WSJ: PATH coming under strain

[Mightyqueen801]

Originally Posted by TonyStarksNJ

PATH just recently replaced their entire vehicle fleet. THE WTC path station is new, harrison is getting a major redo. They have been working on PTC for years now. When a critical system, that runs 24/7 needs to be upgraded, their are going to be delays. Look at the L train disaster that is about to unfold. Your being an arm chair QB, "why do we wait until its crumbling, why dont we build more trains"

Heres how it works.

People complain that Penn Station looks like an 80's KMart. The agencies say, Why dont we spend money to upgrade it, the estimates come in, they're high and people like you complain, "why are we spending so much money on something that already works!!!!"

Then you complain that, "Why are we waiting until its crumbling!" Umm becuase you didnt want to spend money to upgrade it, "when it was working fine 10 years ago" !!!!

PATH trains cant be bigger. The tunnels were dug in the early 1900's, they are what they are. You cant put more track (no real estate, NIMBYS), good luck getting the funding to build bigger tunnels (Hi Arc tunnel!). The best they can do is add more cars to the train and shorten the headway between more trains (hi PTC!).

They've been building the platforms to accommodate 10-car consists for some time now. The signal system is from the 20s and being replaced, but the tunnels flooded with salt water during Sandy and caused damage that had to be addressed immediately, and the storm also generated federal mandates for upgrades to the system that were not previously part of the plan.

Unless someone has lived under a rock for 50 years, they know that PATH operates at a loss. That crappy $2.75 doesn't cover salaries and the electric bill to run the system, let alone the new cars and all the station construction and other work that's being done.

This is all common public knowledge. People just like to complain. But hey, the Port Authority CEO job is open. Pays about $300k a year. The old executive director appointed by Cuomo was supposed to be gone a long time ago and replaced by a nonpolitical appointee, but they can't find anyone to do the job for that little money so he's hanging in. If anyone thinks they can do it better, apply. They're hoping to find someone who has already had a lucrative career and is willing to "give back" by taking a public service job at below-market salary.