Port Authority plans to raise PATH fare to $4 in 2029, eliminate off-peak toll discounts

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Port Authority Plans Fare Hike as Service Expands

A single trip on the PATH train is expected to become even more expensive over the next four years, with officials announcing a fare increase of $1 by 2029. The current $3 fare will rise by 25 cents in spring 2026 and another quarter each year until it reaches $4.

This decision comes as the Port Authority board prepares to approve the plan next month, following elections on both sides of the Hudson River that highlighted affordability concerns. As New Jersey Gov-elect Mikie Sherrill vows to tackle rising costs, a similar commitment from New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is seen in efforts to rein in MTA costs.

However, the fare hike will coincide with expanded service and improvements. By 2026, trains on the Journal Square-33rd St via Hoboken line will run every 10 minutes between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., up from current intervals of 20 minutes. Morning rush-hour trains to the World Trade Center will operate more frequently, with 10 trains per hour.

Additionally, service to weekend destinations like Hoboken and the World Trade Center will begin in May, offering an alternative to weekday travel. Weekend trains will run on a schedule of every 10-15 minutes between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., starting from March 2027.

Increased tolls for drivers are also expected, as the agency phases out off-peak discounts offered through E-ZPass systems. This change is forecast to generate an additional $75 million annually. Furthermore, fees for taxis and ride-hailing services at regional airports will be raised.

The fare hike represents a significant increase in costs, especially considering that two-thirds of the Port Authority's budget is funded by corporate leasing fees. A new capital plan aims to upgrade airports, build a new bus terminal, and improve PATH trains, with a total investment of $45 billion - significantly lower than the MTA's current five-year plan of $68 billion.

By 2027, officials hope that these improvements will not only enhance travel options but also increase revenue from reduced discounts.
 
🚂💸 I think this is gonna be super inconvenient for people who already struggle with the PATH train costs, especially since their salary isn't keepin up with inflation 🤕. But at the same time, it's good that they're investin in new buses and trains, and makin sure ppl can get to work and school on time ⏰. I just hope that the new tax fees won't be too steep for drivers... that's already a headache 💸😩. Maybe the 45 billion dollar plan will help reduce costs in the long run? 🤞
 
Ugh I'm so done with this fare hike news... 🙄 I mean, I get it, they need to make some cash, but a quarter more every year? That's just gonna hit my wallet hard. And what really gets me is that two-thirds of the Port Authority's budget comes from corporate fees. Like, shouldn't we be looking at ways to cut those costs instead? Not raise them on us commuters who already struggle with traffic and parking.

And have you seen the proposed capital plan? $45 billion is a lot, but it's still only a fraction of what the MTA is proposing. I'm all for upgrading airports and PATH trains, but can't we just make some small adjustments to get there instead of slapping us with another fare hike?

I guess what really gets me is that politicians are making promises about tackling affordability concerns, but until then, it's more of the same old thing. More taxes, more fees... 🤑 I wish they'd take a hard look at how we're paying for all this and figure out ways to make travel more affordable for everyone.
 
man i feel like they're gonna break the bank on us already there's a fare hike and increased tolls on top of it and now they wanna raise taxi and ride-hailing fees too 🤑 it's all about finding that extra buck right? but hey at least we get more frequent trains and improved service 🚂😊 can't complain about that
 
🤩 so i guess the fact that they're raising fares by a quarter every year is kinda a good thing? like, if you're gonna have to pay more for your commute, it's better that the money goes towards upgrading the trains and airports instead of just being used to pay off old debts. and hey, who doesn't love the thought of having trains running every 10 minutes between 10am and 9pm? 🚂🕒 that's some serious frequency! plus, i'm all for people having more options for travel, whether it's weekday or weekend trips to hoboken or the wtc. just think of how much easier it'll be to get around the city with all these new improvements 🗺️😊
 
🚂💸 ugh its already gonna be pricey enough on the train gotta pay more for less service lol think theyre trying to nickel and dime us into the ground
 
I'm all for the fare hike 🤑, it's about time we paid more for better service and less congestion on our trains 😒. I mean, who doesn't want to take a PATH train every 10 minutes or so? 💨 But at the same time, I think $4 is still way too steep, especially for students and seniors 👵🏻👴🏻... unless they're gonna get some sweet discounts or something 🤑. I'm not sure about increased tolls for drivers, that's just gonna make it worse for commuters 🚗. And what's up with raising fees for taxis and ride-hailing services? That's just gonna hit low-income folks even harder 💸. On the other hand, I hope those airport improvements are a good use of funds... we could always use more convenient travel options ✈️!
 
The fare hike is def a necessary evil 🤷‍♂️. I get it, the Port Authority needs to make some cash to fund all these upgrades and improvements they're planning 💸. But $4 for a single trip? That's steep even for me 😳. And what's with the phasing out of off-peak discounts on tolls? That's just gonna hurt drivers who are already stuck in traffic 🚗.

On the other hand, more frequent trains and improved service can only be a good thing 🚂. I'd love to see those weekend trains up and running sooner rather than later 🤞. And hey, if it means the agency is making money and not just taking out loans, then I'm all for it 💯.

But let's keep an eye on how this capital plan plays out - $45 billion might seem like a lot, but compared to the MTA's five-year plan of $68 billion, that's actually a pretty big cut 🤑. We'll see how it shakes out over time ⏰.
 
omg u guys dont think this fare hike is gonna hurt ppl like me who rely on PATH for work? im all about increased service & improved trains but its hard to see the benefits when ur wallet gets hit like this 🤑 ugh i mean what's up with those corporate leasing fees tho? two thirds of their budget is that some kinda joke? and btw have they thought through how ppl with lower incomes are gonna afford these increased fares? 🤔
 
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