This article gives details of the three main transportation options between Newark Airport and Manhattan and whether these options are accessible for wheelchair users. It looks at the cost and the convenience of each option, specifically in relation to passengers requiring transportation which accommodates them in their own wheelchair.
Newark Liberty Airport Express
The Newark Liberty Airport Express is operated by Coach USA and is by far the cheapest of the three main options to get into Manhattan. There is a reduced fare for disabled passengers of $7.50 each way. The Airport Express operates between the airport and Grand Central Terminal, Port Authority and Bryant Park. Therefore passengers will need to consider how to get to their final destination from the chosen drop-off point. The Airport Express runs every 15 minutes and the queues can be long, but wheelchair users are given priority.
This option can be booked in advance or alternatively passengers can turn up and pay on the bus. The company website allows passengers to book disabled tickets online. However, the FAQs on the website state in very small print that buying a disabled ticket does not guarantee wheelchair accessible transport and passengers requiring such transport must call and give at least 48 hours notice. In practice, giving 48 hours notice is essential as not all the coaches have operational wheelchair lifts.
New York Taxis
Taxis are available from Newark Airport to take passengers directly to their chosen destination. The cost of a taxi varies (from $50 to $80) and the price should be agreed with the driver in advance. The New York Taxi and Limousine Commission website requires that wheelchair accessible transport is available upon request and at equivalent price and service level as non-wheelchair services. The majority of the taxis are not wheelchair accessible and so if there are no wheelchair accessible taxis at or near the airport, it can be a long wait for one to arrive.
Supershuttle - Airport Shuttle Service
The Supershuttle is available 24 hours a day and offers direct transport to locations in Manhattan. The cost is around $17 per passenger each way in a shared shuttle or approximately $115 each way for a private shuttle; there is no discount for disabled passengers. Transportation can be booked on the Supershuttle website or via the Ground Transportation Desk at Newark Airport.
The Supershuttle website has a link to its accessible service page in very small print at the bottom of its web pages. This link states that reservations for accessible transportation is encouraged, but not required. The company’s vehicles are not all wheelchair accessible and so reserving in advance can avoid potentially long delays, if the wheelchair accessible shuttles are in already in use.
Planning Wheelchair Accessible Transportation from Newark Airport to Manhattan
The main advice is to book in advance (where possible), despite the information given on the providers' websites. The Newark Liberty Airport Express is the cheapest option and priority in the queue is given to wheelchair users, but it is essential to book in advance to ensure that a fully operational wheelchair accessible coach is available when you arrive at the airport. Please also bear in mind that this is not a point-to-point service and drops off at three Manhattan locations only.
The NYC taxis offer a point-to-point service, however, there are a limited number of wheelchair accessible taxis and since they cannot be booked in advance, it is a question of whether there is a wheelchair accessible taxis at the airport at that time. Finally, the Supershuttle offers wheelchair accessible shuttles to drop passengers at their chosen destination and can be booked online or at the airport. The disadvantages are that it can be pricey; particularly if a private shuttle is booked each way and it is a good idea to book transport in advance to prevent a potentially long wait.
By following this advice you should be ensuring that you have a smooth and straightforward journey to and from the airport.
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