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The basics:

• Port Authority begins $3.5B construction of new AirTrain Newark
• 2.5-mile system will connect terminals, parking and rail links
• Designed for 50,000 daily riders; operations expected by 2030
• Project supports local hiring and workforce development initiatives

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey marked a major milestone Oct. 7 with the groundbreaking of the new AirTrain Newark. The $3.5 billion, 2.5-mile automated people mover will replace the current outdated system at Newark Liberty International Airport.

The event featured a slew of government leaders, Port Authority officials, key stakeholders and more, to celebrate the start of construction on a critical transportation link that is central to the airport’s ongoing transformation, which NJBIZ has reported on.

Operations are expected to begin in 2030. The new AirTrain will replace the current system. Opened in 1996, that infrastructure has outlived its useful life and can no longer meet rising passenger demand.

Designed to carry 50,000 riders daily, the new system will provide seamless access to the award-winning Terminal A, future Terminal B, parking facilities, and the airport’s NJ Transit and Amtrak rail links.

Meeting future needs

Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said the groundbreaking marks another milestone in the complete transformation of EWR into a world-class gateway.

“This project is about more than just replacing outdated infrastructure,” said O’Toole. “It’s about building the capacity, reliability, and customer experience that millions of travelers will depend on for decades to come as we complete a top-to-bottom reimaging of Newark Liberty.”

Executive Director Rick Cotton emphasized the AirTrain’s role as the backbone of the airport’s continued evolution.

“The new AirTrain Newark is essential to the airport’s future,” said 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 project, the AirTrain will help deliver the 21st century travel experience that our region deserves.”

Welcome to New Jersey

In a press release, Gov. Phil Murphy said, “Newark Airport is the front door to our region – and modernizing the AirTrain system is part of our commitment to reimagining a world-class airport that is worthy of our state.”

[M]odernizing the AirTrain system is part of our commitment to reimagining a world-class airport that is worthy of our state.
– Gov. Phil Murphy

Local mayors highlighted how the project connects with broader community and workforce goals.

Elizabeth Mayor Christian Bollwage said the modernization of Newark Liberty International Airport is more than an infrastructure project, it’s an investment in people.

“This transformation not only strengthens one of our region’s most vital transportation hubs, but also creates new opportunities for Elizabeth residents through local hiring, workforce development, and improved access to world-class transit,” said Bollwage. “I’m proud to see this level of commitment to our community and to the future of our region.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said, “This new AirTrain system at Newark Liberty International Airport is emblematic of two key constants in our city’s ongoing development: our growing prominence as both a destination and global transportation hub, and our insistence that our growth be supported by our own local workforce.”

At a glance

Key details about the project:

• Investment: $3.5 billion project to build a new, 2.5-mile elevated AirTrain system
• Capacity: Expands daily ridership from 33,000 passengers to 50,000, with design flexibility for future growth
• Timeline: Construction underway; operations expected to begin in 2030
• Stations: Three new stations will serve Terminal A, a future Terminal B, and the Rail Link Station connecting to NJ Transit and Amtrak
• Accessibility: Will offer a direct connection, eliminate the 15-minute walk between the AirTrain and Terminal A
• Workforce development: Contractor Doppelmayr must implement a local hiring and training program. Port Authority initiatives include the PA Build, General Maintainers, and Business Capacity programs to expand opportunities for local firms and residents. The initiatives help prepare small and local businesses to compete for work on the project
• Procurement and design partners:
  • Doppelmayr – Design, construction, operation and maintenance of the automated system
  • Stantec – Design of a new 70,000-square-foot maintenance and control facility as well as decommissioning of the existing AirTrain
  • Tutor Perini/O&G Joint Venture – Construction of the elevated guideway and stations
• Continuity: The current AirTrain will remain in limited operation during the 28-month construction period, with minimal impact during peak travel seasons

EWR Vision Plan

The new AirTrain is a key pillar of the Port Authority’s EWR Vision Plan, a long-term strategy to reimagine Newark Liberty as a world-class airport. That plan follows the successful 2023 opening of the new Terminal A, which has since been recognized for its design and passenger experience.

Major elements of the redevelopment EWR redevelopment include:

• A new international Terminal B to replace the existing 52-year-old facility, as well as enhancing Terminal C
• A streamlined roadway and taxiway network to reduce congestion and delays
• Enhanced multimodal connections, including improved NJ Transit and Amtrak access

The Port Authority also plans to test the use of autonomous shuttles as a new and convenient form of transportation. It plans to pilot the technology through three companies in 2026, building on several successful autonomous vehicle pilots at EWR and John F. Kennedy International Airport over the past three years.

“With global events like the World Cup approaching, New Jersey is making the kind of smart investments that strengthen our economy and improve how people move through our state,” said Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, D-29th District.

“These upgrades will provide travelers with a more accessible and reliable way to catch a flight or return home, designed to be affordable, meet growing demand, and support future airport expansion,” said Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, D-29th District. “The project will also create new job opportunities, ensuring our local community and economy benefit from this redevelopment.

“With shovels in the ground, New Jersey is one step closer to a better-connected, world-class transit system.”

Watch the AirTrain Newark groundbreaking ceremony here: