An average of 22,000 riders a day have been diverted to PATH during the first two weeks of Amtrak’s repair and renewal efforts at New York’s Penn Station, according to a report released this week.
In response, PATH has increased not only its number of trains per hour, but also its staff, and actively enhanced its communication channels. The results show a 98 percent on-time performance rate for the system in spite of the burden. That burden is expected to continue through Sept. 1.
“PATH has done an impressive job of keeping the trains running on time, as a result of effective planning and with minimal disruption in service so far,” Port Authority Board Chairman John Degnan said. “It’s a tribute to the people of PATH and its customers.”
Most of the new riders come from the New Jersey Transit (NJT) Midtown Direct service, who have been diverted to the Hoboken Terminal station until the project’s completion. The NJT customers are being cross-honored.
PATH General Manager Mike Marino has likewise praised his system’s performance, placing accolades on the shoulders of three factors: advance preparation that included nine weeks of planning and inspection, collaboration between regional transportation partners and the understanding of the public itself.