There is a rail connection from JFK Airport to several subway lines and the Long Island Railroad in Jamaica, Queens, New York. I took it today for the first time. It is $5.00- a bargain and much better than a $40.00 cab ride or short/long term parking. It is clean It is fast It scared the hell out of me since I could not find an engineer.
The tram underground in Pittsburgh, PA is like that. It goes sever hundred yards or more, and accelerates to at least 40 MPH, as a wild guess. No engineer, and like you, it was unnerving when the train started to haul some serious tailgate, and when in the end cars, you can see the end of the line coming up--quickly!
The tramway at DFW international is a shaker... That ride from the main terminal to the regional terminal will vibrate your fillings loose, thanks to the rubber-tired trams on concrete tramways. I think Atlanta had a nice tramway, but it was red-eye flight, and it was in the wee hours...
The JFK systems run as smooth as a baby's bottom. It is several miles long and the terminals are state of the art and look great, as well. Standing at the front during operation, it is very disconcerting coming up to turnouts without red or green lights and with just the little lit white arrow showing where the points will take you- into an oncoming unit on the adjoining track or to continue on yours. They are also quite close to the turnout, itself and I kept on having that "oh ****" feeling as each one was approached. By the way- the turns are superelevated and are quite obvious in both oncoming trains and the one you are in.
It's all automated, electric, and it's an airport tram, but why no operator? I have no idea. Welcome to Trainboard!
