Inova spokesman David Lieberman said each PATH train car will be equipped with four pairs of high-resolution, 12-inch television screens that will broadcast pre-programmed news and train information. In the stations, larger screens will broadcast information about arrival times and delays, Lieberman said.
The project, which coincides with the $809 million undertaking to modernize the PATH system, is expected to begin in early 2008 and be completed by 2011, Lieberman said.
"A lot of urban centers are interested in this technology. But in the U.S., we're way behind what's been happening in Europe," he said. "There's a lot of catch up that needs to be played."
Lieberman said similar technology already is in use in Frankfurt, Vienna, Geneva, Madrid and Athens.
The modernization of the PATH system will include the complete overhaul of all 340 trains in the fleet, as well as improved lighting, air conditioning, and heating on both the trains and the stations, among other modern amenities, according to the Port Authority. The project is expected to be completed by 2011.
The new
railcars cannot come soon enough, as the existing rolling stock is in poor shape. However, I worry most about the conditions of some of the stations, especially 9th Street and Christopher Street, which have limited egress in case of an emergency. Those situation were supposed to be rectified after 9/11, but appear to be in a holding pattern. This
article notes some of the opposition to adding a second exit to Christopher Street. Now, more than 5 years later, and there's still no additional exit to the PATH stations at Christopher or 9th Street.
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