PANYNJ to implement Wi-Tronix tech on PATH fleet

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has awarded a $10 million contract to Wi-Tronix to deploy onboard technology across the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) commuter-rail fleet.

The Wi-Tronix technology will support PATH's compliance with Federal Railroad Administration requirements, including the FAST Act mandate for onboard image and audio recording. The modern technology will enable the authority to retrieve video and audio data remotely, respond more efficiently to breakdowns and improve car availability during service disruptions, PANYNJ officials said in a press release.

PATH will install the Wi-Tronix technology on more than half of its fleet of 422 cars. Installation and implementation is expected to comply with the FAST Act deadline to install inward- and outward- facing recording devices by October 2027. Wi-Tronix will provide maintenance and upkeep of the technology.

The contract award follows a multi-year collaboration that began in 2023 through the public-private Transit Tech Lab program, which enabled PATH to evaluate Wi-Tronix technology in a live transit environment. The Transit Tech Lab is run by the Partnership Fund for New York City. The tests expanded to a larger deployment of Wi-Tronix technology after the 30-month pilot, PANYNJ officials said.

"This unique partnership between PATH and Wi-Tronix, powered by Transit Tech Lab, is a potential game changer that will raise our operational, safety and maintenance standards to a new level," said PATH General Manager and Director Clarelle DeGraffe. "By advancing real-time visibility of PATH’s rail-car fleet, we’re enhancing a legacy system to transform it into a more responsive system that will move riders more safely and efficiently."