The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is seeking input from key stakeholders on potential mass transit options at LaGuardia Airport.
These mass transit options aim to reduce car traffic and improve the airport’s accessibility.
A questionnaire describing the transit options and the factors to evaluate has been sent to more than 70 key stakeholders, including elected officials and community organisations.
14 potential mass transit options have been proposed:
- Two potential subway extensions
- Five potential routes for fixed guideways for light rail
- Five potential bus routes
- A ferry service
- Other emerging technologies such as autonomous shuttles
The options have been proposed following the Port Authority’s appointment of independent transportation experts to review potential mass transit solutions for LaGuardia Airport.
The panel’s experts include Mike Brown, former Commissioner of Transport for London and former Managing Director, Heathrow Airport; Janette Sadik-Khan, former Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation; and Philip A. Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport and former CEO of Los Angeles Metro Input.
Consultation is also taking place with the MTA, specifically for evaluating the subway and bus alternatives.
These transit options are being proposed following the announcement in October 2021 that the airport’s controversial AirTrain plan would be put on hold.
“At Governor Hochul’s request, the Port Authority is undertaking a thorough review of potential alternative mass transit options to LaGuardia Airport. The agency will work in close consultation with independent experts and stakeholders, and will complete its work as expeditiously as possible, consistent with the need for the review to be thorough and rigorous.”
The Port Authority will host two public workshops on the proposed options. The in-person workshops will be held at the LaGuardia Marriott Hotel in East Elmhurst on 16 March and at the Astoria World Manor on 24 March.
Several factors will be analysed throughout the review process, including constructability, impacts on the local community, customer experience, greenhouse gas emissions, impacts to existing transit riders, access to the airport, project costs, the projected timeline, and transit capacity.
