JFK AirTrain Fare Slashed In Half For Summer Travelers

Forbes

7 hours ago

Starting in late June, the JFK AirTrain will offer a 50% discount on its fares in an effort to entice new passengers and reduce traffic congestion in New York City. Getty Images
There has been mixed reporting about the summer travel season. Some destinations say it's going to be a bust, while others say it's going to be busy. In some reports, experts say that airline fares will be cheaper than usual. In others, different experts insist that airline fares will be higher than normal.
In this way, travel media and its reporting can be confusing, if not contradictory. But, one thing is for sure for New Yorkers: Regardless of what happens to airline fares, getting to the airport will be cheaper this summer—half the price, in fact.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recently announced that the fare on the AirTrain will decrease 50% this summer, from $8.50 to $4.25 per ride. The new, half-price fare will be available from both the Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations from June 30 through September 1st.
The reason for the discount is to combat growing traffic issues in and around New York City. According to reports, the Port Authority is hoping that the reduced fare might entice more New Yorkers (and visitors) to take the AirTrain to and from JFK instead of driving or using a rideshare.
Many New Yorkers forgo taking the AirTrain because they see it as inconvenient, and also not exactly cheap.
For example, since the AirTrain doesn't go directly to JFK from Manhattan or Long Island, people must first take the subway or Long Island Rail Road and then transfer to the AirTrain.
This can take time and patience, especially in rush hour, with luggage in tow. It can also turn out to cost more than you might expect. The first subway or LIRR segment can cost between $2.90 and $5.00, with the AirTrain then costing an additional $8.50.
It's not hard to imagine scenarios where a family of four or a group of friends could justify sharing an Uber when they would have to pay $10-$14 each for a multiple-train journey dragging their luggage behind them. Will It Work?
Will saving $4.50 move the needle? It depends on your situation and the number of people in your party, of course. Perhaps those who live closer to the AirTrain hubs will be more likely to take advantage.
Ultimately, whether or not the temporary fare decrease will be enough to convert and capture new users for the AirTrain and noticeably reduce New York City traffic remains to be seen. But, those who already planned on using the AirTrain to get to and from JFK will surely take the discount.