The Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) has taken delivery of two new rail cars.
Transported from Japan to Port Newark, these are the first of a total of 72 cars ordered from Kawasaki. Full delivery of this order is expected by the end of 2023.
Upon delivery, the rail cars were transported to Kawasaki’s facility in Yonkers, New York, where they will be fitted out and tested before being put into service.
Expanding capacity is one of the three components of the one billion USD (1.01bn EUR) PATH Improvement Plan (PIP), which was introduced in 2019. The other two components are ‘new technology’ and ‘more personnel’.
By expanding its fleet by 20%, PATH aims to increase capacity, reduce delays and enhance customer experience.
In addition to the purchase of 72 new cars, PATH is also expanding five station platforms to accommodate nine-car trains on the Newark-World Trade Center line. Today, eight-car trains are in operation.
This work will be complete by the end of the year.
PATH will also be introducing a new signal system to enable trains to run more frequently.
“We're fully committed to increasing capacity and modernising our assets and facilities to meet the daily needs of our ridership, for a safer, more efficient travel experience. That’s Job One.
“The start of delivery of these new cars is a key milestone in our strategy to achieve these objectives.”
