Allan wrote: ↑Sat Sep 16, 2023 8:12 am
I wonder what is happening with PATHs planned extension to the airport rail station.
The Port Authority, citing reduced revenues due to COVID and slow return to office, has decided to kick it out of it's current ten-year capital plan and put it in the next ten-year capital plan. The current plan runs through 2026. Instead, they are moving ahead with opening up the Airlink station on the NEC to the public, with street access and parking. And building a new Airtrain, which is also desperately needed. The Port Authority needs to spearhead something with NJ Transit and perhaps Amtrak to help with the cuurent crowds and novice transit riders with luggage.
My concerns, Saturday afternoon I took a semi express (skipped Rahway, Linden, North Elizabeth, Elizabeth) NEC train from Princeton Jct. to NY Penn. The train was already packed when we got to the airport, the platforms at the airport were packed with tons of people with luggage. Many of whom were probably using the connection for the first time. Adding more people to the airport station by opening it up to the public is going to make for a miserable experience for those trying to get a seat on the train with luggage. There were tons more people getting on at Newark Penn, probably connections from the RVL, and then it was mind bogglingly crowded (standing room only in the bilevels) when we got to Secaucus where all the Bergen/Main line passengers tried to squeeze in. I realize it's the holidays, and Saturday was Santa Con, but this is an ongoing issue for years.
A direct PATH connection to the airport would alleviate many issues, most importantly since the trains would originate at the airport travelers would be able to get a seat. Second, it would offer way more frequency. There are inconsistent gaps in current NJ Transit service from the airport to NY Penn, sometimes there's only a 5-minute gap between trains and other times there is a 30–45-minute gap. Ideally, during peak hours, there would be no more than a 15-minute wait for a train to take someone from NY Penn from EWR.
If we're putting PATH extension on hold that leaves us with NJ Transit and Amtrak. How can the current experience be improved short term and long term.
Long term, obviously there's Gateway which will increase the number of trains into Manhattan for NJ Transit (and Amtrak). And then there are the new Bilevel EMUs, which is an increase in seats over current Bilevel sets and Arrow IIIs. It's possible, after Gateway opened, that NJ Transit could originate some trains at the airport. Perhaps 3 car Bilevel EMU sets, with stops at Newark Penn, Secaucus and NY Penn. If not, perhaps they could go with the idea our former poster Jtgshu had, he called it the Rahway rocket?
Short term, while waiting for Gateway, what can be done. First, I think there are opportunities to increase service from the current schedule. Heading to NY Penn, Weekdays, there are 4 trains during the 5am hour, 3 trains during the 6am hour, 3 at the 7am hour, 4 trains at the 8am hour. However, 2 of the trains at the 8am hour are only 4 minutes apart. I think there should be a minimum of 4 trains per hour at EWR to NY Penn, and not 4 minutes apart but better spread out. Changes might mean that some trains that are express and currently skip the airport should add the stop.
Next, what about NJ Transit keeping the last, or first cars, of a train closed off until they reach the airport. And having signage, lines painted on the platform (in many languages) and staff directly those boarding at the airport to board those cars that up until that point were closed off. Those cars would obviously accommodate the airport travelers, giving them a chance to get a seat, and those boarding at Newark Penn and Secaucus.
The last idea is to work out a deal with Amtrak to pick up certain passengers. Perhaps the Port Authority could provide a subsidy, tickets bought in the Airport terminals would be able to be redeemed for travel on NJ Transit or Amtrak to NY Penn. This wouldn't be available to those not coming from the airport terminals. Or the airlines could sell these tickets themselves.
From NY Penn to Newark Airport that is going to need the new station to be built. The situation is terribly crowded on the platforms, stairs/escalators and Penn station is miserable with no seats.
