PANYNJ shortlists firms for Newark people-mover project

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has selected three automated people mover (APM) system technology firms to advance the next phase of the procurement process to replace the AirTrain system at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

AirTrain Newark will be replaced by a new 2.5-mile automated train system as part of the airport's modernization program, PANYNJ officials said in a press release.

The three shortlisted firms are Alstom Transport USA Inc., DCCCA1 Inc. (a subsidiary of Doppelmayr Cable Car) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America Inc. The firms were chosen following the port authority's request for qualifications issued in December 2022.

The first phase of the procurement process involves design and construction of the APM system, as well as operations and maintenance of the components necessary for a "world-class AirTrain," they added. The first-phase of procurement also calls for the furnishing, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of the system's technology.

Additional phases could include separate contract packages, such as early works, design, elevated guideway structure and stations, maintenance and control facility and pedestrian connections from stations to airport facilities.

AirTrain Newark debuted in 1996, but has become outmoded and unreliable, port authority officials said. The system — which provides access to New Jersey Transit and Amtrak lines — carries an average of 26,000 riders daily and 10 million annually.