Port Authority Unveils $45 Billion Plan to Enhance PATH Services
The Port Authority has unveiled a transformative $45 billion capital plan aimed at enhancing PATH services and upgrading major airport facilities. This comprehensive initiative will expand services at Newark Airport and construct a new bus terminal while introducing fare and toll increases to fund these projects.
$10.1 Billion Budget for 2026
Accompanying the capital plan is a proposed $10.1 billion budget for 2026. This budget facilitates the introduction of more frequent PATH services, which are set to begin in March 2026, along with plans to replace Newark Airport’s Terminal B.
- The $19 million allocated for PATH service improvements marks a significant investment.
- A phased 25-cent fare increase will be implemented starting summer 2026.
- Annual fare increases of 25 cents will follow from January 2027 to 2029.
Fare revenues currently cover only 25% of PATH’s operational costs. As a self-funded authority, the Port Authority does not receive state or local tax revenues, according to Clarelle DeGraffe, PATH’s general manager. To combat fare evasion, the Port Authority plans to install new fare gates.
Toll Increases and E-ZPass Adjustments
The 2026 budget also incorporates a 3% toll increase, set to take effect on January 4. This increase will be indexed to the consumer price index in addition to a previously approved 25-cent annual rise.
To support the capital plan, the gradual elimination of E-ZPass off-peak discounts for cars and motorcycles is planned for 2027. This adjustment is projected to generate around $75 million in revenue as the discounts are phased out.
Public Engagement and Approval Timeline
Both the capital plan and the budget will be presented for a vote during the Port Authority meeting scheduled for December 18, 2025. Six public hearings, including two virtual options, are slated from December 2 to December 9, allowing public input on the agency’s website as well.
PATH Service Enhancements
The proposed enhancements to PATH services have garnered positive responses from advocates. Individuals from communities such as Hoboken, Newark, and Jersey City have expressed appreciation for the increased frequency of PATH trains.
- Weekday train frequency on the Hoboken-World Trade Center line will increase to every six minutes during peak hours.
- Weekend service will see trains run every ten minutes on the Journal Square-33 St. line.
- Direct service from Hoboken to World Trade Center will resume for the first time since 2001.
DeGraffe highlighted, “We are proposing one of the largest service improvements in PATH history,” which is critical to meet the needs of the growing populations in affected cities.
Investment Breakdown
The extensive $45 billion capital plan earmarks significant funding for diverse projects:
- Aviation: $20 billion designated for airports, including Newark Liberty International. This encompasses monorail replacements and Terminal renovations.
- Tunnels, Bridges, and Terminals: $15.4 billion allocated for six river crossings and a new bus terminal. Replacement of the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan alone is budgeted at $11 billion.
- World Trade Center: $1.2 billion aimed at continuing the reconstruction of Towers 2 and 5.
Authority Vice-chairman Jeffrey H. Lynford summarized the vision behind the capital plan, emphasizing the ambition and breadth of the projects involved. As plans move forward, community feedback and support will be crucial in shaping a modern, efficient transportation network.
