NEWS |
171-98: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , December 23, 1998
At Port Authority bridges and tunnels, the rush hour leaving New York will begin at about 2 P.M. on Thursday, December 24. Traffic into New York will be heavier than normal starting at about 11 A.M. and continuing throughout the day. On Thursday, December 31, the rush hour leaving New York also will begin early.
PATH provides a mass-transit option for trans-Hudson commuters. It will operate on its regular weekday schedule on Christmas Eve, and on its holiday schedule on Christmas Day. Expanded service will be offered on New Year's Eve.
"To help travelers enjoy the holidays, we are suspending construction at all our bridges and tunnels," said Mr. Boyle. "All the employees of the Port Authority join in extending holiday greetings to our customers, and our best wishes for a safe and happy holiday."
At the airports, travelers are advised to allow extra time because of crowds, congestion on airport roadways and security.
At Newark Airport, parking may be limited, even though the Port Authority has added 3,000 new parking spaces and introduced valet parking.
"Over the Christmas and New Year's weekends, travelers should consider being dropped off at their terminal or at Monorail Station E, next to Parking Lot E," said Port Authority Director of Aviation Robert J. Kelly.
Valet parking is also available around the clock, at $18 a day.
If on-airport lots are temporarily full, several private lots along Routes 1 and 9 offer free shuttle service to the passenger terminals. Before leaving home, Newark Airport customers should call 1.888.EWR.INFO and hit 22 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.
For patrons of all three airports, Port Authority officials offered the following reminders:
--> Only pickups and drop-offs are allowed in front of terminals. Cars are not permitted to stand in these areas, and illegally parked vehicles will be towed.
--> To save time at all three airports, parking fees can be paid at the Express Pay parking machines on the baggage claim levels of terminals. Drivers can then use special express exit lanes to leave the lot.
--> Information on bus service to airports and other transportation options is available from 1.800.AIR.RIDE.
--> For returning travelers who find a flat tire, low battery or other car problem, the Port Authority provides free motorist assistance in the parking lots at all three airports. Use free emergency phones in each lot.
John F. Kennedy International Airport -- Allow extra time for parking in long-term lots, where free buses will run more frequently to the passenger terminals. JFK's customer-service line -- 718.244.4444 -- provides recorded information on roadway and parking lot conditions. If you're driving to JFK, you can tune your radio to 1630 AM for the latest on airport traffic conditions and available parking spaces.
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 Lots G and H. If you're 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.
LaGuardia Airport -- Travelers using LaGuardia Airport should consider being dropped off or taking public transportation. 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 in several categories, including roadway and parking lot conditions.
PATH -- On New Year's Eve, PATH will provide extra eastbound service as needed. From midnight to 4 A.M., PATH will increase westbound service from 33rd Street. For further information regarding PATH, travelers should call 1.800.234.PATH.
P.A. Bus Terminal and George Washington Bridge Bus Station -- Queues at ticket counters are expected, so travelers should allow extra time. Through December, commuters and long-distance customers can enjoy live holiday musical entertainment at both terminals.
George Washington Bridge -- Major construction will be suspended from noon on Thursday, December 24, until Monday, December 28, at 9:30 A.M. and from noon on Thursday, December 31, until Monday, January 4, at 9:30 A.M.
Lincoln Tunnel -- Major construction will be suspended at the Lincoln Tunnel from 5 A.M. on Thursday, December 24, until 11 P.M. on Monday, January 4.
Goethals Bridge -- Construction will be suspended at 5:30 A.M. on Thursday, December 24, and resume at 12:30 A.M. on Sunday, December 27. Construction will be suspended again on Thursday, December 31, at 5:30 AM. until 12:30 A.M. on Sunday, January 4.
Holland Tunnel, Bayonne Bridge, Outerbridge Crossing -- No construction is scheduled.
Hoboken Ferry -- Ferry service between Battery Park City and Hoboken will not operate on Christmas Day. The ferry will operate a regular weekend service on Saturday and Sunday. Ferry information is available at 1.800.53.FERRY.
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