NEWS
Aviation

155-00: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , November 1, 2000

NEW HOLIDAY TRAVEL SEASON IN NEW JERSEY: EARLY NOVEMBER -- Newark Airport is Ready


Early November has become a peak travel season in New Jersey that almost rivals major holidays. The week of November 6 will be especially busy at Newark International Airport, as travelers take advantage of the observance of Veterans Day on November 10, as well as the two days that schools are closed for the New Jersey Education Association convention in Atlantic City on November 9 and 10.

Newark Airport will be ready for this new travel peak with a host of customer-oriented initiatives, including a satellite-based system to track an expanded fleet of on-airport buses, and extra red-jacketed customer-service representatives.

Due to a massive construction program that has temporarily limited parking, the Port Authority is advising travelers to arrive at the airport 30 minutes earlier than the time recommended by their airlines - and to consider being dropped off at the airline terminal or to use public transportation. The construction is part of the airport's $3.8 billion public-private redevelopment program that will improve parking, terminals and airport access.

Because of several construction projects, including the erection of a new 3,200-space parking garage at Lot E, that lot is now closed to public parking. In addition, construction of a new 3,400-space garage adjacent to Terminal C has reduced available parking in the hourly lot.

Daily parking for Terminal C is available in the area designated as "B/C Daily," accessible from the access roads in front of Terminal B. The new garages are expected to be partially open to traffic in the spring, and are scheduled to open fully in the fall.

"The best advice we can offer is to plan ahead, because our customers will need extra time finding a parking space," said Port Authority Assistant Director of Aviation Barry Abramowitz. "Because of the unprecedented amount of construction that is transforming key aspects of Newark Airport, we are doing everything within our power to minimize inconvenience to our customers."

Mr. Abramowitz offered these parking tips:

· Avoid driving to the airport if possible. Have someone drop you off or pick you up.

· Consider public transportation. Passengers can call 800 AIR-RIDE for a complete list of ground transportation alternatives.

· Park in Economy Lot G for $8 a day, and take a free shuttle bus to the terminals.

· If long-term parking at the airport is in short supply, park in one of the many nearby off-airport lots, which offer free shuttle service to the passenger terminals.

· Park in Monorail Lot D for $12 a day. The Port Authority is providing free "monorail alternative" bus service from Lot D to the passenger terminals.

· Use the on-airport Valet Parking service, located near Monorail Station E, for $18 a day.

· Or, park close to the terminals in Daily Lots A or B for up to $24 a day. Newark Airport provides free van service from Daily Lots A and B to Terminal C.

Newark Airport's Web site, www.newarkairport.com, provides maps, directions to off-airport parking, and construction advisories. Customers can call toll-free at 888 EWR-INFO and press 22 for a quick check on parking availability.

About a mile from the airport, travelers can obtain additional parking updates by tuning into highway advisory radio at 530 AM.

The Port Authority is continuing expanded bus service and other customer amenities to help travelers while monorail service is suspended at Newark Airport. The service suspension, necessary to repair the system, is expected to last until the end of the year. Newark Airport has mobilized its on-airport bus drivers, customer service representatives and additional staff to maintain a high level of service to passengers during monorail repairs.

The Port Authority is leasing more than 60 additional buses and vans to travel along five special monorail alternative routes carrying passengers to terminals, parking lots and rental-car outlets. Newark Airport also has built a covered walkway connecting Terminals B and C, enabling passengers to walk between the terminals in 10 minutes.

In order to provide the most reliable service possible, the Port Authority has hired and trained more than 100 new drivers, and has in place a satellite-based tracking system that will help airport staff manage the on-airport bus schedule. The agency also has hired more than 80 additional red-jacketed customer service representatives, who are assigned throughout the airport to provide quick, courteous assistance to passengers.

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