The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has selected three automated-people-mover (APM) system technology firms to advance to the next phase of a multi-phase procurement process to replace the existing AirTrain Newark system at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with a new 2.5-mile automated train system.
The three shortlisted firms are:
- Alstom Transport USA Inc.
- DCCCA1 Inc. (Doppelmayr)
- 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.
As part of PANYNJ’s ongoing commitment to modernizing Newark Liberty International Airport, AirTrain Newark will be replaced through a multi-phase procurement process, including the design and construction of the new AirTrain’s APM system technology and the operations and maintenance of the components necessary for a new fully functional, world-class AirTrain. Also included in this first phase are the procurement processes for the furnishing, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of the system technology.
Additional procurement phases in the AirTrain Newark Replacement program may include, but are not limited to, the following separate 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
For the APM system technology opportunity, PANYNJ will be conducting 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.
“The Port Authority’s airports are the gateways to the world and play a significant role in the region’s economy,” said PANYNJ 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 AirTrain is a critical part of Newark Liberty’s operations and the existing system is nearing the end of its useful life,” said PANYNJ 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.”
Debuted in 1996, the existing AirTrain Newark system has become outmoded and unreliable. The current system carries an average of 26,000 passengers per day or nearly 10 million passengers per year. It provides access to the co-located Newark International Airport station on New Jersey Transit and Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor lines and provides customers and employees with the ability to transfer among airport terminals, parking lots and rental car facilities. The Federal Aviation Administration granted final environmental approval for a replacement of AirTrain Newark on Aug. 13, 2021.
