EPA press release on WTC cleaning hotline launch, June 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

JFK Airport Access and Long Island Commuter Service: Subjects for Study

The inter-agency Alternatives Analysis for JFK Airport and Long Island service will evaluate a range of options, including the models described above, over a year-long period. The study will place a particular emphasis on constructability and operational feasibility; it will document exist­ ing baseline conditions and services, examine the cost of each alternative, and explore environmen­ tal, organizational, and community impacts. Rigorous demand analyses based on ridership fore­ casts and population growth data will be conducted. Alternatives will be identified that will pro­ vide a significant improvement compared to existing service in categories such as travel time, fre­ quency, number of transfers, and passenger utilization. Ultimately, a single preferred alternative will be chosen for implementation. Short-term solutions may also be identified for implementa­ tion while the development and construction of the long-term approach progresses.

The chosen approach may take the form of one of the two models, may incorporate altogether different elements, or may combine the components and benefits of both concepts. One example of the latter possibility is as follows: a hybrid vehicle, capable of operating within both the subway and AirTrain systems, could be designed to maximize usage of existing infrastructure, as the Super Shuttle does, while also providing a convenient one-seat ride from Lower Manhattan to the air­ port, as the JFK Direct does. Such an idea will be explored thoroughly as part of the study.

Another area that merits investigation is the creation of a new East River tunnel. A key compo­ nent of the JFK Direct model, a new tunnel could offer significant benefits for a Super Shuttle­ type system by providing a means to avoid the capacity issues of existing tunnels. In addition, fur­ ther research is warranted to explore connectivity with existing subway services. A new system could be configured to maximize connections to other services or even to physically connect to and extend an existing transit line. It is possible that a system for one-seat JFK Airport and Long Island access that incorporates hybrid vehicle technology, utilizes a new tunnel, and provides con­ nectivity with other services would be priced at a level between the Super Shuttle and JFK Direct models.

The above are only a subset of the issues that will be reviewed within the study. At the conclusion of the analysis, the alternative identified as the preference of the agencies will represent the most favorable balance of feasibility, functionality, and operability, considering the pros and cons of each option. Throughout the study, data will be generated and preliminary analysis conducted for use in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will commence upon the selection of the pre­ ferred alternative. Concurrently, funding will be secured for the project. With the EIS complete, the preferred alternative for JFK and Long Island service will begin construction.

Chapter 2: Airport and Long Island Commuter Access 67

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