The Black Car Assistance Corp. (BCAC) warned its members in July about important changes to the pickup procedures at JFK Airport’s Terminal 4, which can create a significant inconvenience for travelers. According to the BCAC, “Effective immediately, the Port Authority will not allow any chauffeured or for-hire vehicles access to Terminal 4 at JFK due to construction and anticipated traffic congestion. While the policy took effect on June 26, enforcement was delayed. However, we received word that enforcement will begin effective Wednesday, July 3rd.”
Arriving passengers must take an Airport Shuttle Bus, which runs every two minutes to a designated pickup lot where drivers have to wait.
“You may want to consider suggesting to your clients that arriving at one of the other area airports – such as LaGuardia (LGA) or Newark Liberty International (EWR) – or booking on airlines that do not arrive at Terminal 4 at JFK will help avoid these inconveniences,” the BCAC noted in an email to members.
The following details the new arrivals’ procedure at terminal 4:
- Courtesy shuttle buses will be lined up curbside where the taxi stand was; the passenger does not need to cross the street.
- Once a passenger exits the terminal, they must look for the full-sized blue buses with JFK lettering on them. All buses have LED lettering on the front and sides of the bus that clearly read “Ride App & Car Services Lot.”
- There will be baggage handlers waiting curbside to assist with loading luggage onto the riding area of the bus, if needed. They can also provide directions, such as which bus will be departing next. As one bus leaves the arrivals area, another one pulls in to replace it.
- Generally, it will take 15-20 minutes on the bus from Terminal 4 to the “Ride App & Car Services Lot.”
- Drivers can advise clients exactly where their waiting vehicle is parked and have a sign in the window to assist them in identifying it. Drivers can also walk to meet an arriving bus if the client advises them to do so.
- The “Ride App & Car Services Lot” is at 130th Place and East Hanger Road, past the cell phone lot and next to the old Tower Air Terminal. It is clearly marked with JFK signage designating FHV ONLY.
“We understand that these changes will cause an inconvenience and frustration for both our dedicated drivers and our clientele,” the BCAC added. “Unfortunately, these changes were mandated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.”
Source: BCAC
