PATH installs PTC on 33rd Street rail line

The Port Authority Trans-Hudson's (PATH) 33rd Street rail line will return to operation on weekends starting Dec. 24, following the installation of new safety and signal upgrades.

The weekend closures began in early August so that crews could install positive train control (PTC) technology and new communications equipment, as well as perform additional repair work and painting.

"This project is vitally important for PATH, as we transition to a state-of-the-art system to allow PATH to increase throughput safety," said Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Pat Foye in a press release.

"PTC and [communications-based train control] will reduce the likelihood of human or mechanical errors and provide our customers with an additional layer of safety and reliability," said Kevin Lejda, assistant superintendent in PATH's transportation division.

During the weekend closures, PATH had been running direct trains between Hoboken and the World Trade Center, and providing shuttle bus service for riders from the WTC to West 29th Street. Those alternative services will be discontinued on weekends starting Dec. 24.

The port authority also released a video explaining PATH's safety and communications system upgrades.