With its chief sponsor, former NY Governor Andrew Cuomo out of the picture, transit experts and local citizens he ignored are pushing New York’s new governor to cancel the LaGuardia Airport AirTrain project.
The $2.1 billion plan, which was a high priority for the former governor, would have an airport train head off away from Manhattan to connect with subways and commuter rail for a turn-around trip back to Manhattan. It was pushed through with no consideration given this time around to alternate plans, which included a subway extension to the airport.
Despite an optimistic public claim by airport operator Port Authority of New York and New Jersey that it would provide a 30-minute trip to central Manhattan, New Yorkers are skeptical; the subway portion of the trip alone can take that long, and some have pointed to an internal report that suggested travel by car would be faster.
Governor Kathy Hochul hasn’t taken a stand so far; her spokesperson told news media only that “Governor Hochul is committed to a world-class airport and transportation network, and she is working with the Port Authority, community members, elected officials, and advocates to ensure transparency and robust engagement,”
