Originally Posted by
phkc070408
Using the PATH as the EWR monorail would have been the proper way to go. It could have functioned like SEPTA's Airport Line, a single seat ride from the city (World Trade Center) to the airport. They wouldn't have even needed to build the EWR rail station. Transfers occur at Newark Penn.
PHL's SEPTA service doesn't function as an intra-airport people mover. It doesn't have to, because PHL is interconnected on airside and landside (except for Terminal F, but there's a shuttle bus from the main complex). Using PATH in the method you suggest doesn't solve the issue of airside connections, since it would need to be landside to connect to the larger PATH system.
Originally Posted by
joshwex90
How do you keep it free between terminals?
They would have also needed to increase the frequency significantly (during the middle of the night and on weekends, it can be once every 20-30 minutes!)
An NFC farecard system (like the DC Metro SmarTrip, SF ClipperCard or ATL Marta Breeze card) could be programmed to allow for free passage between intra-airport stations (since those systems require an exit 'swipe', and fares are deducted on the exit swipe). Otherwise, you'd have to run a train out to a terminal, have everyone disembark, exit through a set of faregates and hop on a dedicated airport train.