Driverless Shuttles Come to JFK Airport

By Idy Perl

The Port Authority of NY and NJ are launching a pilot program to test new technology in the form of driverless airport shuttles. 

This Summer, drivers dropping off or picking up their vehicles from Parking Lot 9 near JFK airport will be able to hop onto driverless shuttles to get to the airport, according to the Gothamist The shuttles will have safety personnel on board to greet and assist riders and can accommodate up to 8 riders at a time. According to the Port Authority, the shuttles are shaped like a giant lima bean on wheels.

The three vehicles are operating at a maximum speed of 23 mph and at a separation of 6-7 feet. 

“We are preparing today for the future by moving forward with our tests of self-driving technology within safe, controlled environments such as our airports, which also happen to be the exact facilities where we want to put this technology into use. We thank ABM Aviation for working with us and providing staff to serve as safety monitors as an extra precaution and for customer service during these tests that will include the public,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Autonomous platoons can give us the opportunity to get more airport customers where they want to go while they’re within our property so that we can serve more people safely and efficiently.”

This innovation is an exciting step in streamlining the service at JFK to serve more passengers.