PANYNJ
The PANYNJ on Oct. 7 broke ground on a new AirTrain Newark system at EWR, launching construction of a “modern, reliable” 2.5-mile automated people mover. The new $3.5 billion system will replace the existing AirTrain, which opened in 1996 and has become “outdated, over capacity, and unable to accommodate Newark Liberty’s rapid growth,” according to the agency.
The new AirTrain system, the PANYNJ says, is a major piece of the ongoing redevelopment of EWR. The redevelopment plan charts a comprehensive reimagining of the airport, complete with modern terminals and infrastructure, a more intuitive roadway network, and a redesigned taxiway network to more efficiently accommodate aircraft and reduce delays. “The new AirTrain system will allow for expanded passenger capacity, greater reliability and flexible connectivity in conjunction with the airport’s redevelopment plan,” the agency noted. It is expected to begin operation in 2030.
“The new AirTrain Newark is essential to Newark Liberty’s future,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “It will improve access to the airport, support its continued growth, and knit together the airport’s terminals, rail links, and parking into a modern, unified system. Together with the new award-winning Terminal A and future redevelopment projects, the AirTrain will help deliver the 21st century travel experience that our region deserves.”
According to the PANYNJ, the existing AirTrain is “reaching the end of its useful life, requires extensive maintenance and repair, and cannot adequately meet upcoming demand.” AirTrain ridership, the agency says, is forecasted to grow by 50% by 2040, exceeding the capacity of the existing system. The current system is unable to be expanded or upgraded to newer technology, and its route will hinder future airport growth, while the new system is designed to be expandable, the PANYNJ said. When the current system opened, the airport served approximately 30 million passengers each year. In 2024, EWR welcomed nearly 50 million passengers.
The new $3.5 billion AirTrain system, the PANYNJ says, “will be better positioned to meet the needs of the redeveloped and modernized airport.”. The system will offer greater reliability and capacity, with the ability to handle 50,000 passengers per day, up from the current system’s 33,000-passenger capacity. Its route will allow for easier access to the new Terminal A, eliminating the current 15-minute walk between the AirTrain station and the terminal.
The route was designed with future airport growth in mind. Planning is under way for a new Terminal B to replace the current 52-year-old terminal. The current system will largely remain in operation until the new system opens, with some intermittent outages over a 28-month period that will exclude peak summer and holiday travel times.
The PANYNJ will provide connections to the current Terminal B. As the agency continues to redevelop the entire airport, passengers will be able to connect to the current terminal using a variety of options, including pedestrian walkways and efficient bus services. The agency will also be testing the use of autonomous shuttles as a new and convenient form of transportation that “leverages 21st century technology to provide a convenient, comfortable experience.” The PANYNJ says it also has plans to pilot the technology through three companies in 2026, building on several successful autonomous vehicle pilots at EWR and John F. Kennedy International airports over the last three years. Conventional electric shuttle buses will remain an option as well. The new world-class Terminal B will be directly adjacent to the AirTrain station.
HNTB joined the PANYNJ in celebrating the groundbreaking of the AirTrain Newark Replacement Program. HNTB is providing project management services and integration support, concept design development and design-build oversight review for the AirTrain Program.
For the past decade, HNTB has supported the PANYNJ in shaping and advancing the AirTrain Newark Replacement Program. The firm has “led the development of indicative design, advised on procurement and sustainability strategies, and provided technical guidance throughout the program.” HNTB also manages the guideway and stations project, helping to integrate it with rest of the program.
HNTB’s contributions at EWR also extends to the EWR Station Access Project, which encompasses a new pedestrian entrance and landside connection to the Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station. HNTB served as the preliminary designer for this project.
“This groundbreaking marks a significant milestone in the evolution of airport transit. The AirTrain Newark program reflects a commitment to delivering a modern, efficient system that improves how passengers move through Newark Liberty and connect to the broader region,” said HNTB Project Manager Dan Leonhardt.
Detroit People Mover
Plans to modernize the DPM are moving ahead after the Detroit Transportation Corporation, which owns and operates the automated rail system, started an $800,000 analysis of DPM, “aiming to adapt the transit line to downtown’s needs,” according to a WXYZ report.
“An office district, not a lot of residents. Not as many sports teams and events. And really, I think the biggest impetus is the continued growth of downtown as a residential neighborhood,” said Detroit Transportation Corporation CEO Robert Cramer, according to the report.
The analysis, according to WXYZ, which is expected to be completed in 2026, “will target both short-term fixes and major system upgrades. Quick changes could bring new station names, better signs, platform improvements, and possible two-way service on what’s now a one-direction loop.”
Future plans, according to the report, might extend the rail’s reach. “Maybe expanding the entire footprint of the loop or even adding some spurs out to some major development areas. So, everything’s on the table,” Cramer said.
Officials want public input through thepeoplemover.com/study. The online poll asks about travel habits and places needing better access.
