Res. No. 649
Resolution calling upon the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to offer an AirTrain JFK fare discount package to John F. Kennedy International Airport employees
By Council Member Gennaro
Whereas, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (“Port Authority”) is a joint venture between the states of New York and New Jersey that oversees a significant share of the area’s regional transportation, including jurisdiction over the region’s airports; and
Whereas, John F. Kennedy International Airport (“JFK”), managed by the Port Authority and located in Southeastern Queens, is the busiest of the seven international and regional airports within New York City’s airport system, with more than 62 million passengers and approximately 40,000 employees; and
Whereas, JFK is accessible using public transit via the AirTrain JFK (“AirTrain”), an 8.1-mile people mover that connects JFK’s airport terminals to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) subway system and the Long Island Rail Road (“LIRR”) commuter rail; and
Whereas, One-way AirTrain tickets currently cost $8.75, payable through either MTA MetroCard or OMNY; and
Whereas, The full cost for JFK Airport workers that commute roundtrip to work via AirTrain is $17.50 per day, or $87.50 per five-day work week, with an additional $6 per day, or $30 per five-day work week, for riders who also utilize the MTA subway, or an additional $14.50 per day, or $72.50 per five-day work week for riders who use LIRR to commute to work from Penn Station, Atlantic Terminal, or Grand Central Station during peak hours; and
Whereas, AirTrain riders can purchase 30-Day MetroCards for the AirTrain at a discounted cost of $42.50, or a 10 trip MetroCard for $26.50, a price that has greatly benefited JFK Airport workers who commute to work via public transit; and
Whereas, MTA discontinued selling MetroCards at their stations in December of 2025, as it transitions to the new OMNY payment system, forcing JFK workers to either pay the full priced AirTrain fare through OMNY or purchase MetroCards from third-party retailers, such as newsstands, that have leftover MetroCards; and
Whereas, As of January, 2026, the Port Authority has stated that it does not yet have a plan to continue offering an equivalent fare discount through other payment methods now that the MTA is phasing out MetroCards; and
Whereas, Paying the full $17 roundtrip AirTrain fare could prove to be burdensome for the up to 40,000 employees who may rely on AirTrain to commute to their jobs at JFK airport; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to offer an AirTrain JFK fare discount package to John F. Kennedy International Airport employees.
JPB
LS # 21607
3/16/2026 2:20 PM