Improve seating and frequencies on PATH trains
The Issue
Having used the PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) system on multiple occasions, it’s clear that while it is mostly reliable, it has a significant flaw - the seating arrangement. Unlike what many might think, PATH is not actually a metro. It is classified as a commuter railroad falling under the jurisdiction of the Federal Railroad Administration. PATH is not actually a metro. It is legally a commuter railroad under the jurisdiction of the Federal Railroad Administration. This is because it once shared trackage with the Pennsylvania Railroad under the name Hudson & Manhattan Railroad, during which time it used typical electric multiple unit trains that ran on overhead catenary like a traditional commuter train. As such, the trains must be equipped with grabs irons, they must have conductors on board, they must be equipped with with positive train control, and all train operators must be certified locomotive engineers. This makes this system three times more expensive to operate than a traditional metro. This distinction is crucial because it demands seating arrangements more suitable for a system designed to function like a commuter rail, akin to other systems such as the Washington Metro or MARTA, although those are classified as rapid transit under the FTA, but that's beside the point.
The current seating design is inadequate for the period most passengers spend traveling on the PATH. With thousands using this service daily, the comfort and convenience of seating are critical. Many commuters are forced to stand during their journeys, adding unnecessary discomfort and fatigue, which is exacerbated during peak hours. Moreover, unlike other commuter rail systems, PATH frequencies leave something to be desired.
Implementing redesigned seating that reflects the needs of a commuter railroad could greatly improve commuter experiences. Offering better comfort with more ergonomic and spacious seating would greatly enhance overall passenger satisfaction, reduce crowding, and align PATH more closely with its rail system peers. Additionally, PATH trains do not run as often as they should. They should be running every 10 to 15 minutes on all lines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Not every half an hour or 1 hour. Even the MARTA in Atlanta has better headways.
It is time for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to re-evaluate and address these needs by redesigning the seating arrangements and improving frequencies on PATH trains. Modifying these aspects can lead to a drastic improvement in commuter satisfaction, making PATH a model for transit asystems across the nation.
DISCLAIMER! I am not asking for an interior similar to the SEPTA Silverliner V or the Metro North Railroad M8. I just want an arrangement similar to the CTA 6000 series Chicago "L" cars or the WMATA 8000 series Washington Metro cars. In a nutshell, the PATH train interiors should not look like that of the New York City Subway, better known as the MTA Subway.
Join me in asking the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to improve the seating arrangements and better service patterns on PATH trains. Sign this petition and help bring comfort and convenience to thousands of daily commuters.
20
The Issue
Having used the PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) system on multiple occasions, it’s clear that while it is mostly reliable, it has a significant flaw - the seating arrangement. Unlike what many might think, PATH is not actually a metro. It is classified as a commuter railroad falling under the jurisdiction of the Federal Railroad Administration. PATH is not actually a metro. It is legally a commuter railroad under the jurisdiction of the Federal Railroad Administration. This is because it once shared trackage with the Pennsylvania Railroad under the name Hudson & Manhattan Railroad, during which time it used typical electric multiple unit trains that ran on overhead catenary like a traditional commuter train. As such, the trains must be equipped with grabs irons, they must have conductors on board, they must be equipped with with positive train control, and all train operators must be certified locomotive engineers. This makes this system three times more expensive to operate than a traditional metro. This distinction is crucial because it demands seating arrangements more suitable for a system designed to function like a commuter rail, akin to other systems such as the Washington Metro or MARTA, although those are classified as rapid transit under the FTA, but that's beside the point.
The current seating design is inadequate for the period most passengers spend traveling on the PATH. With thousands using this service daily, the comfort and convenience of seating are critical. Many commuters are forced to stand during their journeys, adding unnecessary discomfort and fatigue, which is exacerbated during peak hours. Moreover, unlike other commuter rail systems, PATH frequencies leave something to be desired.
Implementing redesigned seating that reflects the needs of a commuter railroad could greatly improve commuter experiences. Offering better comfort with more ergonomic and spacious seating would greatly enhance overall passenger satisfaction, reduce crowding, and align PATH more closely with its rail system peers. Additionally, PATH trains do not run as often as they should. They should be running every 10 to 15 minutes on all lines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Not every half an hour or 1 hour. Even the MARTA in Atlanta has better headways.
It is time for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to re-evaluate and address these needs by redesigning the seating arrangements and improving frequencies on PATH trains. Modifying these aspects can lead to a drastic improvement in commuter satisfaction, making PATH a model for transit asystems across the nation.
DISCLAIMER! I am not asking for an interior similar to the SEPTA Silverliner V or the Metro North Railroad M8. I just want an arrangement similar to the CTA 6000 series Chicago "L" cars or the WMATA 8000 series Washington Metro cars. In a nutshell, the PATH train interiors should not look like that of the New York City Subway, better known as the MTA Subway.
Join me in asking the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to improve the seating arrangements and better service patterns on PATH trains. Sign this petition and help bring comfort and convenience to thousands of daily commuters.
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Petition created on July 4, 2026