News & Reviews News Wire Port Authority issues Request for Qualifications for Newark AirTrain replacement

Port Authority issues Request for Qualifications for Newark AirTrain replacement

By Trains Staff | December 13, 2022

| Last updated on February 10, 2024


Request marks second attempt to advance replacement of airport rail system

Email Newsletter

Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. Sign-up for email today!

Illustration of airport train system
A conceptional rendering of the new Newark Airtrain system. Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J. — The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has issued a Request for Qualifications for a 2.5-mile elevated train system to replace the current Newark AirTrain.

This is the Port Authority’s second attempt to advance the project, approved by Federal Aviation Administration last year [see “Newark AirTrain project gets federal environmental approval,” Trains News Wire, Aug. 18, 2021]. NJ.com reported earlier this year the authority missed its July date to select one of four companies to build the project when the bids to build and operate the system came in higher than expected.

At that time, authority chairman Kevin O’Toole told NJ.com that the board would “see what we can do to make it more competitive to replace the Airtrain.”

Those shortlisted from the Request for Qualifications will receive the systems technology Request for Proposal for the first phase of the project in the first quarter of 2023. More information about the Request for Qualifications is available here.

2 thoughts on “Port Authority issues Request for Qualifications for Newark AirTrain replacement

  1. Wow! Worn out already. The whole thing.

    SEPTA’s KPHL Airport Line in Philadelphia opened in 1985 and shows no sign of wearing out. Of course, it uses conventional railroad technology and SEPTA operates the trains through to its Regional Rail network.

    Maryland’s KBWI Airport uses a bus shuttle to/from the NEC Station. Fare is free! When a bus wears out, they get a new one. No tens of million$ just to consultants, simply buy a new bus.

  2. flew into EWR couple times a year late 90’s thru 2019. Airtrain problems needing constant attention and repairs. time for a new system. no plans to fly to NJ anymore.

You must login to submit a comment