Watch CBS News

Riders Petition For Restoration Of 24-Hour PATH Service

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - When PATH rail service was restored after superstorm Sandy, it was not to the entire system. Given the flooding, most people seem understand that.

WCBS 880's Monica Miller On The Story

Podcast

But the service that was restored is only in operation from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and some riders have had it with limited service. They want 24-hour service.

"We've been patient and flexible and understanding, but at this point we're afraid for our jobs," said rider Clay Cane of Jersey City. He says he's spent hundreds of dollars on cabs and ferries. "Sometimes you're like 'Okay, I'll stay with a friend in a different borough' but it's inconvenient."

So, the freelance journalist helped start an online petition gathering signatures to restore the around-the-clock rail service under the Hudson River.

LINKS: Sign The Petition | RestorePATHNow On Twitter

"I saw one guy on the PATH train who was in tears talking to a conductor saying 'I'm a janitor. I'm going to get fired because I can't get to work on time,'" Cane told Miller.

Crowds at Port Authorty Trying To Catch Bus To Hoboken
Commuters walk through barricades to get on line to catch a bus to Hoboken at Port Authority in the aftermath of Sandy's devastating effect on PATH trains. (credit: Julie Parise/CBSNewYork.com)

The Port Authority says the system needs to be down at night to do repairs and should have full service running in a few weeks.

"The first few weeks, we get that. Day 37. 10 p.m. is too early," Cane said. "Getting home after 10 p.m. is liking playing a game with 'The Amazing Race.' You have to run to 42nd Street, try and catch a jitney bus or bus no. 126, but that only goes to one area of Hoboken, one area of Jersey City, you're not functional."

There is still no PATH service to Hoboken.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.