PANYNJ Board approves $30 million for LaGuardia transit connection

June 23, 2023

The authority will focus its investments on improving the existing MTA Q70 LaGuardia Link service and launch an express shuttle service from Astoria, Queens.

Mischa Wanek-Libman

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) will advance planning and design on improving transit connections to LaGuardia Airport following the approval of $30 million for the project from the authority’s Board of Commissioners.

The project will focus on improving existing service on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Q70 LaGuardia Link, as well as the creation of a new non-stop shuttle service from the terminus of the N/W subway line in Astoria, Queens to the airport. The improvements align with recommendations made in March by an expert panel brought in to review 14 transit options to the airport following the cancellation of the LaGuardia AirTrain proposal.

“A vital part of building world-class airports is creating the modern and efficient public transportation that will get passengers and the public to our new facilities. That’s why the port authority is continuing to make major investments in mass transit improvements to LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and JFK International airports,” said PANYNJ Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “The finest airports in the world deserve the quality mass transit options.”

The expert panel convened in 2021 at the request of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and included representatives from well-recognized engineering, construction and transportation firms. PANYNJ says the panel expressed a preference for a “one-seat ride via subway,” but recognized cost challenges and unresolved constructability issues as a driver toward the recommendation to pursue improved bus connections to the airport.

“[The] vote by the Board of Commissioners is a major step forward in making the improvements in mass transit to LaGuardia Airport that were recommended by the panel of experts after an exhaustive study,” said PANYNJ Executive Director Rick Cotton. “We look forward to working with the MTA and other stakeholders in planning and designing effective and efficient bus service to LaGuardia that will serve an estimated 5 million passengers a year.”

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.