The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced last week that it will roll out the first 72 new rail cars starting April 17.
Part of Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH), the 13.8-mile rapid transit system between Newark, Jersey City and Hoboken, N.J., and Manhattan, N.Y., the new rail cars are part of the Port Authority’s $1 billion PATH improvement plan that will reduce delays and enhance customers’ experiences, the agency said.
The new high-performance rail cars will be gradually integrated into the system between now and 2024, the agency said. They are intended to supplement PATH’s new 9-car train service between Newark and the World Trade Center. Beginning in 2024, the agency said, nearly all of the trains on that line would be 9-cars at peak times to increase capacity and provide customers with a safer, more convenient commuting experience on PATH’s busiest line.
“Prioritizing public transportation means never settling for a transit system that amounts to less than what our residents and visitors deserve,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said. “After announcing 9-car train service just last month, the Port Authority will enhance PATH’s capacity and efficiency yet again through the addition of dozens of new rail cars. Together, these significant improvements will continue to spur PATH’s determined recovery of ridership while promoting safe and accessible transportation for all New Jerseyans.”
“PATH remains committed to improving riders’ experience, from the countdown clocks to station cell service and comfort on the train,” said Kevin O’Toole, chairman of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “We’re delighted to celebrate the introduction of these new rail cars marking an exciting step toward a state-of-the-art rail experience for our customers.”
Built by Kawasaki, the new cars will be put into service on the Newark to World Trade Center line, the 33rd Street to Journal Square line, the Hoboken to 33rd Street line, and the Hoboken to World Trade Center lines. The cars will also be deployed on the Journal Square to 33rd Street via the Hoboken line on the weekends.
The new cars will be put into service on the Newark to World Trade Center, 33 St to Journal Square, Hoboken to 33 St, and Hoboken to World Trade Center lines, as well as the Journal Square to 33 St via Hoboken line on weekends.