PATH plans PTC install, CBTC upgrade on 33rd Street line for August

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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PATH

Port Authority Trans Hudson (PATH) plans to suspend weekend service on its 33rd Street line in Manhattan, N.Y., beginning in August to progress an upgrade to its signal system, including installation of positive train control (PTC).

 

The 33rd Street PATH line upgrade is part of a multi-phased plan to improve the system and provide riders more frequent rush hour service. Additional weekend closures on the system will be necessary next year on a schedule to be announced later. At the center of the project is installation of PTC, which the federal government has mandated be completed by the end of 2018.

Allotting this work time is vital to upgrading PATH to improve current and future service. In addition to safety enhancements, this work will provide PATH riders increased reliability in the future, as well as lay the groundwork for increased passenger capacity.

As part of PATH’s 10-Year Capital Plan, the authority also will upgrade the signal system with Communications Based Train Control (CBTC). Trains then will be capable of running more frequently and closer together, leading to a projected increase in rush-hour service on PATH lines of up to 20 percent. Additionally, the CBTC system also will allow for further enhancements such as real time information in PATH stations.

 

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