Agency Issues Request for Qualifications for the Replacement of the AirTrain Newark System

As part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s ongoing commitment to modernizing Newark Liberty International Airport, the agency issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) today for the replacement of the AirTrain Newark system with a new 2.5-mile elevated guideway train system.

The first phase, part of a multi-phase procurement process, includes the design and construction of the new AirTrain’s system technology, and the operations and maintenance of the components necessary for a fully functional, world-class AirTrain. Also included in the first phase are the furnishing, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of the system technology.

The systems technology Request for Proposals (RFP) will be issued to the shortlisted proposers in first quarter of 2023.

“Debuted in 1996, the existing system has become outmoded and unreliable over the years, and we want to ensure that the new system provides a high level of service that our airport customers and employees deserve,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “The first phase of the procurement process is a critical step in advancing our commitment to delivering a new system designed to provide best-in-class standards for reliability, comfort, and convenience using 21^st century technology.”

“We are committed to building a brand-new AirTrain Newark system, which is an integral part of modernizing and improving Newark Airport,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.  “A new rail link – which is a perfect complement to the new world-class Terminal A – will enhance the travel experience with seamless connections and quick access to the airport, as well as the new parking garage and consolidated rental car facility.”

AirTrain Newark, which is reaching the end of its useful life, is a critical component of the operation of Newark Liberty International Airport. The current system carries on average 26,000 passengers per day or nearly 10 million passengers per year. It provides access to the Northeast Corridor Rail Link Station and provides customers and employees with the ability to transfer between terminals, parking lots and rental car facilities.

Additional procurement phases in the AirTrain Newark Replacement Program may include, but are not limited to, the following separate contract packages:

• Early works packages
• Design package
• 2.5-mile elevated guideway structure and three stations including back of house areas
• Maintenance and control facility for the system technology equipment
• Pedestrian connections from stations to existing airport facilities

ABOUT NEWARK LIBERTY REDEVELOPMENT

The recently completed Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport is the centerpiece of an airport-wide renaissance designed to establish as a world-class gateway for the New Jersey and New York region. The next phase of this transformation will be developed through the work of a recently selected world-class airport master planner.

The $2.7 billion investment for a new Terminal A represents the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s largest-ever design-build project in the state of New Jersey. The new Terminal A replaces the outmoded existing terminal that first opened in 1973. The 33-gate facility features state-of-the-art digital technology, modern passenger amenities, and superior dining and retail options offered by nearly 60 regional, national, and global brands. Newark, Elizabeth, and Jersey City retailers are among the locally owned and operated concessionaires. The retail and food/beverage offerings will be tailored to the needs and requirements of domestic passengers.

The terminal has approximately 1 million square feet of space and will be able to handle larger aircraft with modernized common-use check-in, security, and baggage claim areas that can efficiently serve 13.6 million passengers a year. A new integrated parking facility with approximately 2,700 public parking spaces and consolidated car rental location directly connects to the New Terminal A via a climate-controlled pedestrian bridge. The multi-level garage is designed to be naturally ventilated and will provide convenient public parking and access to car rental companies all centralized at one location. The parking facility is expected to open by the end of the year and will feature innovative technology to allow travelers to enter and exit quickly and hassle-free.

Additional information on the new Terminal A here and photos of the new terminal are available here.

Please visit www.anewEWR.com for information regarding the new AirTrain Newark Replacement Program and redevelopment projects. For additional details about the RFQ, click here.