The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is anticipating more than 5 million people will travel by air, car and rail during the upcoming Independence Day holiday week, traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the summer. The Port Authority is taking several proactive measures to help ensure that travelers have a safe and user-friendly experience while using its facilities.

Aviation facilities

The Port Authority expects more than 2 million passengers to travel through all of the agency’s airports. Approximately 955,000 passengers will travel out of John F. Kennedy International Airport, approximately 619,000 will travel through Newark Liberty International Airport, approximately 437,000 will use LaGuardia Airport and 5,800 will travel out of Stewart International Airport.

The Port Authority is encouraging passengers travelling to and from JFK to use AirTrain JFK, which connects all of JFK’s terminals with MTA New York City Transit subways and buses and the Long Island Rail Road. Passengers who choose to drive to JFK are advised to call 718-244-4080 or listen to the airport’s radio station at 1630 AM for updates and parking information. The agency advises passengers traveling to and from Newark Liberty International Airport to use AirTrain Newark, which links the airport to NJ Transit and Amtrak. Travelers driving to Newark Liberty International Airport can call 888-EWR-INFO and press ‘22’ or tune to 530 AM for up-to-date parking information.

For those planning to drive to the airports, plenty of convenient parking is available. Travelers are encouraged to visit the Port Authority’s website, www.panynj.gov, for ground transportation information, parking rates, terminal maps and answers to frequently asked questions about the agency’s airports.

In addition, passengers are encouraged to sign up for Airport Info Alerts at www.airportinfoalerts.com. This free, mobile subscription service also notifies customers about weather delays, parking lot capacities and AirTrain service delays.

Bridges and Tunnels

From July 3 through July 7, the Port Authority projects that more than 3.1 million vehicles will cross through the agency’s six bridges and tunnels. With traffic volume expected to be higher than usual, motorists are encouraged to allow extra time to reach their destination.

The agency will have additional toll collectors and personnel on-site to expedite travel at bridges and tunnels.

To receive free, real-time travel alerts, travelers are encouraged to register for Port Authority Alerts at http://btt.paalerts.com.

PATH

On Wednesday, July 3, PATH will operate extra trains as needed to accommodate those workers who may be leaving early in advance of the July 4 holiday.

On Thursday, July 4, PATH will operate on a Saturday schedule with additional services. For passenger convenience, PATH will provide extended, more frequent train service for residents who plan to attend this year’s Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show located on the Hudson River. PATH will operate extra trains on the Journal Square-to-33rd Street (via Hoboken) line.

The Port Authority will provide additional customer service agents at selected stations to assist passengers during the evening hours.

(YWN Desk – NYC)