PANYNJ completes PATH 340-rail car modernization. Board of Commissioners approve lot purchase for future redevelopment of Harrison PATH Station

HARRISON, NJ -- On October 31, 2011 the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey finalized their 36-month project to modernize the PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) passenger train service. At 104 years old, the PATH system is one of the oldest passenger train systems in the United States.

The $744 million-dollar modernization project replaced old train cars -- some of them utilizing gear dating back to the 1960s -- updated existing cars with informational technology for commuters and improved safety systems.

The project also includes a proposed total refurbishment of the outdated station in Harrison, New Jersey. The Harrison station project requires the purchase of 2.12 acres within Harrison, NJ and the demolition of three manufacturing buildings on that property. Total cost of the purchase and demolition will be approximately 4.8 million dollars and is projected to generate 6.5 million dollars of economic activity and 20 jobs into the community.

PATH train station in Harrison, NJ | Photo: DailyHarrison.com

Agency officials and honored guests were on hand at the Hoboken station when the last of the new seven-car train was rolled out and put into service. Port Authority Chairman David Samson announced that the new trains symbolized the organization’s commitment to the system and was quoted as saying “…this milestone – delivered under budget – is just one component of a multi-billion dollar investment in the system.”

PATH is a main artery for New York to New Jersey commuters. Sporting events such as the Red Bulls soccer games in Harrison, New Jersey are credited with recent increases in ridership in spite of fare hikes.

Port Authority officials predict that further improvements in the tunnel tubes and duct banks along with a more modernized signaling system could increase passenger capacity by nearly 20 percent.

Photos by DailyHarrison.com | You're free to use,
copy, distribute, display, and make derivative works
from these images under the following conditions.