The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) is hosting a self-driving vehicle pilot to serve the travelling public at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) this summer.
This is the agency’s fourth test of self-driving or autonomous technology at its major airports, but it is its first to serve the public.
PANYNJ has previously held two tests of autonomous platooned vehicles at JFK’s Aqueduct Parking Lot over the last two summers. In addition, it tested a self-driving shuttle in mixed traffic at Newark Liberty International Airport last year.
This summer, it has received approval from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to allow members of the public to ride in autonomous shuttles being tested within an airport parking lot to bring customers closer to their vehicles and AirTrain JFK Stations.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said:We are preparing today for the future by moving forward with our tests of self-driving technology within safe, controlled environments such as our airports, which also happen to be the exact facilities where we want to put this technology into use. We thank ABM Aviation for working with us and providing staff to serve as safety monitors as an extra precaution and for customer service during these tests that will include the public. Autonomous platoons can give us the opportunity to get more airport customers where they want to go while they’re within our property so that we can serve more people safely and efficiently.
This trial will continue for a three-month period at JFK’s long-term parking Lot 9. Two 8-passenger vehicles will circulate around the perimeter of the lot, making 15 stops.
The test vehicles are owned by Ohmio and are clearly marked with signage indicating that they are self-driving.
The autonomous shuttles will feature safety attendants on board, contracted through ABM Aviation Inc. Customers may ride the vehicles at no cost.
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said:Safely incorporating self-driving technology at our facilities is part of the Port Authority’s future, and these tests help to prepare us for that eventuality by building a knowledge base on the possibilities and limits of these vehicles. We are redeveloping our airports now to be world-class, which means incorporating world-class technology in every aspect of operations and customer experience as well.
