PATH to Restore Direct Weekend Service, Expand Frequency Across All Lines

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey approved a $45 billion Capital Plan for 2026–2035 on November 13, including expanded PATH service across Hudson County. The Hudson County Chamber of Commerce hailed the decision as a major advocacy victory for local businesses and commuters.

As part of the plan, PATH service will increase significantly during peak weekday hours and on weekends. Notably, the agency will reintroduce direct weekend service on the Journal Square–33rd Street and Hoboken–World Trade Center lines for the first time in 25 years, beginning in mid-2026.

The Chamber led a months-long campaign pushing for improved weekend and off-peak service, citing increased ridership, overcrowding, and service delays. “Weekend ridership now exceeds pre-pandemic levels, requiring service to be adjusted to reflect current needs,” said Emory A. Edwards, President and CEO of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce. He noted that long wait times and platform congestion have affected local business activity, tourism, and commuter reliability.

Reliable transit, Edwards added, is essential for regional economic growth and is especially critical ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2026. The Chamber raised these issues directly with Port Authority officials, resulting in what Edwards described as a direct response to local concerns.

The 10-year capital plan also includes funding for infrastructure upgrades, airport terminal projects, bridge rehabilitations, and new fare technologies. For PATH, this marks one of the most substantial service increases in its history, including more trains during rush hours and expanded seven-day service on all lines.

“Together, we elevated the voice and strength of Hudson County’s business community and secured a meaningful improvement that will support growth and mobility across the region,” Edwards said.