PATH takes particular supply at Port Newark of two new rail automobiles, the primary installment in deliberate enlargement of fleet – Mass Transit Journal

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey introduced the PATH Rail Transit System (PATH) entered a brand new section of its $1 billion PATH Enchancment Plan (PIP) with the supply to Port Newark of two new rail automobiles, representing an vital step within the scheduled addition of 72 new automobiles by the tip of 2023 to extend capability, cut back delays and improve the general buyer expertise.

The 2 automobiles, constructed by Kawasaki and off-loaded Sunday morning after a visit originating in Japan, are the primary installment in PATH’s dedication to broaden its fleet in an effort to enhance its capability within the years forward. At the moment, PATH has about 350 automobiles in service, with the brand new automobiles set to extend the railroad’s rolling inventory by greater than 20 p.c.

“This preliminary batch of automobiles represents one more step within the Port Authority’s $1 billion funding in PATH to enhance the consolation, comfort and reliability of the system for passengers,” stated Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “These enhancements assist be sure that PATH continues to satisfy the wants of our area’s residents who rely on it each day.”

Increasing capability is certainly one of three elements of the PIP, along with decreasing delays and enhancing buyer expertise via new know-how and extra personnel. Within the plan, which was launched in 2019, capability is elevated via the acquisition of further rail automobiles, enlargement of station platforms to accommodate nine-car trains on the Newark-World Commerce Middle line versus right this moment’s eight-car trains, and utilization of a brand new sign system to run trains extra continuously, notably throughout morning and night rush hours.

“The PATH Enchancment Plan is a vital initiative within the modernization of our system and in offering enhanced service to the driving public,” stated Govt Director Rick Cotton. “The arrival of the primary new rail automobiles, mixed with the soon-to-be-completed enlargement of PATH stations and platforms to allow 9-car trains on the Newark to World Prepare Middle line, sends a transparent message that we’re making good on our promise to our prospects.”

The start of the brand new supply coincides with PATH’s ongoing enlargement of 5 stations to accommodate nine-car trains on the Newark-WTC line. This building will full by the tip of 2022. The stations have been working with a most of eight automobiles.

“We’re absolutely dedicated to growing capability and modernizing our belongings and amenities to satisfy the day by day wants of our ridership, for a safer, extra environment friendly journey expertise. That’s job one,” stated PATH Director Clarelle DeGraffe. “The beginning of supply of those new automobiles is a key milestone in our technique to realize these aims.”

After supply Sunday, the rail automobiles have been transported to a Kawasaki facility in Yonkers, N.Y., the place they are going to be fitted out and examined earlier than being put into service within the PATH system. Further rail automotive deliveries will proceed over the subsequent 18 months.