It seems that New York City’s transportation planners have had a change of heart, shifting their focus from a costly AirTrain project to more practical and budget-friendly bus enhancements for La Guardia Airport. In this article, our travel expert Kevin Erickson explores the ins and outs of this surprising decision and what it means for travelers.
TL;DR:
- NYC transportation planners abandon $2 billion AirTrain plan for La Guardia Airport
- Experts, including former NYC transportation commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, recommend buses as a more practical solution
- Enhancements to existing bus connections and creation of a direct airport-to-subway shuttle proposed
- Bus enhancements expected to be more widely used than a rail connection
- Cost-effective solution estimated at $500 million
Experts Choose Buses Over Trains
Former New York City transportation commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and other transportation authorities have chosen buses as the most practical solution to improving transit connections to La Guardia, one of the country’s busiest airports. They believe that more people will likely use the proposed bus service than a rail connection, despite trains usually being more popular in mass transit projects.
Goodbye, AirTrain; Hello, Bus Enhancements
New York City’s transportation planners recently abandoned the idea of building an AirTrain to La Guardia Airport, which would have cost over $2 billion. Instead, they opted to enhance an existing public bus connection and create a direct shuttle between the airport and subway lines.
A Budget-Friendly Alternative
The proposed bus enhancements will cost an estimated $500 million, which is significantly less than the now-scrapped $2 billion AirTrain plan. This cost-effective solution is expected to draw around five million passengers annually, according to the panel of experts.
Enhancing the Existing Bus Connection
The panel backed a plan to improve the current public bus connection to the No. 7 subway line in the Woodside section of Queens and to create a direct shuttle between the airport and the N and W subway lines in Astoria. Governor Kathy Hochul accepted the recommendation, and the Port Authority’s board of commissioners is expected to authorize it within three months.
What This Means for Travelers
Although trains may have a more appealing image, the new bus enhancements are a practical and cost-effective solution to improving transit connections to La Guardia Airport. So, next time you’re heading to the airport, keep an eye out for these new and improved bus options!
🚍 A Win for Travelers and Taxpayers
Ultimately, this decision marks a victory for both travelers and taxpayers, as it provides a more affordable and efficient means of transport to one of the country’s busiest airports. It’s a clear example of how sometimes the most practical solutions can trump even the most ambitious projects.
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