HUDSON COUNTY — Ridership on PATH trains was up 2.3 percent in 2010. The 73.9 million PATH trips last year was 1.6 million more than in 2009, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported Thursday.
Some say the increase reflects an improved economy. “It’s a good indication that the economic recovery is afoot,” said Kate Slevin, executive director, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, a regional mass transit advocacy group.
Others say the increase may be the result of a NJ Transit 25 percent fare increase in May, which may have prompted some NJ Transit commuters to switch to PATH trains. PATH fares have been level at $1.75 since early 2008, despite billions of dollars spent on upgrades.