The Board of Commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey authorized a series of expenditures to enhance Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation (PATH) service, equipment and facilities throughout the system, including the purchase of 50 new rail cars, overhauling the current fleet to maintain state of good repair, as well as several Superstorm Sandy-related repair and replacement projects.
To better accommodate growing ridership demands, the board authorized the purchase of 50 rail cars from Kawasaki Rail Car, with an option to eventually acquire another 22 cars subject to further board action. The rail car acquisition is funded under a $150 million allocation in the Port Authority’s 10-year capital plan adopted earlier this year.
The commissioners also approved USD 79.5 million to replace and rehabilitate key components of the company’s current fleet of 350 PA-5 rail cars, as part of PATH’s maintenance cycle to ensure a continuing state of good repair. An additional USD 60 million was authorized for an overhaul of essential rail car components.
The board also approved USD 70.6 million for replacement and upgrade of PATH power substation No. 14, which was badly damaged in Superstorm Sandy; and USD 29.9 million for interlocking and track work at the Hoboken PATH station to repair extensive damage caused by Superstorm Sandy.
“Demand on the PATH system is growing significantly with each passing year. Today’s board votes to purchase new rail cars and provide critical repair and maintenance work will go a long way to ensuring that our PATH customers continue to receive the highest and most efficient level of service,” said Board Chairman Kevin O’Toole.
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