PATH logged record ridership in 2017

In 2017, the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) rail system served a record 82.8 million passengers.

The figure marked a 5.4 percent increase compared to the total in the previous year, when PATH logged 78.5 million riders.

The growth stemmed from economic growth in the region, a surge in residential development near PATH stations and an influx of additional riders during Amtrak's repairs to New York Penn Station over the summer, according to a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) press release.

More than 900,000 riders who typically would take New Jersey Transit's Midtown Direct trains were diverted to PATH stations as Penn Station underwent repair and rehabilitation.

"We continue to strive to effectively meet and manage the challenges of providing the highest level of service to our growing passenger population," said PATH Director and General Manager Michael Marino.

The World Trade Center station, which is PATH's busiest stop, experienced a 5.8 percent increase in total ridership. Meanwhile, Newark Penn Station's ridership grew 5.4 percent, and the 33rd Street station in Manhattan logged an 8.3 percent increase in passengers.