JUST GET ME TO THE PLANE ON TIME

Ground access to airports has always been dubbed someone else's responsibility as evidenced by a lack of attention by commercial airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which are responsible for most airport improvements. Federal legislation, such as the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) and the Clean Air Act Amendments, are helping airports to focus on relieving traffic congestion and better coordinating ground transportation. This article reports on the innovative operations and plans of some East Coast airports. Three examples follow. Washington National Airport is planning to open two new pedestrian bridges, linking the terminal with a nearby subway station and a new parking garage. At Newark Airport, a $354 million monorail system opened in June 1996. Orlando International Airport is building a second terminal that is likely to include corridors for light rail service and access to high-speed and commuter rail systems.