PATH rolls out cell service in underground stations

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) this week announced the start of cellphone service in underground Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) commuter-rail stations.

Connectivity from major cell phone carriers will be rolled the rest of this year and into early 2019. As of Nov. 6, AT&T and T-Mobile cellular service is available in PATH's New York City underground stations. Verizon Wireless and Sprint service is expected to be available in both New York City and New Jersey's underground PATH stations early next year.

The expanded cellphone service is part of a new focus on customer service and technology improvements across PANYNJ facilities, authority officials said in a press release.

Other efforts have included new mobile applications, such as the RidePath app that enables passengers to plan trips and receive service alerts. Last month, PANYNJ added free high-speed Wi-Fi service at its four commercial airports.

"We continually strive for a better customer experience for all of our PATH riders," said PANYNJ Chairman Kevin O'Toole. "Adding another critical service in the form of expanded cell access is an essential part of meeting that goal."