CactusBoyScout t1_j5z910t wrote on January 26, 2023 at 4:30 PM

They could do a lot for the environment by making AirTrain free so fewer people are inclined to take cabs. 🤷‍♂️

actualtext t1_j5zlcwk wrote on January 26, 2023 at 5:47 PM

I don't disagree with you but I suspect that isn't the main reason people opt for car travel over the AirTrain.

b1argg t1_j5zmod0 wrote on January 26, 2023 at 5:55 PM

$11/ person makes a car a lot more attractive for 2-3 people. Where I live, a cab to JFK is roughly $40 give or take. An extra $10 each for the extra convenience and comfort of a cab for 2 people becomes an attractive option.

CactusBoyScout t1_j5zmpl4 wrote on January 26, 2023 at 5:55 PM

If you’re traveling with multiple people, like a family, it’s a pretty marginal price difference to take a car because you’re spending $10 per person otherwise.

I know quite a few families who tell me they opt for a car primarily for that reason.

aeroaier t1_j5zvd3q wrote on January 26, 2023 at 6:49 PM

I opt for car because the train is a huge pain in the ass with luggage and it takes 3x as long to get to the airport.

OldKingRob t1_j625kae wrote on January 27, 2023 at 4:15 AM

For free? Then how is PAPD supposed to go to Dunkin/Starbucks twice an hour?

Rottimer t1_j63ng30 wrote on January 27, 2023 at 2:11 PM

Honestly, I think it’s more convenience than cost at the current price point. From most areas of the city it really is far faster to take a cab or even an airport shuttle from midtown than navigate the subway with luggage. It’s not an easy transfer if you are carrying multiple checked bags, and if you’re traveling for business, your company is probably paying for the cab anyway.

If there were multiple points in the city where you could essentially get an express option to the air train and there was an easy transfer between - you’d have a lot more people using it.