NEWS |
157-98: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , November 19, 1998
"Travelers using Newark over the holiday weekend should consider being dropped off at their terminal or at the Monorail station at Parking Lot E," said Robert J. Kelly, Director of Aviation for the Port Authority.
Mr. Kelly said that customers who wish to leave their car at the airport should call 1-888-EWR-INFO and hit 22 before they leave home, for a quick check on parking availability. A mile or so from the airport, the latest parking updates will be available on the airport's highway advisory radio at 530 AM.
To leave the parking to someone else, Mr. Kelly said, just follow Newark Airport signs to "Valet Parking." Valet parking costs $18 a day and is open around the clock.
"If on-airport lots are temporarily full, there are several private off-airport lots along Routes 1 and 9 that offer free shuttle service to the passenger terminals," Mr. Kelly said.
All travelers, whether driving, flying or taking public transportation, should allow additional travel time to reach their destinations during the busy holiday weekend.
Mr. Kelly said this is especially necessary at JFK, Newark International and LaGuardia airports, where increased security measures may add to travel time.
Following is a roundup of expected conditions at Port Authority facilities:
The Airports
The Port Authority estimates that nearly 1.1 million air travelers on 15,100 flights will use Newark, JFK and LaGuardia airports between Wednesday, November 25, and Sunday, November 29. Roadways on and around the airports are expected to be congested, especially on Wednesday and Sunday. Only active loading and unloading is permitted in front of airline terminals. Cars are not permitted to stand in these areas.
To save time when parking at the airport, parking fees can be paid at the Express Pay Parking Machine inside terminal buildings before returning to your car. This will allow you to exit through special Express Exit Lanes and get you on your way faster.
Consider letting someone else do the driving. Call 1-800-AIR RIDE for up-to-date information on transportation service options between your area and the airports.
Newark International Airport
-> Calling ahead is especially important if you're planning to leave your car at the airport. The convenience of the Monorail has made Lots D and E very popular at $12 per day. Customers planning to use Economy Lots at $8 per day can save time by following signs directly to Lots G and H in the airport's North Area. Free, frequent bus service is available to all terminals from Lot G and H.
-> If you are meeting someone or seeing someone off, you can park up to a half-hour for just $2 in the hourly lot next to the terminal, or at Monorail Station E. Parking in the hourly lot at Station E and taking the monorail to your terminal avoids traffic in front of the terminals.
-> For customers with lots of luggage, personal luggage carts are available in parking Lots D and E and at the exits from the Monorail stations in all terminals. Vans circulate in the parking lots to help customers with luggage. If you're traveling with someone, have a lot of luggage and plan to park in Lot D or E, consider dropping off your companion and your bags at your airline terminal before parking your car.
John F. Kennedy International Airport -- JFK's customer-service line -- 718 244-4444 -- provides recorded information on roadway and parking lot conditions and other topics. If you're driving to JFK, you can tune in to airport radio at 530 AM for the latest on airport traffic and parking.
LaGuardia Airport -- Travelers using LaGuardia Airport should consider being dropped off or taking public transportation. Ground transportation options are available by calling 1-800-AIR-RIDE. Long-term parking is very limited and lots are expected to fill up early. There are several privately operated parking lots near the airport. LaGuardia's customer-service line -- 718 533-3400 -- provides recorded information on roadway and parking lot conditions and other topics.
Tunnels and Bridges -- The day before Thanksgiving is historically the busiest day of the year at the Port Authority's six interstate crossings. To ease the trip, construction will be suspended from early Wednesday through Sunday at the George Washington Bridge, the Lincoln and Holland tunnels and the three Staten Island bridges. The Port Authority's tunnels and bridges customer-service line is 1-800-221-9903.
PATH -- PATH will have extra train service available at its 33rd Street terminal after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to accommodate parade-goers returning home. A train and crew will be on standby at the terminal to supplement PATH's normal holiday service between 33rd Street and New Jersey, which provides trains every 15 to 20 minutes from 8 A.M. to midnight on the 33rd Street-to-Hoboken line. Trains on the 33rd Street-to-Journal Square line will operate every 15 minutes from 9:30 A.M. to 7:15 P.M., and every 15 to 20 minutes, via Hoboken, from 7:15 P.M. to midnight.
PATH trains on the Newark-World Trade Center line will operate every 15 to 20 minutes from 8 A.M. to midnight on Thanksgiving, and every 15 minutes on the Hoboken-World Trade Center line from 9:15 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. After 7:30 P.M., Hoboken-bound passengers must connect to the Hoboken train via the Newark line at Grove Street. Trains will operate every half-hour throughout the night on the Newark-World Trade Center line and on the Journal Square-33rd Street via Hoboken line. The telephone number for recorded PATH service and schedule information is 1-800-234-PATH.
Port Authority Bus Terminal -- Lines at ticket counters typically begin to build at midday on the day before Thanksgiving, so travelers should allow extra time. Bus information is available by calling 212 564-8484.
Hoboken Ferry -- Ferry service between Battery Park City and Hoboken will not operate on Thanksgiving Day. The ferry will operate a regular weekday schedule on Friday, and regular weekend service on Saturday and Sunday. Ferry information is available at 1-800-53-FERRY.
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