By: Richard L. Smith
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is set to begin testing self-driving shuttle buses at Newark Liberty International Airport this spring, a move that could mark a major step forward in how travelers move around one of the busiest airports in the region, according to a report from CBS New York.
Under the initiative, three companies, Oceaneering, Ohmio, and Glydways, will take turns testing zero-emission electric autonomous shuttle buses beginning in March and running through late May.
These pilot programs will take place in sections of the airport not open to the public and are designed to simulate how a larger network of driverless vehicles might operate in a complex airport environment.
Officials with the Port Authority say the tests are part of broader efforts to modernize how passengers are moved between airport facilities, particularly as the agency prepares for the future launch of a new $3.5 billion AirTrain Newark system, scheduled to open in 2030.
If successful, the self-driving shuttles could one day provide automated connections between airport terminals, parking areas, and the new train system once it is operational.
Port Authority leadership believes autonomous technology offers a safe, efficient solution for passenger transport while work continues on other long-term infrastructure improvements.
The tests will help the agency evaluate performance, safety, and potential integration into daily airport operations, an important consideration as travel demand continues to grow across New Jersey and the greater New York metropolitan area.
For now, the upcoming trials represent a glimpse into how future transit solutions beyond traditional shuttles and fixed rail could reshape the travel experience at Newark Airport.