Port Authority Shortlists Three APM Firms to Replace AirTrain Newark

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
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The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced March 23 that it has chosen three automated-people-mover system technology firms to move forward to the next step of a multi-phase procurement process to replace the existing AirTrain Newark system at Newark Liberty International Airport with a new 2.5-mile automated train system.

The shortlisted firms include: Alstom Transport USA Inc.; DCCCA1 Inc. (Doppelmayr); and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America Inc. The shortlisted firms were selected as a result of a publicly advertised Request for Qualifications that was published on Dec. 8, 2022, a release said. 

AirTrain Newark will be replaced as part of the Port Authority’s ongoing efforts to modernize Newark Liberty International Airport through a multi-phase procurement process that includes the design and construction of the new AirTrain’s APM system technology, as well as the operations and maintenance of the components required for a new fully functional AirTrain. 

This initial step also includes the procurement processes for the system technology’s furnishing, delivery, installation, testing, and commissioning, a release said. 

“The AirTrain is a critical part of Newark Liberty’s operations, and the existing system is nearing the end of its useful life,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.  “It is imperative to build a new 21st century AirTrain to serve the new world-class terminals that we are building at Newark Liberty.”

Additional procurement phases in the AirTrain Newark Replacement program may include the following contract packages:

  • Early works packages
  • Design package
  • 2.5-mile elevated guideway structure and three stations including back-of-house areas
  • Maintenance and control facility for the system technology equipment
  • Pedestrian connections from stations to existing airport facilities

The Port Authority will hold a virtual Minority/Woman Owned Business Enterprise, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business, and Local Business Enterprise Industry Outreach Forum for the AirTrain Newark Replacement program – system technology project on March 30, 2023. Those interested in attending can register here.

“The Port Authority’s airports are the gateways to the world and play a significant role in the region’s economy,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole.  “As air travel demands continue to grow, this agency is committed to making necessary investments, including spending billions of dollars to modernize our airports and their transportation assets like the AirTrain.” 

The existing AirTrain Newark system, which debuted in 1996, has grown outdated and unreliable, officials said. The current system transports 26,000 passengers per day on average, or nearly 10 million passengers per year. 

The system gives passengers access to the co-located Newark International Airport station on NJ Transit and Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor lines, as well as the opportunity to transit between airport terminals, parking lots, and rental car facilities. On Aug. 13, 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration gave final environmental approval for the replacement of AirTrain Newark.

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