The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has shortlisted three APM system technology firms for its AirTrain Newark replacement project.

PANYNJ plans to replace the existing AirTrain Newark system at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with a new 2.5-mile automated train system. The three automated people mover (APM) specialists moving to the next stage of the multi-phase procurement process are: Alstom Transport USA, DCCCA1 (Doppelmayr), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America.

The shortlisted firms were selected as a result of a publicly advertised Request for Qualifications (RFQ) published on December 8, 2022.

This first phase of the AirTrain Newark Replacement programme includes the procurement processes for the furnishing, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of the system technology. PANYNJ stated that additional procurement phases may include, but are not limited to, the following separate contract packages: early works; design; 2.5-mile elevated guideway structure and three stations including back-of-house areas; maintenance and control facility for the system technology equipment, and pedestrian connections from stations to existing airport facilities.

For the APM system technology opportunity, the Port Authority will conduct a virtual minority/woman owned business enterprise (M/WBE), service-disabled veteran-owned business (SDVOB), and local business enterprise (LBE) industry outreach forum for the AirTrain Newark Replacement programme – system technology project on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

“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.”

Installed in 1996, the existing AirTrain Newark system has become outmoded and unreliable, PANYNJ said. The current system carries an average of 26,000 passengers per day or nearly 10 million passengers annually. It provides access to the co-located Newark International Airport station on NJ Transit and Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor lines and enables customers and employees 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 August 13, 2021. 

Image: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey