Passengers flying to Long Island can now hit the ground running a little easier after they land thanks to a new centralized ground transportation center unveiled last week.
The 12,000-square-foot facility will provide travelers with one place to find rental cars, taxis, buses, auto transport, ride-hailing services, hotel courtesy shuttles and Suffolk County buses.
The space was transformed in part with $800,000 from a New York State Aviation Grant and a $650,000 grant from the Empire State Development Corporation. Airport Customer Facility charges and bonds that are payable solely from airport revenues covered the remainder of funding for the $8.4M project.
Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter said that the new construction and infrastructure upgrade will benefit travelers at Long Island MacArthur Airport, making it even easier to use the airport.
“We are consistently improving the customer experience at MacArthur Airport to modernize and make travel easier and more comfortable,” she said. “We are so grateful to all who helped us secure funding for this project, and at no expense to local taxpayers.”
In addition to its updated functionality for travelers, the new facilities will provide a more comfortable and attractive aesthetic.
“The interior will reflect the feel of Long Island with copper, sand, and blue colors to welcome visitors to our area,” said Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken.
She also stressed that the new center will be more efficient and convenient for visitors.
“These major infrastructure projects create jobs for Long Island and the airport’s role in economic recovery is more important now than ever,” added Carpenter.