The Brian Lehrer Show PATH's 'Summer of Hell'
Aug 28, 2025
Larry Higgs, a seasoned transportation reporter for NJ.com and the Star-Ledger, dives into the tumultuous summer facing PATH commuters. He unpacks the recent Hoboken station shutdown and the ongoing issues of fires and derailments, highlighting the aging infrastructure. Discussion includes the chaos caused by a faulty interlocking system and the lack of clear communication during emergencies. Higgs also shares alternative transit options while assessing the broader economic impact on commuters as New York and New Jersey navigate their political differences.
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Small System, Big Cascading Failures
- PATH's troubles this summer stem from multiple infrastructure failures, not a single incident.
- The system's small size magnifies delays because riders can't easily switch to alternate PATH lines.
Conductor's Quick Action During Newport Fire
- A PATH conductor spotted flames and radioed the motorman, stopping the train so passengers could evacuate.
- Still, 15 passengers and four employees suffered injuries and required hospital care.
Aging Legacy Infrastructure Risks
- PATH's tunnels include legacy infrastructure from a century-old system that requires continuous catch-up maintenance.
- Custom-made replacements have tight clearances that leave little margin for error and create failure risk.