Passengers at NY airports to be assisted by avatars!

Washington, August 9 (ANI): Three New York City-area airports have introduced a new type of greeter to assist passengers by dispensing all sorts of helpful information about ground transportation and other concerns.

At Newark Liberty International, it's Libby, at LaGuardia, it's Marie, and at John K. Kennedy International Airport, it's Sarah.

They're the best kind of worker as they don't take time off, don't get sick, and always smile at the passengers.

However, there's one thing they can't do - answer questions, as they're virtual Customer Care Representatives, or, as they're more commonly known, avatars.

The avatars were introduced on Wednesday at LaGuardia and last month at Newark. JFK's avatar starts work on Thursday. The avatars recite from a script and start talking whenever anyone comes within 30 feet.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is renting them for six months for 180,000 dollars. After that time, they'll evaluate the success of the program and determine if they'll be in place permanently.

The avatars are part of an initiative announced in May.

Other improvements include 100 additional power poles to supply electronic devices throughout the terminals at all three airports.

There's also additional food court seating. Full-time restroom attendants have been hired at Newark's Terminal A, where facilities have not been modernized lately to meet increased demand.

There also will be new digital "Next Bus" arrival time signs at Newark Liberty and more quality control visits to airport stores to ensure customers are treated well. (ANI)