The Port Authority Board of Commissioners has authorised US$ 3.5 million to initiate planning for the replacement of fare gates across all 13 PATH stations.
The current gates have been in service for approximately 22 years, exceeding their standard useful life of 15 to 20 years, and have become a source of frequent breakdowns, rising maintenance costs and growing fare evasion.
The authorised funding will support the development of project scope and technical specifications, preparation of a cost estimate, and the procurement process for new equipment.
Planning work is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2026 and run through the second quarter of 2027, expanding an existing agreement with consultant JHP, a partnership between Jacobs and HNTB.
PATH currently operates 341 standard and ADA-compliant fare gates across its network. The replacement programme will prioritise reducing fare evasion while improving accessibility for passengers travelling with mobility devices, luggage, strollers and bicycles.
The new gates will be fully integrated with TAPP, PATH’s contactless payment system, which has been adopted by more than 75 percent of daily riders since its introduction in 2023.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole framed the investment as a continuation of the improvements delivered through the PATH Forward programme, extending the system’s modernisation from infrastructure and service to the passenger entry experience.
Executive Director Kathryn Garcia highlighted fare evasion management and accessibility as the primary operational imperatives driving the replacement.
The fare gate initiative follows significant recent momentum for PATH.
Earlier this month, the system launched its most extensive service enhancements in decades, including doubled weekend frequency on the Journal Square to 33rd Street via Hoboken line.
Further service improvements are planned for May, including seven-day dedicated Hoboken service and increased frequency during peak and late-night periods.
These enhancements were enabled by the two-year, US$ 430 million PATH Forward programme, which delivered 15,000 feet of track replacement, three new switch systems and broad station upgrades across the network.
