The problem

LaGuardia is a rebuilt, world-class airport—but it still lacks a direct subway connection. That forces millions of travelers and workers into traffic, raising costs, congestion, and emissions.

The solution

Build a direct N/W subway extension from Astoria–Ditmars Blvd to LaGuardia Airport, with two on-airport stops so riders can reach terminals quickly—without shuttles and without transfers.

What we will build

N/W Extension Alignment (Concept):

• Connect at: Astoria–Ditmars Blvd (existing N/W terminal)

• New intermediate station: 49th Street (serves local Queens residents and airport-area workers)

• Two LaGuardia stations (terminal-focused):

  • LaGuardia – Terminal A Station

  • LaGuardia – Central Terminals Station (serving the main terminal complex)

Design priorities

• ADA-first access (elevators/escalators designed as core infrastructure)

• Weather-protected paths from station to terminal

• Luggage-friendly circulation and wide faregates

• Built for reliability, safety, and peak airport demand

How we pay for it (without raising subway fares citywide)

This project is financed with revenue bonds—paid back by airport users, not everyday riders.

Dedicated revenue stream #1

LaGuardia Ride Fee (Uber/Lyft/Taxi)

• A modest fee on trips starting or ending at LaGuardia

• Helps manage curb congestion and creates a predictable bond repayment base

• Worker protections: discounts/exemptions for verified airport workers, paratransit, and essential services (policy design)

Dedicated revenue stream #2

OMNY Airport Station Access Fare

• Riders tap OMNY to exit at LaGuardia and pay an elevated airport access fare

• Applies only at LaGuardia stations

• Keeps the broader subway fare structure unchanged

Bottom line: airport access helps pay for airport access.

Federal + State delivery plan (build it on a clock)

This project must be treated as a national infrastructure priority:

• Secure federal transit capital participation + state partnership

• Use modern construction delivery (e.g., design-build / progressive design-build)

• Create a single accountable delivery authority (“delivery czar” model) with:

  • one master schedule

  • monthly public dashboards

  • strict cost control and change-order transparency

  • a clear end date and sunset when the project is complete

What New Yorkers get

• A one-seat subway ride to LaGuardia

• Less traffic on the Grand Central Parkway and local approaches

• Faster commutes for airport workers

• Lower travel costs versus repeated car/taxi dependence

• A stronger, more resilient transit network—built for a modern NYC

If we can rebuild the airport, we can connect it.
It’s time New York has a real rail link to LaGuardia—paid for responsibly, delivered transparently, and built to last.