New Cars are Part of $3.1 Billion Investment to Create a "New" PATH System

On October 27, 2005, the Port Authority unveiled the design for the new fleet of PATH rail cars that will replace the system's aging 340-car fleet beginning in 2008. The new cars are part of $3.1 billion in investments in PATH either completed or planned since 9/11.

Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. is designing the cars under a $499 million contract to build a new fleet. The new cars will feature:

• Three-door sets on each side to allow for faster entrances and exits
• On-board video
• Closed-circuit television recording capability
• Improved lighting, air conditioning and heating
• Prerecorded station announcements
• Better signs
• Capability for passengers to communicate with the crew

The new cars are part of an $809 million PATH modernization program that also includes car maintenance equipment, renovations to PATH's Harrison Car Maintenance Facility and preliminary work on a new signal system. It is the largest single investment in the rapid-transit system since the Port Authority acquired the Hudson and Manhattan Railroad in 1962.

The Port Authority expects to have the first of the new PATH cars in service in 2008. The entire fleet will be replaced by 2011.

Artist's rendering of PATH new railcar