Fares on NYC's PATH train set to skyrocket as off-peak discounts are axed
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is planning to raise the cost of a single trip on the PATH train from $3 to $4 by 2029, with fare increases slated for spring 2026. The average annual fare hike will be 25 cents each year until the target date.
Notably, the agency has also announced plans to eliminate off-peak discounts offered to E-ZPass drivers, which could generate an additional $75 million annually. These changes are part of a broader effort to improve PATH service and infrastructure, with officials promising expanded hours and more frequent departures.
Starting in March 2026, service on several key routes will be increased, including the Journal Square-33rd Street line via Hoboken, which will see trains arrive every 10 minutes between 10 am and 9 pm. On weekends, PATH trains from Hoboken to the World Trade Center and 33rd Street will run for the first time since 2001.
The Port Authority's capital plan, announced on Thursday, includes airport upgrades, a new bus terminal, and improvements to PATH trains, with a total budget of $45 billion. While this is less than the MTA's current five-year capital plan of $68 billion, officials argue that their approach will be more efficient.
Critics have long argued that transportation fares are too high in New York City, and the latest hike has sparked concerns about affordability for commuters. Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) has vowed to address rising costs, particularly utility bills, which could impact public transportation users.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is planning to raise the cost of a single trip on the PATH train from $3 to $4 by 2029, with fare increases slated for spring 2026. The average annual fare hike will be 25 cents each year until the target date.
Notably, the agency has also announced plans to eliminate off-peak discounts offered to E-ZPass drivers, which could generate an additional $75 million annually. These changes are part of a broader effort to improve PATH service and infrastructure, with officials promising expanded hours and more frequent departures.
Starting in March 2026, service on several key routes will be increased, including the Journal Square-33rd Street line via Hoboken, which will see trains arrive every 10 minutes between 10 am and 9 pm. On weekends, PATH trains from Hoboken to the World Trade Center and 33rd Street will run for the first time since 2001.
The Port Authority's capital plan, announced on Thursday, includes airport upgrades, a new bus terminal, and improvements to PATH trains, with a total budget of $45 billion. While this is less than the MTA's current five-year capital plan of $68 billion, officials argue that their approach will be more efficient.
Critics have long argued that transportation fares are too high in New York City, and the latest hike has sparked concerns about affordability for commuters. Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) has vowed to address rising costs, particularly utility bills, which could impact public transportation users.
They're literally gonna make it even harder for us NYC peeps to get around without breaking the bank! I mean, $4 a trip? That's like, crazy talk! And don't even get me started on them axing off-peak discounts - that's just another way to squeeze more cash out of us commuters. I'm starting to think it's all connected... like, have you seen those airport upgrades they're planning? Are we gonna be paying for that with our PATH fares too? 
It just feels like they're setting the stage for something bigger... maybe a giant ticket price hike to fund their secret project? 
I'm not buying it (pun intended)!
The PATH train fare hikes are super unpopular already... I mean, who likes paying more for a ride? 
And axing off-peak discounts is gonna hit commuters hard, especially during rush hour when you need that extra buck to get through the day. $4 from $3 is not too shabby for one trip but 25 cent hikes every year till 2029? That's just excessive 
. I'm all for improving service and infrastructure, but can't they think of ways to make it more affordable for regular folks? The Port Authority's saying it'll be more efficient, but trust me, we've heard that before... 
i hope the gov-elect can do something about this because it's really affecting people's daily lives 
anyway, apparently its part of some bigger plan to upgrade airports and stuff but who cares about that when u gotta pay more for ur daily commute 
️. Perhaps it's time for policymakers to revisit their approach to transportation funding and prioritize equity and affordability above all else 
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