Newark-WTC PATH debuts 9-car trains

For the first time in its 100-year history, PATH will operate nine-car trains on the Newark-World Trade Center line.

Officials and stakeholders, including Gov. Phil Murphy, gathered March 22 at the Harrison PATH Station to announce the news.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says that it is the first step in a planned major expansion along the line, part of an effort to increase capacity, reduce delays, and enhance overall customer experience.

The announcement follows the completion of platform and expansion projects along the line to accommodate longer trains.

Over the next 12 months, the Port Authority says that PATH will roll out increasing numbers of nine-car trains, with plans to have all nine-car trains on the line at peak times by the start of next year.

“By increasing capacity and enhancing efficiency on the Newark-World Trade Center line, we will better connect local communities to good-paying jobs, economic opportunity, and each other,” said Murphy. “Just as importantly, expanding PATH service will help deliver the comfortable, safe traveling experience New Jersey residents and visitors deserve.”

These nine-car trains are at the center of the Port Authority’s ambitious plan to increase capacity on the PATH’s NWK-WTC line by 40%.

“Today marks a crucial milestone in the continuing journey to create a state-of-the-art rail experience for our customers,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “We remain committed to making PATH the industry standard in providing comfort, convenience, safety and system reliability for passengers.”

“We owe PATH customers an improved experience, and this service enhancement provides substantial and measurable increases in capacity on PATH’s most heavily traveled line,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.

The Port Authority also noted that rigorous independent inspection and testing took place in advance of Thursday’s official debut of the new nine-car train service.