Tag: Port Authority

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Port Authority to launch design contest to replace bus terminal, we have some ideas

saturday night fever

Port Authority to launch design contest to replace bus terminal; we have some ideas of our own, so please submit your  design to the Ridgewood blog onlyonesmallvoice@gmail.com

The Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown Manhattan.
BY PAUL BERGER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

The Port Authority will push ahead with a design competition for a new Midtown Manhattan bus terminal even as agency commissioners remain divided about where and how big it should be — and whether they should build a second  terminal in New Jersey that would transfer bus commuters to trains for the trip to New York City.

Pat Foye, the Port Authority’s executive director, announced the launch of the competition at an agency board meeting on Thursday, saying that designers will be expected to submit concepts that are “scalable and modular and made to fit whatever location and size the agency decides.”

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a disco themed port authority ,with disco balls and blinking floors

The agency is being deliberately vague because of a split among board members about how best to replace the 66-year-old terminal at 42nd Street. That station, which serves about 30,000 Bergen County commuters every weekday, is operating over capacity and is in dire need of repair. Engineers say it will need to be knocked down in about 20 years because of structural problems.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/port-authority-to-launch-design-contest-to-replace-bus-terminal-1.1514239

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NJ woman survives jump off George Washington Bridge

GWB

FEBRUARY 3, 2016, 9:11 AM    LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016, 9:12 AM
BY ABBOTT KOLOFF AND STEFANIE DAZIO
STAFF WRITERS |
THE RECORD

A 25-year-old Somerset County woman who survived a jump off the George Washington Bridge Wednesday evening was rescued in the Hudson River by a Rutherford volunteer firefighter with his personal boat.

A witness saw the woman, whose name was not released, jump off the bridge around 5 p.m. Wednesday, Port Authority spokesman Joe Pentangelo said. Her car was found on Fort Washington Avenue in Manhattan.

She was conscious when she arrived at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital, Pentangelo said. The boat’s name is the Michael P. Murphy, he said.

Scott Koen, 58, said he happened to be on the river helping a volunteer group search for the body of a Rockland County man who recently jumped from the bridge when a member of his crew saw the woman fall into the river.

Koen said he jumped into the water to tie a rope around her so that she could be hauled aboard his boat, a 46-foot buoy tender. She had told him that she was unable to climb a ladder onto the boat.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/nj-woman-survives-jump-off-george-washington-bridge-1.1504858

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New York-Area Ports Shut Down as Longshoremen Walk Off the Job

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By MARC SANTORAJAN. 29, 2016

Thousands of longshoremen in New York and New Jersey walked off the job on Friday, grinding activity at some of the busiest ports on the East Coast to a halt and threatening to disrupt the delivery of goods across the region.

The walkout surprised many involved in the operation of the ports, according to officials, and the reasons behind the move were not immediately clear.

News of the work stoppage came in an alert issued by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which acts as a landlord for the ports but does not control daily operations.

“Due to the current work stoppage in the port, no new trucks will be allowed to queue on port roadways,” the alert said. “Do not send trucks to the Port at this time.”

Officials with the New York Shipping Association, which runs the ports, could not immediately be reached for comment.

A spokeswoman for the association who spoke to Bloomberg News said the group was “trying to understand the reason for what appears to be a walkout and will take every measure available to ensure work resumes.”

The International Longshoremen’s Association, the union representing port workers, also could not be reached for comment, but a representative of the union told a local radio station that the dispute centered on hiring practices.

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/30/nyregion/new-york-area-ports-longshoremen.html?_r=0

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Another Port Authority Disaster : Newark AirTrain’s demise comes as no surprise

Newark Airtran

DECEMBER 13, 2015, 11:01 PM    LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015, 11:20 PM
BY CHRISTOPHER MAAG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

When the AirTrain monorail opened at Newark International Airport in 1996, it was viewed as an engineering marvel. Finally, the airport’s old fleet of bouncy, slow, diesel-fuming jitney buses had been replaced by a sleek train passing silently overhead.

“There will be no more people saying, ‘I got to the airport in 10 minutes but it took me 30 minutes to travel around the terminals,’Ÿ” said John J. Haley Jr., deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “The system is absolutely safe and reliable.”

Safe, maybe. But AirTrain Newark was never reliable. And that should have come as no surprise to the people responsible for bringing it to the airport.

They knew because they were told by the man who sold it to them.

“It was a system that had not been run previously in the snow,” said Paul H. Wyss, now 80 and retired for 20 years. He conceived the project in the early 1990s when he was chief of American operations for Von Roll Transport. “Everybody knew ahead of time that there would be issues with snow and snow removal,” he said.

That proved to be an understatement. Even before AirTrain was finished, the Port Authority had serious problems clearing snow and ice, which delayed the monorail’s opening. Those issues — plus a half-dozen more — grew worse over the next two decades.

Finally, 19 years after it went into service, Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye announced in May that AirTrain Newark must be scrapped.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/newark-airtrain-s-demise-comes-as-no-surprise-1.1473289

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Port Authority votes to assume lead role in $20B Hudson River rail tunnel project

Ridgewood_Train_station_train-_is_coming_theridgewoodblog
The Port Authority’s commissioners voted Thursday to assume the lead role in a $20 billion project that is expected to double rail capacity between New York and New Jersey.
Paul Berger, The Record Read more
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The Record: High toll of tolls

Lincoln Tunnel

DECEMBER 8, 2015    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2015, 8:53 AM
THE RECORD

NEW JERSEY drivers commuting to New York felt pain at the toll barriers Monday. On Sunday, the tolls at the George Washington Bridge and the Lincoln and Holland tunnels went up. Again.

 

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-editorials/high-toll-of-tolls-1.1469612

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Bridge and tunnel tolls to go up starting Sunday

Lincoln Tunnel

NOVEMBER 30, 2015, 7:02 PM    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2015, 12:30 AM
BY CHRISTOPHER MAAG AND SHAWN BOBURG
STAFF WRITERS |
THE RECORD

No one likes a toll hike. And next week, a toll hike package approved in 2011 will reach its zenith — starting Sunday, cash-paying drivers will have to pay $15 to cross the George Washington Bridge, nearly double what it cost just a few years ago.

But there could be a small silver lining. Because after a series of back-to-back annual increases beginning in 2011, this may be the last toll hike North Jersey drivers will have to pay for at least a few years, according to a major credit agency’s prediction. The cash |toll currently is $14. Drivers with E-ZPass will see their tolls rise |75 cents during peak hours, to $12.50.

The toll increases were included in a controversial package approved by the Port Authority’s board in 2011. Two years later, The Record revealed that the increase was part of a coordinated plan by Governor Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to subvert public input and advance an even higher increase, only to impose a slightly more modest hike to make themselves appear financially responsible.

The strategy may backfire on the Port Authority, according to Moody’s, a credit rating firm. The toll increase makes the PA more dependent than ever on money from its interstate bridges and tunnels, as revenue from airports has declined. But total vehicle traffic is down, and many people remain angry about the rising costs.

That could make future toll hikes politically difficult, good news for drivers but bad for the Port Authority.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/bridge-and-tunnel-tolls-to-go-up-starting-sunday-1.1464974

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Port Authority officials expected to back proposal to move bus terminal one block west

NJT ticket machine

SEPTEMBER 24, 2015, 7:06 AM    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015, 7:14 AM
BY SHAWN BOBURG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

Leading Port Authority officials today are expected to recommend building a new Manhattan bus terminal one block west of the current station, following months of deliberation over several options with price tags as high as $10 billion, according to three people familiar with the discussions.

The endorsement of a broad plan that includes a specific location for the new terminal and a way to keep commuter buses running during construction would be a significant step in the long-running effort to replace the current 1950s-era mass transit facility with a modern alternative. But more time is needed to determine the new building’s design, the precise cost and how to finance it, said the three sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity so as not to preempt a presentation planned for today’s meeting of commissioners.

In March, in response to increasing calls to address the condition of the world’s busiest bus terminal, commissioners were given five options for replacing it. They ranged widely in estimated cost and in their impact on the bus system, depending on where the new terminal would sit and whether the current one would stay open during construction.

A four-commissioner group that considered the five options is expected to recommend that the bi-state agency build a new terminal between Ninth and Tenth avenues, keeping the current terminal on Eighth Avenue open during construction.

Once the new structure is up and running, the old terminal would be demolished and the development rights for the property, located on 42nd Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues, would be sold to help pay for the project. The location of the new terminal would force commuters connecting to the New York City subway system to walk one block, the three people said, whereas direct connections are possible through the current building

 

https://www.northjersey.com/news/port-authority-officials-expected-to-back-proposal-to-move-bus-terminal-one-block-west-1.1417389

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Port Authority’s role in paying for Hudson Rail tunnel in doubt

Lincoln Tunnel

SEPTEMBER 22, 2015, 10:55 PM    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2015, 11:02 PM
BY SHAWN BOBURG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

A new $20 billion rail tunnel under the Hudson River would be built, and partly paid for, by the Port Authority under a plan described last week by Governor Christie and his New York counterpart, Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Left unaddressed, though, was a fundamental question: Does the bi-state agency that collects tolls at the Hudson River vehicular crossings have the legal authority to lead a project to build a rail tunnel that will be used exclusively by other agencies — in this case, Amtrak and NJ Transit?

Some lawyers and lawmakers say no — not unless both states’ legislatures specifically approve the Port Authority’s involvement.

The issue is more than just an arcane legal question.

It rekindles other recent controversies over the legality of using Port Authority money — including the $14 cash tolls collected at its bridges and tunnels and airport fees — to fund non-Port Authority projects. The Port Authority is already facing an investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and federal regulators for shifting $1.8 billion in toll money to New Jersey-owned roads at the behest of the Christie administration.

The governors’ proposal for the tunnel also puts the Port Authority, an agency buffeted by a series of scandals that have dented Christie’s presidential hopes, at the center of one of the biggest public works projects in the country.

“It’s premature at this point to discuss what role the Port Authority may be asked to play with respect to the tunnel project,” Port Authority Chairman John Degnan said Friday. “At an appropriate time, we will ensure we have adequate legal basis for any involvement we do have.”

By law, the Port Authority is allowed to undertake projects associated with its existing facilities or new projects authorized by state lawmakers in both New York and New Jersey. But over the years, the Port Authority has found creative ways to bypass the requirement of legislative approval.

 

https://www.northjersey.com/news/analysis-port-authority-s-role-in-paying-for-tunnel-in-doubt-1.1415674

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United Airlines CEO resigns amid federal probe

newark-airport-picture

By Keith Laing – 09/08/15 05:17 PM EDT

United Airlines CEO Jeff Smisek has resigned from his post due to a federal probe into allegations the company offered air service to win favor from a New Jersey state official, the company announced on Tuesday.

The Bergen County, N.J., newspaper reports that federal prosecutors have been investigating allegations that United offered flights from Newark to Columbia, S.C., to benefit the chairman of the Port of New York and New Jersey, which operates one of United’s biggest hubs, Newark Liberty International Airport.

United said Tuesday that Smisek and two other high-ranking officials have resigned effective immediately because of the investigation, which the company stressed it is cooperating with.

The company said a member of its board of directors, Oscar Munoz, is taking over effective immediately.

United said Tuesday Munoz would provide a steady hand at the helm of the company, despite the ongoing federal investigation.

“Oscar’s track record demonstrates that he has the right blend of strategic vision and strong leadership to continue United’s upward trajectory,” Board of Directors Chairman Henry Meyer said in a statement announcing the resignations of Smisek and United’s executive vice presidents of communications and government affairs.

“United is well positioned to continue executing on its strategic plan to further improve performance and the value and service it provides to its customers,” Meyer continued. “I’m honored to have been elected non-executive chairman by my fellow directors. The board thanks Jeff for his service to both United Airlines and Continental Airlines.”

Smisek has led United since its 2010 merger with Continental. Smisek previously ran Continental, which also operated a hub at Newark.

https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/252980-united-airlines-ceo-resigns-due-to-federal-probe

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Port Authority has $1.75M tab for lawyers in probe of Pulaski Skyway funding

pulaski skyway

SEPTEMBER 2, 2015, 9:26 PM    LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015, 11:25 PM
BY SHAWN BOBURG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

The Port Authority has spent $1.75 million on outside lawyers to shield itself and its employees from an investigation into whether it improperly used toll money from its Hudson River crossings to fix state roads in New Jersey, records show.

The probe by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has attracted much less attention than the federal probe into the George Washington Bridge lane closures, which resulted in the indictments of two former allies of Governor Christie in May. But in an indication of the seriousness and scope of the road-repair funding investigation, the agency has quietly spent more than 2½ times as much on outside legal fees as it did during the lane-closure probe, according to agency data.

Thus far, nothing has come of the investigation into the Port Authority’s decision, at the urging of the Christie administration, to redirect $1.8 billion in toll money to rebuild the Pulaski Skyway and three other New Jersey roads.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/port-authority-spends-1-75m-to-face-ongoing-probe-of-pulaski-skyway-funding-1.1402488

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Port Authority to reconfigure gates at NYC bus terminal in effort to reduce delays

Portauthority_theridgewoodblog

JULY 23, 2015, 3:47 PM    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2015, 6:13 PM
BY SHAWN BOBURG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

A planned reconfiguration of gates inside the Port Authority’s midtown Manhattan bus terminal is expected to reduce delays in the cramped building, agency officials said Thursday.

The changes, to take effect in early September, would consolidate NJ Transit bus service on the building’s third floor, eliminating the operational mess that ensues when private carriers and New Jersey’s mass transit buses try to navigate around each other in the same space. Currently, the third floor is split among NJ Transit and private bus operators.

The move was presented as another stop-gap measure to improve service out of the often-criticized terminal while the Port Authority explores options for replacing the building.

“We believe that our commuters will experience a more reliable trip while we work with staff to develop a new modern facility,” said Port Authority Chairman John Degnan.

Last year, amid pressure from commuters and some New Jersey lawmakers, the Port Authority agreed to put $90 million into improvements at the bus terminal, including revamped bathrooms, new air conditioning units and repairs to ceiling tiles. The agency also added new traffic management personnel inside the terminal last September to help keep buses moving, a change that agency officials said created significant improvement

https://www.northjersey.com/news/port-authority-to-reconfigure-gates-at-nyc-bus-terminal-in-effort-to-reduce-delays-1.1379713

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Port Authority road-funds probe intensifies

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JULY 4, 2015, 10:59 PM    LAST UPDATED: SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015, 11:25 PM
BY SHAWN BOBURG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

At the Port Authority, even the lawyers are getting lawyers.

More than 15 officials — including three in-house attorneys — have lawyered up amid an escalating investigation into the Port Authority’s decision to redirect $1.8 billion in toll money from its Hudson River crossings to fix roads in New Jersey.

The development signals that the 15-month-old joint investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has entered a more serious phase. And the focus on at least three of the agency’s top staff attorneys suggests prosecutors and federal regulators are closely examining the legal justification for shifting toll dollars to New Jersey-owned roads.

The investigation is focused on whether the Port Authority misled investors and bondholders in 2011 when it agreed to use toll money to rebuild the 3.5-mile Pulaski Skyway and three other major New Jersey state roads at the behest of the Christie administration. Laws limit the bi-state agency’s spending to projects associated with its own facilities.

The Port Authority quietly justified the spending by labeling the highways as access roads to the agency’s Lincoln Tunnel — even though they are miles from the tunnel, do not connect to it directly and do not generate any revenues for the Port Authority. Agency lawyers described the repairs in bond documents as “access infrastructure improvements” to the Lincoln Tunnel.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/port-authority-road-funds-probe-intensifies-1.1368743

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Playing Favorites: Baroni going to Ireland to work on marriage equality referendum

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Bill Baroni received approval from a federal judge to travel to Dublin, Ireland today through next Tuesday to help pass a marriage equality referendum.

The Bergen Record has the story on the indicted former deputy director for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey here. (PolitickerNJ Staff)

Baroni going to Ireland to work on marriage equality referendum | New Jersey News, Politics, Opinion, and Analysis

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After 40 years of Renovations : Push to Replace Port Authority Bus Terminal

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After 40 years of Renovations : Push to Replace Port Authority Bus Terminal

New depot is estimated to cost up to $11 billion

By
ANDREW TANGEL
Updated March 17, 2015 12:47 p.m. ET

When the Port Authority Bus Terminal opened in 1950, it helped New York City funnel a growing number of buses carrying commuters into Manhattan’s West Side.

Today, the terminal west of Times Square is a major chokepoint for bus traffic from New Jersey suburbs. Commuters complain of delays, crowding and a dreary environment.

Like Penn Station about 10 blocks to the south, the terminal is also the butt of jokes. Last summer, the comedian John Oliver declared it “the single worst place on Planet Earth” and joked that even cockroaches are trying to escape.

Now the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has preliminary estimates for how much it could cost to replace its eponymous terminal: $8 billion to $11 billion, a potential price tag rivaling that of a project to dig new passenger rail tunnels under the Hudson River.

The terminal is expected to take the spotlight at the Port Authority’s board meeting on Thursday, highlighting how the agency is trying to refocus on regional transportation in the wake of the September 2013 scandal involving lane-closures at the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, N.J.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-push-to-fix-port-authority-bus-terminal-1426547679