NYT event listing for Children's Museum, Nov 2003

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

The JFK Direct Model

The JFK Direct would extend the AirTrain JFK from its planned terminal at Jamaica directly into Lower Manhattan, with a stop in Downtown Brooklyn. A companion service to the JFK Direct, the Jamaica Express, would also run from Lower Manhattan to Jamaica for Long Island customers, replacing current LIRR Atlantic Branch service. Presented as an option in Mayor Bloomberg's Vision, this system would require the construction of new tunnels and infrastructure from Lower Manhattan to Downtown Brooklyn, including a new East River tunnel, and minor modifications to the LIRR Atlantic Branch tracks.

The AirTrain JFK, scheduled to enter service later this year, will provide a significant improve­ ment over existing transit connections to the airport, which currently require passengers to walk across multiple platforms, pay multiple fares, wait for connecting services, and travel a long, cir­ cuitous route. The JFK Direct would build upon the improvements provided by AirTrain JFK by providing a one-seat service to and from the JFK Airport terminals, eliminating the transfer via AirTrain at Jamaica or Howard Beach. With a one-seat ride competitive with car services and other premium modes of travel to the airport, the JFK Direct offers Lower Manhattan an ameni­ ty that is the emerging international standard for central business districts. As illustrated in the earlier chart, London, Tokyo, Paris, and Hong Kong already provide direct, one-seat rail access to their central business districts from their major airports.

Travel on the JFK Direct from Lower Manhattan to JFK could take as little as 23 minutes, saving 38-42 minutes over current service.” Like the JFK AirTrain, the JFK Direct would be specifically configured for airport travelers, with luggage storage, wide doors, and other specialized features.

Travel on the Jamaica Express from Lower Manhattan to Jamaica could take as little as 15 min­ utes, saving 18-22 minutes over current service.” Jamaica Express trains would consist of more cars than JFK Direct and would provide bench seating and other commuter rail amenities to serve Long Island riders.

Construction phasing could permit a portion of the JFK Direct to begin operation from JFK to Atlantic Terminal before the entire system is completed. Concurrent with tunnel construction, the LIRR Atlantic Branch could be fitted with AirTrain propulsion and control technology from Jamaica to Atlantic Terminal and a platform for transfers to LIRR trains could be built at Jamaica. These upgraded tracks and platforms could provide interim service to Atlantic/Flatbush Avenue Terminal for both JFK Direct and Jamaica Express trains. Upon completion of the new

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