As the aviation industry continues to grow, one of the most vexing problems it faces is movement of large numbers of people between center cities and the airport. The author points out that rail transit is not a universal panacea to the solution of the problem; rather the answer must be tailored to specific factors relating to individual airports and their role in the particular urban transport complex.
A detailed comparison of JFK International Airport (where rail transit is feasible) and Newark Airport (where it is not) in terms of traffic potential, inconvenience, travel time, effects on existing commuter facilities, and costs is included, illustrating that generalization is not the answer.
The aviation industry must look upon ground transportation as an integral part of the total aviation and airport system of this country and must include it in planning to meet present and anticipated future conditions.