[169] The RPA also published a report in 1999, in which it recommended the construction of new lines and stations for the New York City Subway. The plan included one service that would travel from Grand Central Terminal to JFK Airport via what eventually became the AirTrain.[170] Ultimately, the MTA rejected the RPA's proposal.[171]

U.S. senator Chuck Schumer had proposed a direct rail link from JFK Airport to Manhattan's Fulton Center the day the AirTrain opened.[172] Between September 2003 and April 2004, several agencies, including the MTA and the Port Authority, conducted a feasibility study of the Lower Manhattan–Jamaica/JFK Transportation Project, which would allow trains to travel directly from JFK Airport to Manhattan.[173] The study examined 40 alternatives,[174] and four options for extending the AirTrain had been announced by early 2004.[175] The project was halted in 2008 before an environmental impact statement could be created.[176]

Renovation of JFK Airport edit

On January 4, 2017, the office of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a $7–10 billion plan to renovate JFK Airport.[177][178] As part of the project, the AirTrain JFK would either see lengthened trainsets or a direct track connection to the rest of New York City's transportation system, and a direct connection between the AirTrain, LIRR, and subway would be built at Jamaica station.[179] Shortly after Cuomo's announcement, the Regional Plan Association published an unrelated study for a possible direct rail link between Manhattan and JFK Airport.[180][181] Yet another study in September 2018, published by the MTA, examined alternatives for an LIRR rail link to JFK as part of a possible restoration of the abandoned Rockaway Beach Branch.[182]

In July 2017, Cuomo's office began accepting submissions for master plans to renovate the airport.[183][184] A year later, in October 2018, Cuomo released details of the project, whose cost had grown to $13 billion. The improvements included lengthening AirTrains as well as adding lanes to the Van Wyck Expressway.[185][186] The Terminal 2 station was closed on July 11, 2022, prior to the permanent closure of Terminal 2 six months later.[187] To accommodate the reconstruction of Terminal 1, the PANYNJ closed the Terminal 1 station for seven months starting on May 1, 2023.[188] The station was reopened in December 2023.[189]

System edit

Routes edit

AirTrain JFK connects the airport's terminals and parking areas with the Howard Beach and Jamaica stations. It runs entirely within the New York City borough of Queens. The system consists of three routes: two connecting the terminals with either the Howard Beach or Jamaica stations, and one route looping continuously around the central terminal area.[190][191] It is operated by Alstom (which purchased Bombardier in 2021) under contract to the Port Authority.[147] Trains to and from Jamaica and Howard Beach were originally planned to run every two minutes during peak hours, with alternate trains traveling to each branch.[192] The final environmental impact statement projected that trains in the central terminal area would run every ninety seconds.[193] By 2014 actual frequencies were much lower: each branch was served by one train every seven to 12 minutes during peak hours. Trains arrived every 10 to 15 minutes on each branch during weekdays; every 15 to 20 minutes during late nights; and every 16 minutes during weekends.[194]

The Howard Beach Train route (colored green on the official map) begins and ends at the Howard Beach–JFK Airport station, where there is a direct transfer to the New York City Subway's A train.[1] It makes an additional stop at Lefferts Boulevard, where passengers can transfer to parking lot shuttle buses; the Q3 bus to Jamaica; the B15 bus to Brooklyn; and the limited-stop Q10 bus.[190][195] The segment from Howard Beach to Federal Circle, which is about 1.8 miles (2.9 km) long, passes over the long-term and employee parking lots.[196]

The Jamaica Train route (colored red on the official map) begins and ends at the Jamaica station, adjacent to the Long Island Rail Road platforms there. The Jamaica station contains a connection to the Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Avenue–JFK Airport station on the New York City Subway's E​, ​J, and ​Z trains.[1][197] The AirTrain and LIRR stations contain transfers to the subway, as well as to ground-level bus routes.[190][191] West of Jamaica, the line travels above the north side of 94th Avenue before curving southward onto the Van Wyck Expressway. The segment from Jamaica to Federal Circle is about 3.1 miles (5.0 km) long.[196]

The Howard Beach Train and Jamaica Train routes merge at Federal Circle for car rental companies and shuttle buses to hotels and the airport's cargo areas. South of Federal Circle, the routes share track for 1.5 miles (2.4 km) and enter a tunnel before the tracks separate in two directions for the 2-mile (3.2 km) terminal loop.[198] Both routes continue counterclockwise around the loop, stopping at Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8 in that order.[191] A connection to the Q3 local bus is available at Terminal 8.[190][195] The travel time from either Jamaica or Howard Beach to the JFK terminals is about eight minutes.[199]

The Airport Terminals Loop (colored gold on the official map), an airport terminal circulator, runs clockwise around each terminal, in the opposite direction from the Howard Beach Train and Jamaica Train routes.[190][191] The terminal area loop is 1.8 miles (2.9 km) long.[4]

Stations edit

 
Platform screen doors (shown here at Howard Beach station) are present on all AirTrain JFK platforms

All AirTrain JFK stations contain elevators and are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).[200] Each platform is 240 feet (73 m) long and can fit up to four cars.[5] The stations include air conditioning, as well as platform screen doors to protect passengers and to allow the unmanned trains to operate safely.[1][42] Escalators and elevators are included in each station, and moving walkways are incorporated into the design of the terminal-area stations.[201] Each station also contains safety systems such as CCTV cameras, alarms, and emergency contact points, and is staffed by attendants.[42]

All the stations have island platforms except for Federal Circle, which has a bi-level split platform layout.[191] The Jamaica and Howard Beach stations are designed as "gateway stations" to give passengers the impression of entering the airport.[202] There are also stations at Lefferts Boulevard, as well as Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Three former terminals, numbered 3, 6, and 9, were respectively served by the stations that were later renamed Terminals 2, 5, and 8.[191][203] The four stations outside the Central Terminal Area were originally designated with the letters A–D alongside their names;[203] the letters were later dropped.[200] After Terminal 2 station closed in 2022, Terminal 1 station temporarily served passengers for both terminals until the closure of Terminal 2 in January 2023.[204][205]

STV Inc., the AirTrain's main architectural and engineering designer, was tasked with creating a consistent design for the stations and infrastructure.[206] The Jamaica station was designed by Voorsanger Architects, and Robert Davidson of the Port Authority's in-house architecture department designed the Howard Beach station.[80] Most stations in the airport are outdoors, but the Terminal 4 station is within the mezzanine of that terminal.[207] The Jamaica station was designed with a footbridge leading from the AirTrain terminal above the LIRR tracks to the subway,[208][209] as well as space for a hotel on top of it.[210] The stations' designers split the work for each station into nine sections (for instance, connections to parking garages); each section of every station was customized to the specific needs of each site.[45]

Station[200] Lines[200] Connections[195][194] Notes
Howard Beach
40°39′40″N 73°49′46″W / 40.661043°N 73.829455°W / 40.661043; -73.829455 (Howard Beach Station)

  Howard Beach Train

Originally designated Station A[203]
Lefferts Boulevard
40°39′41″N 73°49′22″W / 40.661374°N 73.822660°W / 40.661374; -73.822660 (Lefferts Boulevard Station)
Originally designated Station B[203]
Federal Circle
40°39′36″N 73°48′13″W / 40.659898°N 73.803602°W / 40.659898; -73.803602 (Federal Circle Station)
  •   Howard Beach Train
  •   Jamaica Train
  • Rental car facilities
  • Shuttles for hotels, cargo areas, and off-airport rental car lots
  • Long-term parking (Federal Circle)
Originally designated Station C[203]
Jamaica
40°41′57″N 73°48′29″W / 40.69904°N 73.80807°W / 40.69904; -73.80807 (Jamaica Station)

  Jamaica Train

Originally designated Station D[203]
Terminal 1
40°38′37″N 73°47′22″W / 40.643577°N 73.789348°W / 40.643577; -73.789348 (Terminal 1 Station)
  •   Airport Terminals Loop
  •   Howard Beach Train
  •   Jamaica Train
Terminal 2/3
(closed)
40°38′31″N 73°47′13″W / 40.64195724402666°N 73.78685736329358°W / 40.64195724402666; -73.78685736329358 (Terminal 2 & 3 Station)
Permanently closed
Terminal 4
40°38′38″N 73°46′56″W / 40.643974°N 73.782273°W / 40.643974; -73.782273 (Terminal 4 Station)
Terminal 5
40°38′49″N 73°46′48″W / 40.646878°N 73.780067°W / 40.646878; -73.780067 (Terminal 5 Station)
Originally named Terminals 5/6[203]
Terminal 7
40°38′54″N 73°47′00″W / 40.648266°N 73.783422°W / 40.648266; -73.783422 (Terminal 7 Station)
Terminal 8
40°38′48″N 73°47′19″W / 40.646781°N 73.788709°W / 40.646781; -73.788709 (Terminal 8 Station)
  • Terminal 8
  • Short-term parking (Red Garage)
  • New York City Bus: Q3
Originally named Terminals 8/9[203]

Tracks and infrastructure edit

 
View of JFK Airport's control tower from the AirTrain guideway

The AirTrain has a total route length of 8.1 miles (13.0 km).[4][136][142][a] The system consists of 6.0 mi (9.7 km)[23] or 6.3 miles (10.1 km) of single-track guideway viaducts,[213] as well as 3.2 miles (5.1 km) of double-track guideway viaducts.[23][213] AirTrain JFK is mostly elevated, though there are short segments that run underground or at ground level, totaling about 1.5 miles (2.4 km).[23] Trains are operated from and maintained at a 10-acre (4 ha) train yard between Lefferts Boulevard and Federal Circle, atop a former employee parking lot.[214]

The elevated sections were built with precast single and dual guideway spans, the underground sections used cut-and-cover.[5] The ground-level sections, including the train yards, used concrete ties and ballast trackbeds.[45][5] The single guideway viaducts carry one track each and are 19 feet 3 inches (5.87 m) wide, while the double guideway viaducts carry two tracks each and are 31 feet 0 inches (9.45 m) wide. Columns support the precast concrete elevated sections at intervals of up to 40 feet (12 m).[5] The elevated structures run up to 40 feet above the Van Wyck Expressway.[209] Workers fabricated 5,500 precast concrete sections in Cape Charles, Virginia, which were then shipped to Camden, New Jersey, before being installed in Queens.[45] The elevated structures use seismic isolation bearings and soundproof barriers to protect from small earthquakes as well as prevent noise pollution.[78] AirTrain JFK's tunnels, all within the airport, pass beneath two taxiways and several highway ramps.[82]

The AirTrain runs on steel tracks[193] that are continuously welded across all joints except at the terminals; the guideway viaducts are also continuously joined.[215] Trains use double crossovers at the Jamaica and Howard Beach terminals in order to switch to the track going in the opposite direction. There are also crossover switches north and south of Federal Circle, counterclockwise from Terminal 8, and clockwise from Terminal 1.[6]

The tracks are set at a gauge of 4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm).[5] This enables possible future conversion to LIRR or subway use, or a possible connection to LIRR or subway tracks for a one-trip ride into Manhattan, since these systems use the same track gauge.[64][199][216][217] AirTrain's current rolling stock, or train cars, are not able to use either LIRR or subway tracks due to the cars' inadequate structural strength and the different methods of propulsion used on each system. In particular, the linear induction motor system that propels the AirTrain vehicles is incompatible with the traction motor manual-propulsion system used by LIRR and subway rolling stock.[217] If a one-seat ride is ever implemented, a hybrid-use vehicle would be needed to operate on subway or LIRR tracks in addition to AirTrain tracks.[199][217]

There are seven electrical substations. The redundancy allows trains to operate even if there are power outages at one substation.[1] Since there are no emergency exits between stations, a control tower can automatically guide the train to its next stop in case of an emergency.[101]

Fares edit

 
Faregates at Howard Beach–JFK Airport

AirTrain JFK is free to use for travel within the terminal area, as well as at the Lefferts Boulevard station, which is next to the long-term parking, and at the Federal Circle station, where there are shuttle buses to hotels and car rental companies.[218] Passengers entering or leaving the system at the Jamaica or Howard Beach stations must pay using MetroCard or OMNY.[218][219] AirTrain JFK started accepting OMNY, which is also used on the New York City Subway and city buses, on October 10, 2023,[220][221] although some turnstiles continue to accept MetroCards only.[222]

AirTrain JFK charges passengers $8.50 to enter or leave the system at the Jamaica and Howard Beach stations.[219] MetroCard vending machines are located on both sides of the faregates at each station, and a $1 fee is charged for new MetroCards.[218] In addition to single ride fares, machines also sell passes for AirTrain JFK . A 30-Day AirTrain JFK MetroCard can be purchased for $40 and used for unlimited rides for 30 days after first use. A 10-Trip AirTrain JFK MetroCard is $25 and can be used for ten trips on the AirTrain within 31 days from first use.[219][218]

There are no free transfers between AirTrain JFK and connecting transit services. For passengers transferring to local buses or the subway, an additional $2.90 fare is charged, and may be paid with MetroCard. Patrons transferring to a Manhattan-bound LIRR train at Jamaica pay an additional $7 during peak hours or $5 during off-peak hours and weekends, using the railroad's CityTicket program.[223]

The fare to enter or exit at Howard Beach and Jamaica was originally $5,[145] though preliminary plans included a discounted fare of $2 for airport and airline employees.[193] In June 2019, the Port Authority proposed raising AirTrain JFK's fare to $7.75,[224][225] and the fare increase was approved that September.[226] The new fares took effect on November 1, 2019,[227][228] representing the first fare raise in the system's history.[226] In November 2021, the Port Authority discussed plans to raise the fare a second time, to $8;[229][230] this fare increase took effect on March 1, 2022.[231] The fare was increased once more to $8.25 on March 5, 2023.[232][233] The fare increased again to $8.50 on March 3, 2024.[234]

Rolling stock edit

 
The Innovia Metro ART 200 rolling stock used on AirTrain JFK

AirTrain JFK uses Innovia Metro ART 200 rolling stock and technology, similar to those used on the SkyTrain in Vancouver, the Everline in Yongin, and the Kelana Jaya Line in Kuala Lumpur.[1] The computerized trains are fully automated and use a communications-based train control system with moving block signals to dynamically determine the locations of the trains.[1] AirTrain JFK is a wholly driverless system,[1] and it uses SelTrac train-signaling technology manufactured by Thales Group.[235] The system originally used pre-recorded announcements by New York City traffic reporter Bernie Wagenblast, a longtime Port Authority employee.[236][237]

The 32 individual, non-articulated Mark II vehicles operating on the line draw power from a 750 V DC top-running third rail. A linear induction motor pushes magnetically against an aluminum strip in the center of the track. The vehicles also have steerable trucks that can navigate sharp curves and steep grades, as well as align precisely with the platform doors at the stations.[1][238] The cars can run at up to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h),[6] and they can operate on trackage with a minimum railway curve radius of 230 feet (70 m).[5][6]

Each car is 57 feet 9 inches (17.60 m) long and 10 feet 2 inches (3.10 m) wide,[5] similar to the dimensions of the rolling stock used on the New York City Subway's B Division.[1] Trains can run in either direction and can consist of between one and four cars.[1][239] The cars have two pairs of doors on each side; each door opening is 10 feet 5 inches (3.18 m) wide.[5] An individual car has 26 seats and can carry up to 97 passengers with luggage, or 205 without luggage.[5] Because most passengers carry luggage, the actual operating capacity is between 75 and 78 passengers per car.[238]

Ridership edit

When AirTrain JFK was being planned, it was expected that 11,000 passengers per day would pay to ride the system between the airport and either Howard Beach or Jamaica,[64][69] evenly split between employees and airline passengers.[64] Projections also showed that 23,000 more daily passengers would use the AirTrain to travel between terminals. This would amount to about 4 million paying passengers and 8.4 million in-airport passengers per year.[69] According to the FEIS, the system could accommodate over 3,000 daily riders from Manhattan, and its opening would result in approximately 75,000 fewer vehicle miles (121,000 kilometers) being driven each day.[240] The Port Authority's research showed that, when the system opened, eight percent of its riders would be from Long Island, while up to 70 percent would travel from Manhattan.[141][241]

During the first month of service, between 15,000 and 20,000 passengers rode the system each day, less than the expected daily ridership of 34,000.[151][152][242] Nonetheless, the AirTrain JFK had become the second-busiest airport transportation system in the United States.[1] Within its first six months, AirTrain JFK had transported one million riders;[243] this had increased to 2.5 million by the first anniversary of the AirTrain.[154] By the end of 2004, the system had about 8,000[244][245] or 8,500 paying riders per day, although only 1,500 of these riders were employees.[64] The Jamaica route had 4,500 paying riders, making it slightly more popular than the Howard Beach route, which had 4,000 paying riders.[64] Paid ridership had reached 11,000 per day by 2006, when one in nine people flying to or from JFK used the AirTrain.[149]

In the decade after the AirTrain opened, it consistently experienced year-over-year ridership growth.[246][247] A New York Times article in 2009 observed that one possible factor in the AirTrain's increasing ridership was the $7.75 fare for AirTrain and subway, which was cheaper than the $52 taxi ride between Manhattan and JFK.[248] In 2019, there were 8.7 million passengers who paid to travel between JFK Airport and either Howard Beach or Jamaica. This represented an increase of more than 300 percent from the 2.6 million riders who paid during the first full year of operation, 2004.[246] An additional 12.2 million people were estimated to have ridden the AirTrain for free in 2019, placing total annual ridership at 20.9 million.[247] Amid a decline in air travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,[249] the AirTrain had 3.4 million total riders in 2021.[250] In 2023, the system carried a total of 6,737,100 passengers,[3] or about 26,000 per weekday as of the fourth quarter of 2023.[2]

See also edit

References edit

Notes edit

  1. ^ Also cited as 8.2 miles (13.2 km)[45]

Citations edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "AirTrain JFK opens for service". Railway Gazette International. March 1, 2004. Archived from the original on August 22, 2016. Retrieved July 23, 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Transit Ridership Report Fourth Quarter 2023" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. March 4, 2024. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Transit Ridership Report Fourth Quarter 2023" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. March 4, 2024. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d Gosling & Freeman 2012, p. 2.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Bombardier Transportation 2004, p. 2.
  6. ^ a b c d Englot & Bakas 2002, p. 3.
  7. ^ Caro, Robert (1974). The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York. New York: Knopf. pp. 904–908. ISBN 978-0-394-48076-3. OCLC 834874.
  8. ^ a b c d e Stern, Fishman & Tilove 2006, p. 67.
  9. ^ a b c d Robin, Joshua (December 15, 2003). "Here's Train to Plane / AirTrain eases JFK trip, but it's not long-sought 1-seat ride". Newsday. p. A02. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279720164.
  10. ^ Metropolitan transportation, a program for action. Report to Nelson A. Rockefeller, Governor of New York. Metropolitan Commuter Transit Authority. February 29, 1968. pp. 23–24. Retrieved October 1, 2015 – via Internet Archive.
  11. ^ a b c d e EIS Volume 1 1997, p. ES2.
  12. ^ "JFK rail link "not feasible," Ronan says" (PDF). The Daily News. Tarrytown, NY. Associated Press. April 28, 1976. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved September 11, 2017 – via Fultonhistory.com.
  13. ^ Schmitt, Eric (February 2, 1987). "New York Airports: $3 Billion Program". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  14. ^ Goldberger, Paul (June 17, 1990). "Architecture View: Blueprint an Airport that Might Have Been". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 1, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  15. ^ a b c Steinberg, Jacques (December 28, 1991). "Port Authority Plans Changes At Kennedy". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  16. ^ Grynbaum, Michael M. (November 25, 2009). "If You Took the Train to the Plane, Sing the Jingle". City Room. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on July 21, 2020. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
  17. ^ a b "New "JFK Express" Service Begun in Howard Beach" (PDF). New York Leader Observer. September 28, 1978. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2016 – via Fultonhistory.com.
  18. ^ UCL Bartlett 2011, p. 32.
  19. ^ Gosling & Freeman 2012, p. 1.
  20. ^ Gosling & Freeman 2012, pp. 1–2.
  21. ^ a b c d e Herszenhorn, David M. (August 20, 1995). "Neighborhood Report: Howard Beach; Rethinking Plans For Those Trains To the Planes". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
  22. ^ a b c Sims, Calvin (March 18, 1990). "M.T.A. Proposes Rail Line to Link Major Airports". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on March 9, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
  23. ^ a b c d e Ytuarte 2001, p. 35.
  24. ^ a b c Dao, James (December 21, 1992). "Dream Train to Airports Takes Step Nearer Reality". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  25. ^ a b c d e f g Levy, Clifford J. (February 1, 1995). "Port Authority May Scale Back Airport Rail Line". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 1, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  26. ^ Firestone 1994, p. 1.
  27. ^ a b c Stern, Fishman & Tilove 2006, pp. 67–68.
  28. ^ Strom, Stephanie (April 27, 1991). "Proposal to Link Airports by Rail Is Dealt Setback". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  29. ^ a b c Lambert, Bruce (June 19, 1994). "Neighborhood Report: East Side; Site for Airport Link Is Disputed". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 1, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  30. ^ Firestone 1994, pp. 1, 2.
  31. ^ Firestone 1994, p. 2.
  32. ^ a b "N.Y. Moves on Airport Rail Link". Engineering News-Record. Vol. 236, no. 20. May 20, 1996. p. 34. ProQuest 235646904.
  33. ^ a b c d e Stern, Fishman & Tilove 2006, p. 68.
  34. ^ a b c Purnick, Joyce (June 5, 1995). "Metro Matters: The Train to the Plane Turns to Pie in the Sky". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  35. ^ a b c Donohue, Pete (August 2, 1995). "JFK Light Rail Moves Forward". New York Daily News. ISSN 2692-1251. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  36. ^ a b c Levy, Clifford J. (August 2, 1995). "A Monorail For Kennedy Is Granted Key Approval". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 1, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  37. ^ Levy, Clifford J. (July 23, 1995). "A Worry in Queens: Newark Airport's Monorail Might Work". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  38. ^
    • "Fast Train To JFK OKd". Newsday. The Associated Press. May 10, 1996. p. A27. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 278914736.
    • Sullivan, John (May 10, 1996). "Port Authority Approves a Rail Link to Kennedy Airport". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  39. ^ "N$1 billion rail link approved for JFK". Railway Age. Vol. 197, no. 6. June 1996. p. 39. ProQuest 203797737.
  40. ^ EIS Volume 1 1997, p. ES3.
  41. ^ EIS Volume 1 1997, p. ES4.
  42. ^ a b c d EIS Volume 1 1997, p. ES9.
  43. ^ a b c d Newman, Andy (October 2, 1997). "Officials Agree On Modest Plan For a Rail Link To One Airport". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  44. ^ EIS Volume 1 1997, pp. ES11, 1.4.
  45. ^ a b c d e f g h i Cho, Aileen (August 21, 2000). "Long-Awaited Light Rail System Snakes Toward New York's JFK". Engineering News-Record. Vol. 245, no. 8. pp. 74–76. ProQuest 235644507.
  46. ^ "JFK Redevelopment on Track". Engineering News-Record. Vol. 238, no. 1. January 6, 1997. p. 12. ProQuest 235637848.
  47. ^ Kahn, Farrol (November 2, 1998). "Fast light rail link from JFK to NY city centre at last". Financial Times. p. 16. ProQuest 248673108.
  48. ^ Levy, Clifford J. (May 3, 1996). "Pataki Supports Two-Train Link to Kennedy Airport That GiulianiOpposes". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  49. ^ a b Salcedo, Michele (August 19, 1997). "JFK Rail Fight Perils $100M Aid". Newsday. p. A23. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279047983.
  50. ^ a b Macfarquhar, Neil (March 13, 1997). "Agency Says J.F.K. Rail Plan Is Ready, but Mayor Balks". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  51. ^ "JFK's Light Rail System Generates Interest Among Builders". World Airport Week. Vol. 4, no. 12. March 25, 1997. p. 1. ProQuest 195232417.
  52. ^ Lentz, Phillip (April 14, 1997). "Deal on rail access hung up on need for money from PA". Crain's New York Business. Vol. 13, no. 15. p. 4. ProQuest 219116312.
  53. ^ a b Feiden, Douglas (October 1, 1997). "JFK Rail Plan to Get Rudy's OK". New York Daily News. ISSN 2692-1251. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  54. ^ Macfarquhar, Neil (June 14, 1997). "Disagreement Over Rent Stalls Airport Rail Project". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  55. ^ Shin, Paul H. B. (November 10, 1997). "JFK Train Plan Viewed". New York Daily News. p. 1. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 313603463.
  56. ^ Bertrand, Donald (October 27, 1997). "Jamaica-JFK Link Spurs High Hopes". New York Daily News. p. 1. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 278873910.
  57. ^ a b Shin, Paul H. B. (December 8, 1997). "JFK Rail Line Won't Get Free Ride, Activists Say". New York Daily News. p. 1. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 313561670.
  58. ^ "Plane to Train to Train / Only a one-seat no-transfer ride is worth financing to link JFK and Manhattan". Newsday. April 24, 1996. p. A40. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 278935000.
  59. ^ Rutenberg, James (February 10, 1998). "$1b From Feds Clears Way for Subway Link to Kennedy". New York Daily News. p. 4. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 313571543.
  60. ^ a b
    • Wald, Matthew L. (February 10, 1998). "Plan Approved for a Kennedy Rail Link". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
    • "FAA Approves Passenger Fees to Fund Jfk Light Rail Project". Engineering News-Record. Vol. 240, no. 8. February 23, 1998. p. 12. ProQuest 235777680.
    • Bazzi, Mohamad (February 10, 1998). "JFK Rail OK for Takeoff". Newsday. p. 4. ISSN 2574-5298. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  61. ^ a b Traster, Tina (April 17, 1998). "Contracts Awarded for JFK Light-rail Project". The Record. p. A03. ProQuest 424998899.
  62. ^ a b Rutenberg, James (April 17, 1998). "PA Eyes JFK Tracks; Rudy Faults Rail Link". New York Daily News. p. 36. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 313661960.
  63. ^ a b "Will mayoral monkey wrench stall JFK airport project?". Railway Age. Vol. 199, no. 5. May 1998. p. 27. ProQuest 203809857.
  64. ^ a b c d e f g Chan, Sewell (January 12, 2005). "Train to JFK Scores With Fliers, but Not With Airport Workers". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on July 29, 2017. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  65. ^ a b c d e UCL Bartlett 2011, p. 22.
  66. ^ a b Harpaz, Beth J. (September 17, 1998). "Work Begins on Jfk Airport Monorail". The Record. The Associated Press. p. A05. ProQuest 424989522.
  67. ^ Rutenberg, James (September 17, 1998). "Work Begun on Train Link to Kennedy". New York Daily News. p. 36. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 313634735.
  68. ^ a b "Jamaica Community Board Holds Hearing On JFK Rail System". New Voice of New York. January 13, 1999. p. 19. ProQuest 367965481.
  69. ^ a b c EIS Volume 1 1997, p. ES10.
  70. ^ a b c Herszenhorn, David M. (May 4, 1999). "Still Opposed, Planners Let Airport Link Go Ahead". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  71. ^
    • Lombardi, Frank (May 4, 1999). "Light-rail Link to JFK Gets an OK". New York Daily News. p. 1. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 313656728.
    • Janison, Dan (May 4, 1999). "Panel OKs Van Wyck Median Rail Link". Newsday. p. A35. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279232373.
  72. ^ a b c Lentz, Phillip (May 17, 1999). "Port fights to save rail link to JFK". Crain's New York Business. Vol. 15, no. 20. p. 1. ProQuest 219159936.
  73. ^ Haberman, Clyde (May 28, 1999). "NYC; Despite Holes, Good Enough For a City Plan". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  74. ^ Janison, Dan (April 21, 1999). "Council May Not Oppose Rail Link". Newsday. p. A18. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279229160.
  75. ^ a b Janison, Dan (January 19, 1999). "Port Authority Courts Queens / To win over critics of rail link, officials vow other projects". Newsday. p. A03. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279146753.
  76. ^
    • Lombardi, Frank (June 8, 1999). "Council OKs 1.5b JFK Airport Rail Link". New York Daily News. p. 6. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 313694646.
    • Varner, Bill (June 8, 1999). "NYC Council OKs 'AirTrain' to JFK". The Journal News. p. A.3. ProQuest 896782685.
  77. ^ Toy, Vivian S. (June 3, 1999). "Rail Link From Midtown to Kennedy Wins Pivotal Approval". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  78. ^ a b Englot & Bakas 2002, p. 10.
  79. ^ Serant, Claire (June 14, 1999). "JFK Rail-link Spillover / Rockaway Blvd. May Get 7-block Upgrade". New York Daily News. p. 1. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 313698102.
  80. ^ a b c d Stern, Fishman & Tilove 2006, p. 69.
  81. ^ Becker, Maki (December 13, 1999). "Laying AirTrain Track JFK Guideway Portion of 1.5b Project Half Built". New York Daily News. p. 1. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 313738943. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  82. ^ a b c Oser, Alan S. (January 31, 1999). "How to Build With a Firm Foundation". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 26, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  83. ^ a b Regan, Jonathan (February 3, 1999). "JFK Rail Link Remains Heated Topic". New Voice of New York. p. 1. ProQuest 367951293.
  84. ^ English, Merle (September 28, 2002). "Neighbors: Train Is Bad News / Many local residents fought monorail plans". Newsday. p. A02. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279560093.
  85. ^ "FAA Urged to Review Funds for JFK-Jamaica Light Rail". New York Daily News. July 13, 1999. p. 4. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 313692324.
  86. ^ Schwartzman, Bryan (June 8, 2000). "JFK Airtrain Project Fire Suspicious: Police". Times Ledger. Queens, NY. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  87. ^ a b Woodberry, Warren Jr. (May 31, 2000). "Rockin' Boat Over AirTrain Neighbors of Rail Work Shaken Up by Tremors". New York Daily News. p. 1. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 313724644.
  88. ^ a b Regan, Jonathan (February 3, 1999). "JFK Rail Link Remains Heated Topic". New Voice of New York. p. 1. ProQuest 367951293.
  89. ^ Lentz, Phillip (December 21, 1998). "Port Authority puts the brakes on JFK terminal". Crain's New York Business. Vol. 14, no. 51. p. 1. ProQuest 219168060.
  90. ^ a b Text of Air Transport Association of America, Petitioner, v. Federal Aviation Administration, United States Department Oftransportation, and United States of America, Respondents. Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Intervenor, 169 F.3d 1 (D.C. Cir. 1999) is available from: Justia 
  91. ^ a b Wald, Matthew L. (August 17, 1999). "F.A.A. Clears Way for Kennedy Train Project, Officials Say". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  92. ^ Gosling & Freeman 2012, p. 5.
  93. ^ Willen, Liz (November 12, 1999). "Derailing Airtrain / Residents sour over JFK airport rail plans". Newsday. p. A51. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279267099.
  94. ^ a b "POSTINGS: Work Continues on Rail Route to JFK; First Test Nears for AirTrain". The New York Times. September 17, 2000. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 1, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  95. ^ Lowe, Herbert (September 8, 2000). "Lawyers Argue Kennedy Rail Link". Newsday. p. A39. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279359522.
  96. ^ a b Bertrand, Donald (October 18, 2000). "Court Spurns AirTrain Lawsuit Upholds Use Of Airport Taxes". New York Daily News. ISSN 2692-1251. Archived from the original on September 1, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  97. ^ Text of Southeast Queens Concerned Neighbors, Inc. and the Committee for Better Transit, Inc. Petitioners, v. Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, and United States of America Respondents, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Intervenors. 229 F.3d 387 (2nd Cir. 2000) is available from: CourtListener  FindLaw 
  98. ^ Lowe, Herbert (November 12, 2000). "Feeling Their AirTrain Pain / A community liaison aims to ease the jolts for residents along the giant rail projects path". Newsday. p. G06. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279382126.
  99. ^ a b Lowe, Herbert (August 25, 2000). "AirTrain Work Beating Schedule". Newsday. p. A21. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279357333.
  100. ^ a b Gosling & Freeman 2012, pp. 4–5.
  101. ^ a b c d Dentch, Courtney (April 18, 2002). "AirTrain System Shoots for October Start Date". Times Ledger. Queens, NY. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  102. ^ a b Scheinbart, Betsy (March 29, 2001). "No Hitches in AirTrain Construction". Times Ledger. Queens, NY. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  103. ^ Woodberry, Warren Jr. (April 13, 2000). "Light Rail Line Stops at Web Site". New York Daily News. p. 2. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 313798116.
  104. ^ Bertrand, Donald (October 22, 2000). "Airtrain Work Flying Along; Van Wyck Pile Drivin' Nears End". New York Daily News. p. 1. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305562453.
  105. ^ Lowe, Herbert (November 14, 2000). "Congress Allots $2M for JFK AirTrain". Newsday. p. A20. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279380782.
  106. ^ a b Lowe, Herbert (March 23, 2001). "First Cars For AirTrain Delivered / Officials: Project is right on track". Newsday. p. A06. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279425308.
  107. ^ Scheinbart, Betsy (August 23, 2001). "AirTrain's guideway above Van Wyck is complete". Times Ledger. Queens, NY. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  108. ^ Kalita, S. Mitra (June 13, 2001). "Runaway AirTrain / Contracts elude women, minorities". Newsday. p. A07. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279475422.
  109. ^ Woodberry, Warren Jr. (June 1, 2001). "AirTrain Gets Hire Advisers". New York Daily News. p. 5. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305627181.
  110. ^
    • Kalita, S. Mitra (June 14, 2001). "Tracking AirTrain Contracts". Newsday. p. A06. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279446286.
    • Woodberry, Warren Jr. (September 7, 2001). "AirTrain Bids Up for Grabs". New York Daily News. p. 3. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305723117.
  111. ^ Klingbeil, Abigail (November 23, 2001). "AirTrain project still on track". The Journal News. p. D.1. ProQuest 908548623.
  112. ^ Moritz, Owen (June 3, 2000). "Jamaica to Get New 386m Station". New York Daily News. p. 2. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 313756656.
  113. ^ a b Scheinbart, Betsy (May 10, 2001). "AirTrain construction starts on Jamaica station". Times Ledger. Queens, NY. Archived from the original on August 3, 2016. Retrieved July 23, 2016.
  114. ^ a b Gosling & Freeman 2012, p. 4.
  115. ^ Ain, Stewart (July 15, 2001). "Jamaica Station Project: Making Train-Changing More Pleasant (by 2005)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  116. ^ Ain, Stewart (September 9, 2006). "Jamaica Station, $300 Million Later". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  117. ^ Newman, Philip (July 18, 2002). "AirTrain on track to begin runs to Jamaica next year". Times Ledger. Queens, NY. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  118. ^ a b Bashinsky, Ruth (August 19, 2002). "AirTrain Progress Right on Track". New York Daily News. p. 3. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305699235.
  119. ^ a b Boniello, Kathianne; Dentch, Courtney (October 3, 2002). "Feds investigate fatal AirTrain accident". Times Ledger. Queens, NY. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  120. ^ Polgreen, Lydia (September 28, 2002). "Train to Kennedy Derails in a Test". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  121. ^ Woodberry, Warren Jr.; Siemaszko, Corky (September 28, 2002). "AirTrain Driver Killed Testing JFK Rail Link". New York Daily News. p. 5. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305754067.
  122. ^ Cuza, Bobby; Alapo, Lola (October 3, 2002). "Friends Mourn AirTrain Operator". Newsday. p. A43. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279574410.
  123. ^ Tarek, Shams (October 4, 2002). "Following AirTrain Accident, A Community Mourns". Southeast Queens Press. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved August 6, 2007.
  124. ^ Kennedy, Randy (October 18, 2002). "Inquiry Shows Speed of Test Run Caused Derailment of AirTrain". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on April 26, 2017. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  125. ^ Dentch, Courtney (October 10, 2002). "AirTrain Was Near Top Speed at Time of Crash: Feds". Times Ledger. Queens, NY. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  126. ^ Cuza, Bobby (October 27, 2002). "Shuttle Was Going Too Fast / NTSB: AirTrain sped on curve". Newsday. p. A02. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279576870.
  127. ^ a b Sebree, G Mac (February 2003). "JFK AirTrain opening put off". Trains. Vol. 63, no. 2. p. 31. ProQuest 206650316.
  128. ^ a b Kennedy, Randy (April 16, 2003). "Tests to Resume on AirTrain; Crash Is Tied to Human Error". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  129. ^ Robin, Joshua (April 16, 2003). "Training Factored in Rail Death / AirTrain testing to resume". Newsday. p. A19. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279659653.
  130. ^ "Metro Briefing | New York: Queens: Airtrain Delayed Indefinitely". The New York Times. The Associated Press. November 25, 2002. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  131. ^
    • Dentch, Courtney (February 27, 2003). "AirTrain May Start Service by June Despite Sept. Crash". Times Ledger. Queens, NY. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
    • Lemire, Jonathan (February 24, 2003). "AirTrain Rolls Along PA Says JFK Rail Link May Be Ready by June". New York Daily News. p. 1. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305794908.
    • Robin, Joshua; Hetter, Katia (February 21, 2003). "PA Says AirTrain May Run by June". Newsday. p. A07. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279675737.
  132. ^ a b "Port Authority Clears the Track to Start Up AirTrain". Newsday. April 23, 2003. p. A30. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279644710.
  133. ^ Woodberry, Warren Jr. (February 10, 2003). "Stations Nearly Finished Despite AirTrain Shutdown". New York Daily News. p. 3. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305764433.
  134. ^ "Bombardier named in $200-million lawsuit". Moose Jaw Times Herald. September 5, 2003. p. 9. ProQuest 345328736.
  135. ^ Woodberry, Warren Jr. (September 4, 2003). "200m AirTrain Suit Family of Victim Files as Terminal is Unveiled". New York Daily News. p. 1. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305830885.
  136. ^ a b c Robin, Joshua (September 4, 2003). "AirTrain on Track for Year-End Start". Newsday. p. A16. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279728280.
  137. ^ "JFK's AirTrain set to fly this month". Railway Age. Vol. 204, no. 11. November 2003. p. 25. ProQuest 203756378.
  138. ^ a b Robin, Joshua (December 3, 2003). "Train to Kennedy Set to Roll / After delays, link available for holidays". Newsday. p. A04. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279766900.
  139. ^
    • "New York: Queens: Airtrain Set To Run Dec. 17". The New York Times. December 3, 2003. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
    • Donohue, Pete (December 3, 2003). "PA Says AirTrain is Ready to Roll This Month". New York Daily News. p. 1. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305842863.
  140. ^
    • Luo, Michael (December 18, 2003). "Century After Wright Brothers, a Train to J.F.K." The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on June 9, 2020. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
    • Robin, Joshua (December 18, 2003). "All Aboard AirTrain / $1.9B loop to JFK takes off, and more such plans foreseen". Newsday. p. A07. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279802153.
  141. ^ a b Yee, Amy (December 17, 2003). "Journey to JFK eased by $1.9bn rail link". Financial Times. ProQuest 228825946.
  142. ^ a b c Woodberry, Warren Jr. (December 18, 2003). "AirTrain Rollin'; Riders Not Sure if Quicker Trip to JFK Really Flies". New York Daily News. p. 12. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305850202.
  143. ^ Tse, Tomoeh Murakami; Vargas, Theresa (December 18, 2003). "Not Exactly Flying / Car beats AirTrain in race to JFK". Newsday. p. A07. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279787831.
  144. ^ Stellin, Susan (April 4, 2004). "J.F.K. by AirTrain: Bag the Bus". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  145. ^ a b Stellin, Susan (December 14, 2003). "Travel Advisory: A Train to the Plane, At Long Last". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 22, 2016. Retrieved December 21, 2016.
  146. ^ Gosling & Freeman 2012, p. 9.
  147. ^ a b Menchaca, Paul (July 18, 2002). "AirTrain Expected To Create 118 New Jobs At JFK Airport". Queens Chronicle. Archived from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
  148. ^ Fernandez, Tommy (September 1, 2003). "JFK rebounds with JetBlue, renovation". Crain's New York Business. Vol. 19, no. 35. p. 1. ProQuest 219163735.
  149. ^ a b Bennett, Chuck (July 26, 2006). "More aboard the AirTrain, Ridership on the Kennedy Airport line hits record highs, with over 11,000 riding per day last month". Newsday. p. A14. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 280033477.
  150. ^ Harmon, Brian (December 19, 2003). "AirTrain a Great, Yet Still Rare, Find". New York Daily News. p. 27. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305848231. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  151. ^ a b Saulny, Susan (January 20, 2004). "Finding J.F.K. Is Easy: First, Find the AirTrain". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  152. ^ a b "AirTrain: Off to a Slow Start, But Still on Track". Newsday. January 21, 2004. p. A28. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279824321.
  153. ^ Woodberry, Warren (January 8, 2004). "Getting rail lost; AirTrain to JFK not on subway map". New York Daily News. p. 1. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305861089.
  154. ^ a b Tyrrell, Joie (December 13, 2004). "Gaining Popularity, AirTrain on Track After Bumpy Start". Newsday. p. A04. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279871198.
  155. ^ a b c Dunlap, David W. (July 6, 2003). "Change at Jamaica". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  156. ^ Fickenscher, Lisa (September 8, 2003). "Revival of Jamaica, Queens, arrives ahead of AirTrain". Crain's New York Business. Vol. 19, no. 36. p. 12. ProQuest 219136950.
  157. ^ Kershaw, Sarah (November 27, 2000). "Preaching Gospel of Rebirth in Jamaica; Southeast Queens Residents Hope Good Economic News Spreads". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  158. ^ a b Lowe, Herbert (October 22, 2000). "AirTrain / Economic Engine?/ Area Leaders Are Hoping the Bucks Also Stop Here". Newsday. p. A08. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279393530.
  159. ^
    • Wax, Alan J. (November 30, 2001). "MTA to Take Space in Jamaica / Agency to lease a third of planned JFK Center". Newsday. p. A77. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279512704.
    • Woodberry, Warren Jr. (November 30, 2001). "JFK Village Plan Taking Off Corporate Project for Jamaica". New York Daily News. p. 1. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305658960.
  160. ^ Bertrand, Donald (May 8, 2001). "Jamaica Fixup Eyed $1m Station Plan to Ride With AirTrain". New York Daily News. p. 6. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305674065.
  161. ^ "Study Recommends 250-Bed Hotel And Conference Center On Top Of AirTrain Terminal In Jamaica". New Voice of New York. May 28, 2003. p. 9. ProQuest 368107685.
  162. ^ a b c d Holusha, John (February 29, 2004). "Commercial Property; Jamaica Seeks to Build on AirTrain". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
  163. ^ Bertrand, Donald (March 30, 2003). "Office Plan Set to Fly; Jamaica Bldg. Is 1st Phase of JFK Project". New York Daily News. p. 1. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305801761.
  164. ^ Phan, Monty (March 26, 2003). "Jamaica Project Gets $21M in Tax Credits". Newsday. p. A34. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279653177.
  165. ^ Bertrand, Donald (August 25, 2003). "Newtown, Biz Zone on Agenda; Nods on Landmark & BID Likely". New York Daily News. p. 1. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305829032.
  166. ^ Pristin, Terry (October 24, 2007). "A Planned 'Airport Village' Near J.F.K. Finds a Cornerstone". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  167. ^ a b Berger, Joseph (December 30, 2011). "Jamaica Comes Alive With Airport Arrivals". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  168. ^ Dentch, Courtney (February 12, 2004). "Agencies Seek Extension of AirTrain Service". Times Ledger. Queens, NY. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  169. ^ Bazzi, Mohamad (March 17, 1998). "Light-Rail Link / System to offer ride from Manhattan to Kennedy". Newsday. p. A24. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279058568.
  170. ^ Regional Plan Association 1999, pp. 2, 12.
  171. ^ Regional Plan Association 1999, pp. 17–19.
  172. ^ Robin, Joshua (December 17, 2003). "Schumer Plan: Link Manhattan, JFK / Would use some of 9/11 federal funds". Newsday. p. A16. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279789081.
  173. ^ Gosling & Freeman 2012, p. 7.
  174. ^ Parsons/SYSTRA Engineering, Inc. (2004). "Feasibility Study: Final Report" (PDF). Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. pp. 6–12. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 24, 2015. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
  175. ^
    • "New York plans AirTrain expansion". Railway Age. Vol. 205, no. 3. March 2004. p. 22. ProQuest 203762968.
    • Luo, Michael (February 5, 2004). "Four Options Presented for J.F.K. Rail Link". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  176. ^ Parsons/SYSTRA Engineering, Inc. (December 2008). "Lower Manhattan-Jamaica/JFK Transportation Project, Summary Report, Prepared for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, and PANYNJ". Archived from the original on September 16, 2017. Retrieved February 5, 2017 – via Scribd.
  177. ^ Barone, Vincent (January 4, 2017). "JFK airport renovation proposal unveiled by Cuomo". am New York. Archived from the original on January 5, 2017. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  178. ^ Kirby, Jen (January 5, 2017). "New York City's Second-Worst Airport Might Also Get an Upgrade". Daily Intelligencer. Archived from the original on September 13, 2017. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  179. ^ Airport Advisory Panel (January 4, 2017). "A Vision Plan for John F. Kennedy International Airport" (PDF). Government of New York. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 5, 2017. Retrieved January 5, 2017 – via Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo.
  180. ^ "Creating a One-Seat Ride to JFK" (PDF). Regional Plan Association. January 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 26, 2017. Retrieved August 30, 2017.
  181. ^ Plitt, Amy (January 6, 2017). "One-Seat Rides to JFK Airport Are a Reality in This Public Transit Proposal". Curbed NY. Archived from the original on August 31, 2017. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
  182. ^
    • SYSTRA (September 21, 2018). "Reactivating the Rockaway Beach Branch: LIRR RBB JFK Study – Phase Two JFK OSR Rail Study". Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Archived from the original on October 8, 2019. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
    • SYSTRA (September 21, 2018). "Reactivating the Rockaway Beach Branch: LIRR RBB JFK Study – Phase Two JFK OSR Rail Study: Diagrams". Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Archived from the original on October 8, 2019. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  183. ^ "New York launches next stage in JFK Airport overhaul". Deutsche Welle. Reuters and Bloomberg. July 19, 2017. Archived from the original on September 1, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  184. ^ "Governor Cuomo Announces RFP for Planning and Engineering Firm to Implement JFK Airport Vision Plan". Government of New York. July 18, 2017. Archived from the original on September 1, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017 – via Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo.
  185. ^ McGeehan, Patrick (October 4, 2018). "Cuomo's $13 Billion Solution to the Mess That Is J.F.K. Airport". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  186. ^ Barone, Vincent (October 4, 2018). "Cuomo: JFK Airport renovation includes central hub, 2 new terminals". Newsday. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  187. ^ Tara, Serena (June 29, 2022). "Here's What to Expect from JFK Airport's New Terminal 1 Construction Project". Thrillist. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  188. ^ Mongelli, Lorena (April 25, 2023). "JFK overhaul to bring traffic, AirTrain disruptions for fliers but officials promise a plan". Newsday. Archived from the original on June 15, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  189. ^ "AirTrain JFK". John F. Kennedy International Airport. December 7, 2023. Archived from the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  190. ^ a b c d e "AirTrain JFK". Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved September 29, 2022.
  191. ^ a b c d e f Gosling & Freeman 2012, pp. 2–3.
  192. ^ Englot & Bakas 2002, p. 2.
  193. ^ a b c EIS Volume 1 1997, p. 1.5.
  194. ^ a b Port Authority 2015, pp. 1, 2.
  195. ^ a b c "Queens Bus Map" (PDF). Metropolitan Transportation Authority. August 2022. Retrieved September 29, 2022.
  196. ^ a b EIS Volume 1 1997, p. 1.12.
  197. ^ Gosling & Freeman 2012, p. 3.
  198. ^ EIS Volume 1 1997, p. 1.13.
  199. ^ a b c Arema 1999, p. 1.
  200. ^ a b c d Port Authority 2015, p. 2.
  201. ^ Ytuarte 2001, pp. 36–37.
  202. ^ Arema 1999, pp. 2–3.
  203. ^ a b c d e f g h Bombardier Transportation 2004, p. 1.
  204. ^ "Bridges, Tunnels and Rail Advisory for July 5 to 7" (Press release). Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. July 2022. Archived from the original on July 11, 2022. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  205. ^ Moldonado, Zinna (January 13, 2023). "JFK Airport closing Terminal 2 this weekend for major renovations". CBS New York. Archived from the original on January 23, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  206. ^ Larson, Soren (November 1999). "STV Named Designer for JFK Airport's Long-Awaited Rail Link" (PDF). Architectural Record. Vol. 187, no. 11. p. 43. ProQuest 222107295. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  207. ^ Kilgannon, Corey (November 30, 2003). "A Possible Holiday Bonus: The AirTrain to Kennedy Airport May Soon Be Running". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  208. ^ Cho, Aileen (August 18, 2003). "An 'Airport Station' Marks Homestretch for Megaproject". Engineering News-Record. Vol. 251, no. 7. p. 17. ProQuest 235712858.
  209. ^ a b Ytuarte 2001, p. 36.
  210. ^ Lemire, Jonathan (May 15, 2003). "Hotel May Follow AirTrain; Study Shows Big Need at Jamaica Hub". New York Daily News. p. 6. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305796997.
  211. ^ Price, Brian (January 13, 2023). "JFK Airport's Oldest Terminal Is Closing for Good. So What Is Taking Its Place?". NBC New York. Archived from the original on October 18, 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  212. ^ Issler, Mackenzie (July 5, 2013). "JFK Airport's iconic Pan Am terminal being demolished". Newsday. Archived from the original on October 9, 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  213. ^ a b Englot & Bakas 2002, p. 1.
  214. ^ EIS Volume 1 1997, pp. ES9, 1.18.
  215. ^ Englot & Bakas 2002, p. 5.
  216. ^ Gosling & Freeman 2012, pp. 3–4.
  217. ^ a b c Englot & Bakas 2002, pp. 12–13.
  218. ^ a b c d "Cost and Tickets – AirTrain – Ground Transportation – John F. Kennedy International Airport". Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Archived from the original on May 24, 2014. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  219. ^ a b c "MTA/New York City Transit: Fares and MetroCard". Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Archived from the original on September 15, 2015. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  220. ^ Rizk, Jonathan (October 10, 2023). "OMNY payment available at JFK AirTrain stations". PIX11. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  221. ^ "AirTrain at John F. Kennedy International Airport in NYC will now accept OMNY payments". ABC7 New York. October 10, 2023. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  222. ^ Brachfeld, Ben (October 4, 2023). "OMNY finally being installed on JFK AirTrain this month". amNewYork. Archived from the original on October 5, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  223. ^ "AirTrain JFK". Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Archived from the original on February 20, 2022. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  224. ^ "Port Authority plans toll, fare hikes, $4 airport tax for taxis, app-based for-hire cars". ABC7 New York. June 25, 2019. Archived from the original on March 19, 2020. Retrieved June 27, 2019.
  225. ^ Guse, Clayton (June 25, 2019). "Port Authority plans to jack up bridge, tunnel, AirTrain prices, add $4 airport tax for taxis and app-based rides". New York Daily News. ISSN 2692-1251. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved June 27, 2019.
  226. ^ a b "Port Authority approves fare and toll hikes, including new fee for airport rides". Pix11 New York. September 26, 2019. Archived from the original on March 19, 2020. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  227. ^ Higgs, Larry (October 31, 2019). "Fare hikes from the Port Authority start Friday". nj.com. Archived from the original on September 29, 2020. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  228. ^ "1st phase of Port Authority toll and fare hikes start Friday". ABC7 New York. October 31, 2019. Archived from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  229. ^ Duggan, Kevin (November 18, 2021). "Port Authority plans fare hike to $8 for AirTrains in 2022". amNewYork. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  230. ^ Guse, Clayton (November 18, 2021). "Port Authority seeks $8 AirTrain fare come 2022, a 25-cent hike". New York Daily News. ISSN 2692-1251. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  231. ^ "Bridges, Tunnels and Rail Advisory for February 18 to 24" (Press release). Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Archived from the original on March 3, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  232. ^ "AirTrain Fares Get Second Increase in 2 Years". WNBC. March 5, 2023. Archived from the original on May 14, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  233. ^ Lazar, David (March 5, 2023). "AirTrain fare increase goes into effect Sunday". NY1. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  234. ^ Brachfeld, Ben (November 19, 2023). "AirTrain fare will soar to $8.50 per ride next spring, Port Authority says; commuter advocates seethe". amNewYork. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  235. ^ "SelTrac™ CBTC Signalling Projects" (PDF). Thales Group. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 1, 2017. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
  236. ^ Hamlett, Rosalyn (February 13, 2017). "The Airport Voice Speaks to Metropolitan Airport News". Metropolitan Airport News. Archived from the original on June 1, 2019. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  237. ^ Robin, Joshua (January 25, 2004). "A 'Welcoming' Voice". Newsday. p. A06. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279847114.
  238. ^ a b Englot & Bakas 2002, p. 4.
  239. ^ Ytuarte 2001, p. 37.
  240. ^ EIS Volume 1 1997, pp. ES10–ES11.
  241. ^ Tyrrell, Joie (December 15, 2003). "A New Way to Get There / AirTrain provides another option for JFK passengers". Newsday. p. A02. ISSN 2574-5298. ProQuest 279830850. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  242. ^
    • Donohue, Pete (January 18, 2004). "AirTrain on Track to Reach Rider Goal". New York Daily News. p. 25. ISSN 2692-1251. ProQuest 305854996.
    • Dentch, Courtney (January 22, 2004). "AirTrain Ridership On Track to Meet Year-End Goal: PA". Times Ledger. Queens, NY. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  243. ^ Simon, Mallory (June 17, 2004). "AirTrain Awaits Millionth Rider Six Months Later". Times Ledger. Queens, NY. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  244. ^ Fried, Joseph P. (December 5, 2004). "AirTrain's First Year Is Seen as a Success". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  245. ^ Craghead, Alexander B. (March 2005). "New York City's JFK AirTrain caps successful first year". Trains. Vol. 65, no. 3. p. 27. ProQuest 206637053.
  246. ^ a b "Governor Cuomo Announces AirTrain JFK Reaches Record High Ridership in 2014". LongIsland.com. February 12, 2015. Archived from the original on September 1, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  247. ^ a b "2019 Airport Traffic Report" (PDF). Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. May 19, 2020. pp. 4, 61. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 27, 2020. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  248. ^ Levere, Jane L. (August 10, 2009). "Trains and Vans May Beat Taxis to the Airport". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2016.
  249. ^ "JFK getting $9.5B for new international terminal". Crain's New York Business. December 13, 2021. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  250. ^ "Transit Ridership Report Fourth Quarter 2021" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. March 10, 2022. p. 25. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 1, 2022. Retrieved June 7, 2022.

Sources edit

  • "Advanced Rapid Transit System AirTrain JFK International Airport, New York, USA" (PDF). Bombardier Transportation. 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 1, 2014. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
  • "AirTrain JFK: The Fast, Affordable Connection" (PDF). Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. March 2015. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 21, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2020.
  • Englot, Joseph M.; Bakas, Paul T. (September 2002). "Performance/Design Criteria for the Airtrain JFK Guideway" (PDF). AREMA 2002 Annual Conference & Exposition. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 18, 2018.
  • Firestone, David (July 31, 1994). "The Push Is On for Link to Airports: Port Authority Confident of Rail Plan Despite Opposition". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  • Gosling, Geoffrey D.; Freeman, Dennis (May 2012). "Case Study Report: John F. Kennedy International Airport AirTrain" (PDF). Mineta Transportation Institute. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 24, 2017. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
  • JFK International Airport Light Rail System: Environmental Impact Statement. Vol. 1. Federal Aviation Administration; New York State Department of Transportation. 1997. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  • JFK International Airport Light Rail System: Environmental Impact Statement. Vol. 2. Federal Aviation Administration; New York State Department of Transportation. 1997. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  • JFK International Airport Light Rail System: Environmental Impact Statement. Vol. 3. Federal Aviation Administration; New York State Department of Transportation. 1997. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  • "MetroLink" (PDF). Regional Plan Association. January 1999. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 2, 2010. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
  • "Project Profile; USA; New York Airtrain" (PDF). University College London Bartlett School of Planning. September 6, 2011. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 17, 2016. Retrieved July 23, 2016.
  • Stern, Robert A. M.; Fishman, David; Tilove, Jacob (2006). New York 2000: Architecture and Urbanism Between the Bicentennial and the Millennium. New York: Monacelli Press. ISBN 978-1-58093-177-9. OCLC 70267065. OL 22741487M.
  • Ytuarte, Christopher (July 2001). "Track to the future". Railway Age. Vol. 202, no. 7. pp. 33–37, 50. ProQuest 203743297.
  • "The Airtrain Airport Access System John F. Kennedy International Airport" (PDF). American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association. 1999. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 18, 2018. Retrieved February 17, 2017.

External links edit

Template:Attached KML/AirTrain JFK
KML is from Wikidata
Google Maps Street View
  Jamaica Station
  Howard Beach
  Lefferts Blvd
  Federal Circle
  Terminal 1
  Terminal 2
  Terminal 4
  Terminal 5
  Terminal 7
  Terminal 8
  •   Media related to AirTrain JFK (category) at Wikimedia Commons
  • Official website