After years of delays and debate, construction is officially under way on a long-awaited replacement of the AirTrain at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Elected officials and leaders from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey broke ground on the $3.5 billion project on Tuesday, saying it will will transform how passengers move through one of the nation’s busiest travel hubs.
“Fifty million people come through here every single year, and 50 million people will now see a new Terminal A, a new Terminal B, and a new AirTrain Newark,” said Kevin O’Toole, chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “This is what they need.”
It’s been a decade since the agency first announced plans to replace the original AirTrain, which has been in operation since 1996. The current 2.5-mile system shuttles tens of thousands of passengers every day between terminals, parking lots and rental-car centers. It also connects directly to NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor line.
“Without it, the airport couldn’t operate,” said Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority. “The old one is far passed its design life, and it will finally be replaced.”
Port Authority Aviation Director Sarah McKeon said the upgrade is long overdue. “It’s kind of heartbreaking to access our world-class, award-winning, brand-new Terminal A using the existing AirTrain,” McKeon said.
Officials said the new AirTrain system will cover roughly the same route but will be faster, larger and far more efficient.
“We’re designing not just a transit system, but an experience,” said Ralph D’Puzzo, senior program director. “The new fleet will feature seven five-car trains — each holding up to 260 passengers with luggage, more than double the current capacity. All three new stations will include intuitive signage, dynamic displays and local art.”
Local leaders also emphasized easier access for nearby communities. “Most importantly is the connection off Frelinghuysen Avenue,” said Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage. “People will be able to drive up, drop family off, and hop right onto the AirTrain to any terminal.”
U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-10th) said the project isn’t just about convenience, it’s about growth.
“The 50,000 passengers this new AirTrain can accommodate each day matter,” McIver said. “Newark Liberty is a vital hub that connects families, businesses, and workers and brings economic opportunity to our region.”
State Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex) added that upgrades like this are part of a broader push to modernize the entire travel experience. “Traveling shouldn’t be uncomfortable or chaotic,” Ruiz said. “Bathrooms should be clean, accessibility should be easy, and food lines manageable. You’re beginning to see that transformation here.”
Construction on the new AirTrain Newark system will begin later this year, with passenger service expected to launch in 2030.
