may 31, 2024. But here’s a quote from “JFK airport workers scramble for last remaining MetroCards to get AirTrain discount”, published today: “The turnstiles with OMNY-only readers remain wide open today, and the agency relies on security guards to ensure riders don’t simply walk through without paying their fare.”
JFK is in the midst of a $19 billion construction project that is expected to create heavy traffic for people arriving at the airport by car. Port Authority leaders have said they’re considering waiving the AirTrain fee to get people to take public transit to the airport, but for now the $8.50 fee — on top of the $2.90 subway fare — remains in place.
So there’s a subway that goes to the airport, and they want people to use it, but because of some payment system compatibility fuckup they can’t pay? Or it’s harder to pay? It’s kind of unclear exactly what is happening here other than people getting public transportation for free, which sounds like a good thing.
