Doppelmayr Selected to Design and Construct AirTrain Technology At EWR
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Courtesy of Doppelmayr
NEWARK, N.J. – Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has selected Doppelmayr to design and construct new AirTrain technology and vehicles at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) as part of the AirTrain Newark Replacement Program.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has selected Doppelmayr to design and construct new AirTrain technology and vehicles at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) as part of the AirTrain Newark Replacement Program. The program seeks to replace the outmoded system with a modern 2.5-mile-long automated people mover train system. The contract is reported to include $570 million for design and construction and $385 million over the next two decades for operation and maintenance of the new system which is expected to open in 2029. Doppelmayr was selected after a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in December 2022 and a Request for Proposals (RFP) in March 2023.
Along with design, construction, operation, and maintenance, the first procurement phase “also includes the furnishing, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of the system technology components.” According to the report, the components include train control, electrical power, communications, propulsion, and Maintenance and Control Facility, or MCF, equipment. Future phases for the project will include contracts that relate to the guideway and stations, pedestrian connections, maintenance and control facility, and demolition of the current system.
As part of the contract’s mandate for equitable economic opportunities, Doppelmayr has committed to hiring minority-owned, women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and/or locally-owned business enterprises, especially from the cities of Newark and Elizabeth. In addition, Doppelmayr is required “to develop a locally based workforce development program, with goals to hire program participants for future work on the new system’s construction and operation.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said: “By advancing the replacement of AirTrain Newark, we further build upon Newark Liberty’s transformation into the modern, world-class airport our region deserves. . . This project marks a massive win-win not only for the tens of thousands of passengers who utilize Airtrain Newark daily, but for our residents in adjacent communities as well. While the revamped AirTrain will improve efficiency and connectivity at Newark Liberty, the project will also promote workforce development opportunities and good-paying local jobs, including for minority- and women-owned businesses.”
“This is a critical step in our wide-ranging efforts to revitalize and modernize Newark Liberty International Airport. . . Given Doppelmayr’s experience and expertise, we know the firm will be a great partner in bringing our travelers the reliable, efficient transportation they deserve, surrounded by world-class terminals and amenities,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole.
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton commented on the commitment “to driving this critical project forward, and this multi-step procurement process does it in a way that’s manageable and encourages competition. . . The selection of Doppelmayr underscores our determination to deliver travelers a world-class customer experience at our airports, including modern, reliable mass transit options.”
President of Doppelmayr Cable Car America, Inc. Markus Schrenttewein also put out a statement: “Doppelmayr is proud to partner with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for the development of the new AirTrain Newark. . . The Doppelmayr Group has a large number of similar projects to its name in the US, namely the Oakland Airport Connector and systems in Las Vegas. For AirTrain Newark, Doppelmayr will replace a special emphasis on creating value for the local community.”
