The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced a temporary reduction in the AirTrain JFK fare, cutting it by 50 percent from June 30 through Labor Day. This initiative aims to encourage the use of public transportation during the busy summer travel season at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which is also undergoing extensive construction.
The reduced fare of $4.25 applies at both Jamaica and Howard Beach stations, where payment can be made via OMNY or MetroCard. "As we head into a busy summer construction period in our $19 billion effort to build a new JFK International with record traveler volumes, we are once again asking travelers to leave their cars at home and take public transit to the airport," said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole.
This year, JFK is expected to handle 18.3 million travelers, setting a new record for summer passenger volume for the second consecutive year. To mitigate congestion due to ongoing construction, the Port Authority is emphasizing public transit use and implementing measures such as relocating ride app pickups for Terminals 4, 5, and 7.
"Beginning June 30 through Labor Day, AirTrain JFK fares will be reduced by half as an incentive to use public transit for reliable airport access and to reduce traffic at the terminal frontages," stated Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.
For those who must drive, parking will be limited and pre-booking is advised. Travelers should plan to arrive three hours before their flight due to potential delays caused by construction activities.
In addition to fare reductions, other strategies include proactive traffic management and increased staffing levels. The Port Authority's capital investment of $3.9 billion is leveraging private investment for JFK's redevelopment projects totaling over $15 billion.
