The cost of a single PATH train ticket is set to increase next spring — and will climb steadily each year until it hits $4 by 2029, Port Authority officials said.
A single trip on the PATH train, which currently costs $3, is set to rise to $3.25 by spring 2026, and gradually increase by a quarter each January from 2027 to 2029 in order to pay for “sweeping system improvements” to the trains move between Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken and Manhattan.
In a blow to drivers, the Port Authority’s plan also calls for bridges and tunnels tolls to increase by 3% on Jan. 4, all while phasing out off-peak discounts to EZ Pass users.
Some of the changes, according to the agency’s $45 billion 2026-2035 capital plan, include implementing artificial intelligence-driven surveillance tech to fight fare evasion. The Port Authority — which is run jointly by New York and New Jersey, is also splashing out on new anti-fare evasion gates.
But there’s good news for risers too.
The Port Authority also plans to reintroduce seven-day-a-week service across all PATH lines for the first time in 25 years.
Starting in March 2026, Journal Square-33rd St via Hoboken line service will double on weekends between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., with trains every 10 minutes, Port Authority reps said.
At the same time, the Hoboken–World Trade Center line will also get a 33% service increase with trains coming every six minutes during rush hour.
In May 2026, weekend Hoboken service to the World Trade Center and 33rd Street will restart for the first time since 2001 — and eliminate a dreaded transfer for Jersey City riders.
Late-night service will also get a boost, with trains every 20 minutes between 11:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. Saturday across all PATH lines.
Newark-World Trade Center and Hoboken-World Trade Center lines will see increased weekend service starting in March 2027 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with trains running roughly every 15 minutes.
“For more than a century, PATH has evolved alongside the region it serves, and this service expansion marks the start of a new, exciting chapter in that story,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole.
“This is a tangible sign of how far PATH has come and how ready it now is to meet the demands of the future.”
The PATH fare hike marks the second since single rides increased 25 cents to $3 earlier this year, in what served as the first fare hike in a decade.
The move also comes as the MTA subway, bus and Access-A-Ride single-trip tickets are set to increase in January 2026 from $2.90 to $3.
Fares only cover a quarter of the actual cost of each PATH ride, with the Port Authority subsidizing the remaining 75%, according to agency documents.
The transit system is also “unique” among major US routes as it receives no state or federal funding.
The added toll funds will help rehab the George Washington Bridge as well as Lincoln Tunnel Helix and the Outerbridge Crossing, the Port Authority said.
The complete plan will go to a vote at the Port Authority board’s December meeting.
The service increases are part of the agency’s long-term modernization of the 117-year-old railroad following the completion of a $430 million PATH Forward plan, which revamped tracks, switches and stations.
The service expansion also comes as PATH saw “significant” ridership growth in recent months, including its second-busiest post-pandemic month in September when it carried 5.5 million riders.
“Customers told us where they want shorter waits, more options, and better reliability across both weekdays and weekends,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.
“These proposed service increases are the direct result of that feedback and of years of focused investment in our infrastructure that will deliver a safer, faster and more comfortable experience.”
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