Port Authority Tests Autonomous Shuttles at Newark Airport

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has initiated a competitive testing program for three distinct autonomous electric shuttle systems at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The trials, which begin next month, are designed to evaluate potential solutions for connecting airport facilities as part of the broader redevelopment plan that includes the replacement of the current AirTrain.

This initiative represents a critical step in the agency's exploration of autonomous technology to enhance passenger mobility and operational efficiency. The ultimate goal is to identify a viable system that could complement or integrate with the new AirTrain Newark, which is scheduled to become operational in 2030. The outcome of these tests will inform a potential formal Request for Proposals, which PANYNJ may issue in 2027.

The Newark Test Program

Three manufacturers will participate in the rigorous evaluation process, each bringing a unique vehicle design. The tests will take place in a controlled environment within an unused airport parking lot, configured to simulate the demanding weather conditions of the Northeast. The schedule for the trials is staggered: Oceaneering will begin testing in March, followed by Ohmio in late March, and Glydways in May.

To ensure the vehicles are prepared for real-world scenarios, the test course includes snow-making machines and fire trucks that can create icy pavement conditions. The shuttles will not carry passengers during this phase but will be assessed on their ability to navigate the course and safely detect and react to obstacles, such as a crash-test dummy. This controlled but challenging environment allows PANYNJ to gather performance data without compromising safety.

“We have been working with self-driving technology successfully for many years, particularly at the airports, and believe autonomous shuttles offer a safe, efficient solution for moving passengers while we concurrently work to build a new AirTrain Newark and the brand-new Terminal B,” said Kevin O’Toole, Port Authority board chairman.

Broader Strategy and Context

This program is the latest in a series of autonomous vehicle trials conducted by PANYNJ across its facilities. The agency has been exploring this technology since 2022 to address various transportation needs. In the summer of 2024, passengers at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) had the opportunity to ride in autonomous vehicles at the airport's long-term parking lot 9. This followed earlier tests of autonomous platooned vehicles at JFK’s Aqueduct Parking Lot in 2022 and 2023.

Platooning, where multiple vehicles travel in a tight, electronically-linked convoy, has been a key area of focus. In July 2022, the Port Authority tested the technology on retrofitted buses in the Exclusive Bus Lane leading to the Lincoln Tunnel. The concept could significantly increase passenger throughput for airport shuttles connecting terminals and parking lots.

According to Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia, “Autonomous vehicles are in use around the world and around the country, and they are part of the modern travel experience whether in a private car, a for-hire vehicle or on public transit.”

Industry-Wide Adoption and Regulatory Framework

The Port Authority's efforts mirror a global trend toward airport automation. Other major U.S. airports are also implementing pilot programs. Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is involved in a $20 million pilot project with Glydways to connect the airport with the Georgia Convention Center using a system of four-person autonomous pods. That system is scheduled to be operational later this year. Similarly, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) launched an autonomous shuttle pilot program at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu in April 2024.

These projects are proceeding under a cautious regulatory framework established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to the FAA's Part 139 CertAlert 24-02, the deployment of Autonomous Ground Vehicle Systems (AGVS) for airside use has not yet been authorized at Part 139 certificated airports. Current rules restrict testing to controlled landside areas, such as the parking lot used at Newark, away from active aircraft movement areas. This ensures that innovation can proceed without impacting the safety of flight operations.

What Comes Next

Following the completion of the tests in May, PANYNJ will analyze the performance data from all three vendors. This analysis will be crucial for developing the specifications for a potential 2027 request for proposals. While the focus is on these autonomous shuttles, the authority has stated it is also evaluating conventional electric buses as part of its comprehensive review of EWR's ground transportation needs during the ongoing redevelopment.

If a vendor is selected and a system is deployed, it would represent one of the most significant implementations of passenger-facing autonomous technology at a major U.S. airport, providing a vital link between airport terminals, parking, and the new AirTrain system slated for 2030.

Why This Matters

This test program at Newark Airport is a key indicator of the U.S. aviation industry's move toward integrating autonomous technology into ground operations. A successful pilot could establish a model for other airports seeking to improve efficiency, reduce emissions with electric vehicles, and enhance the passenger experience. For PANYNJ, it is a critical step in modernizing one of the nation's busiest airports and ensuring its ground transit infrastructure can meet future demand.

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