Outdated 1996 System Replaced by Modern Automated Mover to Boost Capacity from 33K to 50K Daily Riders by 2030
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Newark, NJ – The future of travel at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) officially kicked off today. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey broke ground on a massive $3.5 billion AirTrain Newark system—a vital step in transforming EWR into a modern, world-class gateway.
The new project will replace the existing, outmoded AirTrain, which has operated since 1996 and can no longer handle the airport’s explosive growth, which saw EWR welcome nearly 50 million passengers in 2024 alone.
Capacity and Connectivity: The Core Upgrades
The new automated people mover system will span 2.5 miles and is designed to eliminate the common headaches experienced by millions of travelers each year. The upgrade focuses on two critical areas:
- Massive Capacity Increase: The new system will handle up to 50,000 daily riders, a significant jump from the current 33,000-passenger daily limit. AirTrain ridership is forecasted to grow by 50% by 2040, making this capacity essential.
- Seamless Terminal Access: The new route is specifically designed to provide direct, easy access to the award-winning New Terminal A, eliminating the current 15-minute walk. It will also be positioned adjacent to the planned new Terminal B, “knitting together” all parts of the airport, rail links, and parking.
“This project is about more than just replacing outdated infrastructure,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “It’s about building the capacity, reliability, and customer experience that millions of travelers will depend on for decades to come.”
Part of the Bigger EWR Vision Plan
The new AirTrain is a key component of the Port Authority’s comprehensive EWR Vision Plan, a top-to-bottom redevelopment that includes:
- New Terminals: Planning for a new world-class Terminal B to replace the current 52-year-old facility.
- Intuitive Roadways: Streamlining vehicular access to reduce congestion and confusion.
- Efficient Airside Operations: Redesigning the taxiway network to accommodate larger aircraft and minimize flight delays.
- New Rail Entry Point: Dramatically expanding transit access for underserved communities in Newark and Elizabeth.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy noted the significance of the investment: “Building on the transformation of Terminal A, the new system will meet an increasing number of travelers and deliver the airport experience they deserve.”
The new AirTrain is projected to begin operation in 2030.
Local Jobs and Innovatio
Beyond infrastructure, the Port Authority is committed to strengthening the local community. The project mandates contractors like Doppelmayr, Stantec, and the Tutor Perini/O&G joint-venture to hire locally and engage small, local businesses. Programs are also underway to pilot autonomous shuttle buses as a convenient transportation option during the transition.
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