Port Authority Delays Killing Overnight PATH Service

Local legislators announced today that Port Authority is indefinitely tabling its plan to eliminate overnight PATH service.

The possible elimination of services has been a hot button issue for several local officials, including Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer and Hudson Senator Brian Stack, who each released public statements vehemently opposing any cuts to PATH service.

The plan to eliminate services stemmed from a special panel commissioned by Governors Christie and Cuomo. In a Dec. 27 statement, the two governors expressed their support for the report issued by the panel, which recommended eliminating overnight PATH service to cut costs.

“I thank Chairman Degnan for listening to our voices and for taking the idea of PATH overnight service cuts off the table,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “With 56 percent of Hoboken residents using public transportation to commute each day – the highest rate not just in the state, but in the nation – the success of our community and region is intrinsically linked to a robust mass transit system. Going forward, we should be focused on ideas to expand, not cut public transportation options within our region.”

New Jersey Senator Sweeney (D) and Assemblyman Prieto (D) secured the commitment from Port Authority Chairman John Degnan after they met with Mr. Degnan – a meeting that Senator Sweeney and Speaker Prieto arranged when they each reached out to Mr. Degnan.

“Solving problems requires leadership, negotiation and open communication, and we would like to thank Chairman Degnan for his willingness to work with us to resolve this important issue by working together,” Senator Sweeney said. “This is a victory for the hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans who ride on the PATH system, especially the low-wage workers and young people who rely on the line as their principal mode of transportation.”

“Port Authority reform was never supposed to be about cutting vital rail services for hard-working residents,” said Speaker Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen). “This was a bad idea from the start and I’m glad to see it set aside. I thank Chairman Degnan for his cooperation and look forward to focusing on actual reform efforts.”

Related Stories:

• Hoboken Mayor Zimmer Speaks Out Against Possible Elimination of Overnight PATH Service
• Letter: Hoboken Senator Speaks Out Against Possible Elimination to PATH Services
• UPDATE: PATH Service In Hoboken Resumes After Police Probe
• Warming Centers Open in Hoboken, More Hudson County Cities

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