When we think of transportation and infrastructure projects, especially those at airports and other major transit facilities, we tend to think of the mega-projects that cost millions, maybe billions, of dollars and take years to accomplish. However, there are other types projects that bring transformative equity to the public that can be accomplished in a much shorter time frame and at a fraction of the cost. Those types of projects are at the more human scale, directly impacting equity, passenger flow, customer experience and overall comfort. Recently, at Newark Liberty International Airport’s (EWR) Terminal C, United Airlines, a project like this was completed. This project's goal was to install a series of new custom-designed benches just beyond security, allowing passengers to 'recompose' after clearing through security, out of the way of the very busy airside corridor. Previously, passengers had no location for this, forcing all passengers, including the disabled, elderly and passengers with children to sit on the floor or wherever they could find space. In addition to the transformation the benches have brought to the traveling public, the bench design provides a powerful visual connection with the City of Newark.
