Tracking innovative tech progress for New York’s rail and air travelers

Robert Galvin joined the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as its chief technology officer in 2013 after serving in a similar role for the New York City School Construction Authority. Over the past decade, Galvin has helped transform the region’s three major airports, PATH and the Port Authority Bus Terminal with state-of-the-art 5G wireless service, upgraded its payment and cybersecurity systems and introduced several mobile apps to improve passengers’ experiences. He is currently working on integrating biometric and AI-based solutions to propel New York and New Jersey’s transportation hubs into the 21st century. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What are some of the more notable technological investments or upgrades that the Port Authority has implemented in the past year or so?

The Port Authority is utilizing a combination of leading wireless technologies to create a seamless, fast, best-in-class connected experience for travelers. We’ve upgraded to 5G at (John F. Kennedy), LaGuardia, and Newark (airports) to meet the increased digital demands with a reliable network that supports everything from mobile boarding passes to streaming to baggage tracking. Our airport wireless networks are now among the fastest in the United States and globally, according to Ookla’s speed test data. When mobile connectivity is seamless, the journey becomes frictionless – ensuring travelers stay connected and informed from curb to gate.

Some examples of notable technologies that have rolled out include … the JFK Virtual Taxi Dispatch mobile app. Before taxicabs can be dispatched to an airport terminal for passenger pickup, they must first report to a hold lot and wait in line with other drivers to receive a specific terminal assignment. The time spent waiting varies based on real-time passenger demand for cabs as well as their supply, resulting in periods where the driver wait could reach two-plus hours. In April 2024, the Port Authority launched a brand new mobile application for iOS and Android which allows taxicab drivers serving JFK Airport to join this line virtually – from as far as 30 miles away from the airport and up to a half mile away – ultimately giving them the choice for how to spend their time waiting without being physically anchored to the JFK hold lot. With this choice, drivers have the flexibility to complete other fares around the city, spend time with family, and/or attend to personal appointments and business during their wait, with other added operational benefits such as reducing on-airport traffic congestion. Out of 150,000 average monthly JFK dispatches since launch, over 50% originate from drivers joining the queue using this mobile app. (Another example is) the arrival of the Total Access PATH Payment system, which means travelers heading to JFK Airport will no longer have to wait in line to buy a MetroCard in order to board the people mover and access the AirTrain. TAPP readers accept payments from debit cards and digital wallets.

What’s the latest with high-speed internet access at the three major airports in the New York City area?

From the moment a traveler arrives at Newark, JFK or LaGuardia, they are stepping into a connected ecosystem designed to provide a seamless, simplified journey. High-speed internet access is no longer a convenience – it’s an essential part of the modern airport experience. We have worked with Boingo Wireless to deliver best-in-class network infrastructure that is fast, reliable and secure. Beyond 5G and next generation Wi-Fi, we’ve implemented private networks that further improve airport operations and make travel safer by powering IoT-based devices like smart security cameras, bag reconciliation systems and digital signage, as well as critical tarmac support (AI-based departure metering and AI camera analytics).

Our networks are more than a means for checking emails – it’s about a truly frictionless journey where everything from navigating the terminal to tracking baggage and accessing real-time flight updates is seamless and convenient. This commitment to innovation and the passenger experience has been recognized on a global scale, with our airports earning prestigious Skytrax and Airport Service Quality awards, including Best Terminal honors – further reinforcing our dedication to delivering world-class travel experiences.

Are there any technological upgrades that customers have requested from the Port Authority that are in the works?

When traveling through New York and New Jersey’s airports, passengers will notice new mobile and biometric solutions. This includes facial recognition for expedited check-ins and boarding; mobile food ordering for quick and easy pickup; and smart baggage drop systems that reduce wait times.

An operations technological initiative that has a significant impact on the passenger experience is AI-based departure metering. This advanced technology is used to optimize and manage airport operations, particularly in managing the flow of aircraft during the critical phases of departure. The goal is using artificial intelligence analytics to predict, optimize and streamline the departure process, enhancing both efficiency and safety. More specifically, AI camera analytics on the ramp are used for smoother on-time turnarounds by aircrafts. These technologies are rolling out at our airport currently.

What are some key innovations that you think would make New York City fit the term of a smart city?

By integrating these innovations, New York City could not only become a smart city but also set an example for how tech and data can transform urban life for the better, making it more sustainable, equitable and efficient. Autonomous buses or shuttles in certain boroughs could improve mobility, especially in less accessible areas. New York City could deploy smart streetlights that adjust their settings based on pedestrian traffic, weather conditions or the time of day, thereby optimizing energy use, reducing congestion and improving travel times. Additionally, integrating sensors across streets and buildings could provide real-time data on traffic flow, air quality and waste management. Integrating sensors into the city’s water infrastructure could help detect leaks in real time, reducing water waste and preventing costly repairs. It would also help in managing water usage more effectively during droughts or peak seasons. With the right privacy protections, smart cameras equipped with facial recognition or other AI-driven tools could help quickly identify and respond to threats in public spaces.

It is challenging when working in government to consistently have the courage to make transformational differences in the lives of New Yorkers. These are significant investments, they present risk and they are all aimed at the public good.