PATH unveils 66 million command center

Jessica Perry//August 31, 2012

The upgrades come at a time when the bistate agency expects record traffic on the trans-Hudson system.Ron Marsico, a spokesman for the Port Authority, said the new center will fit in with a new $400 million signal system on tap within the next several years. Marsico said the new computerized signal system will have the effect of increasing the system’s ridership capacity because it will enable more precise timing.

“By having that new signal system and allowing trains to run closer together while increasing safety, we can increase capacity without having to add new track,” he said.

PATH had record ridership of 76.6 million last year, and it’s on track to break 78 million riders. 2012 marks the 50th year since the bistate agency took over operation of the trans-Hudson line.

In addition to the new command center, the authority recently completed the replacement of its entire 350-car fleet and is also undertaking station upgrades.