Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Newark airport’s monorail system is getting an upgrade
By
Mike Hayes
Published Dec 15, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Mike Hayes
Published Dec 15, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Newark Liberty International Airport's out-of-date monorail system will finally be replaced, according to an announcement from the Port Authority this week.
Port Authority officials said that the Austria-based high-performance train company Doppelmayr was awarded a nearly $1 billion contract to replace the 27-year-old AirTrain with a modern cable car system being used at airports and cities around the globe.
The contract includes $570 million for design and construction, as well as an estimated $385 million to operate and maintain the new system for 20 years, the Port Authority said.
The new AirTrain is expected to open in 2029.
In the announcement, Doppelmayr President Markus Schrentewein noted that the company “has a large number of similar projects to its name in the U.S.”
The company has built modern cable-propelled trains for Oakland International Airport in California and Last Vegas' Aria Express shuttle. It also constructed transport systems at airports in Mexico City, London and Toronto.
Newark Liberty's monorail carries thousands of travelers from the airport to parking lots, subways and other transportation areas daily.
But the current system was built in 1996, and its lifespan lapsed in 2021. The Port Authority said the current setup cannot adequately meet the demand on the system, which transports more than 12 million passengers per year.
“By advancing the replacement of AirTrain Newark, we further build upon Newark Liberty’s transformation into the modern, world-class airport our region deserves,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy in a statement.
Earlier this year, the airport debuted its new Terminal A, a fresh 33-gate hub that featured new dining options and shops, and a Delta Sky Lounge. It replaced the old Terminal A, which had been operating since 1973.
As part of the contract, the Port Authority said Doppelmayr must make good-faith efforts to hire and partner with local and minority and women-owned businesses in the new AirTrain's construction and operation. Murphy called this a “win-win.”
“While the revamped AirTrain will improve efficiency and connectivity at Newark Liberty, the project will also promote workforce development opportunities and good-paying local jobs,” he said.
Recently, travelers riding the AirTrain at Newark and at other local airports have faced price hikes. AirTrain fares have gone up by a quarter twice in the past two years because of inflation, according to the Port Authority. Rides currently cost $8.25 at both Newark and JFK.
Tagged
new jersey
transportation
Mike Hayes
Mike Hayes covers equity and access to opportunity in New Jersey. He joined WNYC and Gothamist in 2023. Before that, he worked as a freelance journalist writing about policing and criminal justice. He has written for ProPublica, CNN, HuffPost, BuzzFeed News and The Appeal. He is also the author of the book, “The Secret Files: Bill De Blasio, The NYPD, and the Broken Promises of Police Reform.” In 2019, he was a finalist for the Livingston Award for Young Journalists.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:00 a.m. ET
Man shot and killed on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says
Police said they're searching for a person of interest.
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
News
Man shot and killed on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says
Police said they're searching for a person of interest.
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Tompkins Square Park is getting a makeover. Some say it's too much.
By
Willow Higgins
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .