Archinect - News

New York officially cancels LaGuardia AirTrain project

2023-03-13T15:55:00-04:00

State officials in New York have finally slammed the door on the proposed $2.4 billion AirTrain project at LaGuardia Airport over cost concerns.

The New York Times is reporting that the project was formally called off by Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday in favor of a less expensive plan that would offer additional Q70 bus service between the airport and subway stations in northern Queens.

The AirTrain was halted in October 2021 over costs and the potential impact on vulnerable Queens neighborhoods standing in the path of what some considered to be former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s personal obsession. Calls for its cancellation began almost immediately following his resignation in the face of a sexual harassment scandal just two months prior.

Previously on Archinect: Port Authority releases 14 alternatives to the LaGuardia AirTrain project

As the Times reported, the two recently-completed Terminal C and Terminal B projects included infrastructure to accommodate the AirTrain. The plan had...

Port Authority releases 14 alternatives to the LaGuardia AirTrain project

2022-03-04T12:47:00-05:00

One of Governor Kathy Hochul’s first moves in office was to pause her predecessor’s plans for a $2 billion AirTrain at LaGuardia Airport and ask the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to come up with other options. On Wednesday, the Port Authority released sketches for 14 alternatives, including light rail, bus routes and subway extensions. It’s now seeking community input before moving forward.

A questionnaire detailing the options and the factors being considered in evaluating the proposals was sent to more than 70 key stakeholders, including elected officials and community organizations. The alternatives include two potential subway extensions, five potential routes for fixed guideways for light rail connections, five potential bus routes, ferry service, and “emerging technologies.” At the end of their document, the Port Authority lists further potential options, such as “narrow tunnels with electric vehicles” and autonomous shuttles or buses.

Previously on Archinect: Port Authority officially halts the LaGuardian AirTrain project

There currently aren’t any listed costs for the proposals. In mid-March, two in-person public workshops will be held to gather input from the community.

Port Authority officially halts the LaGuardian AirTrain project

2021-10-19T12:05:00-04:00

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has officially halted plans to build the $2.1 billion LaGuardia AirTrain, a project heavily pushed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The announcement came just a week after Cuomo’s successor Kathy Hochul called on the agency to seek alternative transit solutions to LaGuardia Airport.

Previously on Archinect: Governor Hochul seeks alternative to Cuomo's controversial LaGuardia AirTrain project

“At Governor Hochul’s request, the Port Authority is undertaking a thorough review of potential alternative mass transit options to LaGuardia Airport,” reads a statement released by the Port Authority. “The agency will work in close consultation with independent experts and stakeholders, and will complete its work as expeditiously as possible, consistent with the need for the review to be thorough and rigorous. During the review, the Port Authority will pause further action with respect to the LaGuardia AirTrain project.”

The controversial project ha...

Governor Hochul seeks alternative to Cuomo's controversial LaGuardia AirTrain project

2021-10-08T15:05:00-04:00

Several New York state lawmakers are calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to kill the plans for a $2.1 billion AirTrain to LaGuardia Airport. Hochul released a statement Monday calling on the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, an agency she has at least partial control over, to look for alternative options.

“I have asked the Port Authority to thoroughly examine alternative mass transit solutions for reducing car traffic and increasing connectivity to LaGuardia Airport,” said Hochul in a statement. “We must ensure that our transportation projects are bold, visionary, and serve the needs of New Yorkers. I remain committed to working expeditiously to rebuild our infrastructure for the 21st century and to create jobs — not just at LaGuardia but at all of our airports and transit hubs across New York."

Hochul’s remarks came just before a rally on Monday in Corona, Queens at a site along the potential AirTrain route held by project opponents, including State Senators Jessica Ramos, Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, and John Liu, who pushed the governor to terminate the project altogether rather than just explore other options.

Previously on Archinect: FAA approves $2.1 billion LaGuardia AirTrain

Noting the damages and ongoing clean-up from Hurricane Ida, along with the community’s experience ...

Port Authority workers call on leadership to halt LaGuardia AirTrain project following Cuomo's departure from office

2021-08-13T14:05:00-04:00

Within hours following New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s resignation from office after a slew of sexual harassment accusations, Port Authority workers issued a letter to executive director Rick Cotton calling for the termination of the former governor’s controversial LaGuardia AirTrain proposal.

An excerpt from the letter, according to the New York Daily News, reads: “For too long, Gov. Cuomo and his staff have repeatedly pushed the agency to make non-transparent, politically motivated decisions, including decisions that squander the trust and money of our bondholders, customers, and the general public.” The letter also calls for the Port Authority Inspector General to examine whether Cuomo tried to unfairly influence the federally-mandated environmental impact statement process to approve the plan despite other alternatives and the protests of transit experts.

Just last month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the estimated $2.1 billion project, which would see th...

FAA approves $2.1 billion LaGuardia AirTrain

2021-07-23T16:39:00-04:00

Earlier this week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the estimated $2.1 billion LaGuardia AirTrain, an initiative to connect New York’s LaGuardia Airport with Manhattan. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will now be able to pursue federal funding for the project.

The 1.5-mile transit link will connect the airport’s Delta Airlines terminal to Willets Point Station, which borders Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets, and is served by the Long Island Rail Road and the Number 7 subway line. The Port Authority has claimed that the trip length will be 30 minutes from Midtown Manhattan to the airport. The project is expected to create 3,000 construction jobs and generate $500 million in contracting opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses, along with jobs for local residents, according to projects made by the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

Previously on Archinect: Construction on LaGuardia AirTrain Planned to Start this Summer

The approval comes...

Construction on LaGuardia AirTrain Planned to Start this Summer

2021-03-16T18:39:00-04:00

"A better way to LGA" is further crystalizing with a nod from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Yesterday, the FAA released its Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a document supporting the AirTrain LGA, a $2 billion, 1.5-mile transit link that would connect LaGuardia Airport with public transit."

The FAA should release a “Record of Decision” later this spring, at which point construction on the AirTrain can begin. The initial stages of construction, including on-airport utility work and foundations for the AirTrain guideway and station, are slated to start in June 2021.