Originally Posted by
Critic
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.
The only "solution" I could think of that would enable using PATH in place of AirTrain involves having everyone exit and re-enter (obviously a pain). (Or having a conductor board and have everyone swipe their MetroCard or tap their Smart Link.)
The NFC system wouldn't work, because not everyone would have an NFC card - unless you're suggesting pax get an NFC card before boarding and return upon disembarking
Originally Posted by
bob_the_d
no thanks. it's 70 miles from where i live in hell's kitchen, not 60km. which is about 112km. if there was a bullet train or a maglev or something like that in place, maybe. in a city where they can't even get public transportation right for existing airports (the newark airport express bus is a complete sh*tshow, the airtrain to EWR requires a train to the station plus a NJT train to penn station plus a bus/train/taxi to wherever i'm going, the airtrain to JFK is the same deal, LGA is a pain to get to unless you're on a taxi, etc.), i've just completely given up on the idea that we'll get airport transit like we find in europe or asia. yes i understand the reasoning behind why, but i've always been a big fan of public transit and the situation at the airports here wrt transit options i find really frustrating.
and seriously, the newark express bus should just be completely redone. it's like the worst bus system i've seen, with probably the lowest cost of fixing. the buses are terrible, uncomfortable, and loud. they're never on-time. trying to go through purchasing tickets at PABT or EWR-C is a complete joke (seriously, why can't i just buy tickets while i'm waiting in line, the guy is standing RIGHT THERE). and this could all be fixed without having to build new stations, lay new train tracks, or anything like that. it's beyond me why this doesn't get fixed.
ugh sorry. i just really, really hate that bus, and my stupid self keeps taking it thinking "oh maybe this time it'll be better."
it never is.
Something tells me building a Maglev, the first of its kind in the USA, wouldn't make so much sense to connect SWF - especially when there's 3 closer airports that have significantly easier and cheaper fixes