Another PATH Fare Hike, and Riders Are Resigned

A ride on the PATH train will cost more than the subway starting October 1.

It’s the fourth and final annual increase approved in 2011, raising the cost of a single ride to $2.75.

The fare hikes are part of the Port Authority’s 10-year, $3.3 billion expansion plan, which includes rebuilding the Harrison station, modernizing the Grove Street station, and extending PATH service to Newark Liberty International Airport.

Commuters like Sharon Christmas of Irvington, NJ, say the capital projects should not be paid by fare hikes.

“We pay enough taxes in both [New York and New Jersey] to cover something like that,” said Christmas on Wednesday.

PATH riders also complained about unreliable weekend service and waits of up to 45 minutes during late-night hours.

“But people still have to get to New York,” said Raymond Struck, a marble mason at the World Trade Center site who lives in South Amboy, NJ. “What are you going to do, you know? It's the little guy that gets hurt all the time.”