Summary
- NYC AirTrain slashes summer fares by 50% to reduce airport traffic congestion during JFK’s transformation project.
- From July 1st to September 2nd, 2024, single-ride fares were reduced from $8.50 to $4.25, encouraging public transport use.
- New road network, Terminal One, Terminal Six, and ground transportation center part of the $19 billion construction project to reduce traffic and improve airport experience.
The NYC public transit AirTrain, which travels from New York City to John F. Kennedy International (JFK), is slashing its prices for the summer in an attempt to encourage more passengers to take the train.
Summer slash
From July 1st to September 2nd, 2024, AirTrain single-ride fares will be reduced by 50% from $8.50 to $4.25. This is to encourage passengers to utilize public transport and reduce airport traffic congestion. The change has been enacted by New York City Governor Kathy Hochul and New York’s Port Authority.
Photo: Eliyahu Yosef Parypa | Shutterstock
According to Metro Airport News, Governor Hochul had this to say about the move:
“With transformational construction underway at JFK, we’re taking steps to mitigate travel delays and affirm what’s always been true – there’s no better option than taking the train to the plane. As we kick off a busy summer, we’re making it more affordable for travelers to utilize the AirTrain, offering New Yorkers and visitors from around the world the best-in-class travel experience they deserve.”
JFK is currently undergoing a $19 billion transformation project. Construction is scheduled to ramp up and reach its peak during the summer. The project, which includes an entirely new road network, will strain the airport’s normal operation. As a result, it would be beneficial for passengers to arrive by AirTrain rather than private vehicles and taxis.
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton also spoke about the price slash and airport construction project, saying:
“The historic, once-in-a-generation $19 billion transformation of JFK is gaining momentum by the day. We are entering our peak construction period while managing record passenger volumes, so traffic at the airport this summer will be very congested. When coming to or leaving the airport, we cannot more strongly recommend that travelers use the multitude of train and subway options that are reliably available. To that end, we are emphasizing the importance of public transit by reducing the AirTrain JFK fares by 50% this summer. A new, world-class JFK is just around the corner. We ask for patience and apologize in advance for the inconvenience caused during the construction period.”
JFK’s summer months are the busiest months, making it one of the busiest airports in the US and the world. Industry analysts expect an additional 700,000 passengers this summer.
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More about the AirTrain
Passengers should note that only the single ride fare has been discounted. The already discounted 10-trip and 30-day unlimited fares, which cost $26.50 and $42.50, respectively, are not being reduced.
The fare applies at both off-airport stations: Jamaica and Howard Beach. The former is 20 minutes from Grand Central Madison Station and Penn Station. Long Island passengers can access the station from the Atlantic Terminal using the Long Island Raid Road.
Construction project
The $19 billion project includes a new Terminal One and Terminal Six, a ground transportation center, and a roadway network. Construction is fully underway for all these projects. The refresh is much needed for one of the most used airports in the world.
Photo: JFK
The new roadway, which includes six miles of new roads, nearly 30% fewer driver decision points, and signaled intersections, is expected to reduce traffic congestion at the airport. The roadway network and ground transportation are estimated to cost $1.24 billion.
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