And here are answeres to some questions you may be asking:
1. I have a 7-day or 30-day unlimited pass on my SmartLink. Will I be credited for those days I was unable to use it?
- Yes. SmartLink customers should contact the SmartLink Customer Service Center to receive a prorated credit.
Telephone: 1-800-234-7284, option 4
Email: [email protected] Provide your name, mailing address, telephone number and 20-digit SmartLink number (which appears on the back of the card).
2. I usually take PATH between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. What are my options now that PATH service ends at 10 p.m.?
- We encourage customers to visit NJ Transit's website (http://www.njtransit.com) to learn about the transit options they offer during the hours PATH is not in operation.
3. When will the rest of PATH service be restored?
- Due to widespread flooding in PATH tunnels, multiple stations, our car maintenance facility, as well as power outages that have shut down signals and switches, other PATH rail service continues to be suspended as we work to restore full service to the entire PATH system as soon as safely possible. PATH engineers, safety personnel, staff and third party contractors are working around-the-clock with the goal of providing additional service between New Jersey and New York as soon as safely possible.
4. Why is there no PATH service between Newark and Journal Square?
- A large amount of floodwater damaged critical substation equipment located between Newark and Journal Square, making it impossible to run trains between these stations at this time. PATH engineers are repairing or replacing this equipment as quickly as safely possible.
5. Why is Hoboken Station not yet in operation?
- An unprecedented amount of flooding experienced throughout Hoboken Station significantly damaged multiple types of equipment, including those for signaling and train control. PATH engineers are repairing or replacing this equipment as quickly as safely possible.
6. Why is the Exchange Place to World Trade Center line not yet in operation?
- Exchange Place and World Trade Center stations both experienced an unprecedented amount of flooding, damaging multiple types of equipment, including those for signaling and train control. PATH engineers are repairing or replacing this equipment as quickly as safely possible. Hurricane Sandy caused more flooding in the tunnels than the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
7. Why is just the Journal Square to 33rd Street line running?
- With widespread damage to substations between Newark-Penn Station and Journal Square, as well as unprecedented flooding in Hoboken, Exchange Place and World Trade Center, only the Journal Square to 33rd Street line can be opened at this time. Similar to the time immediately following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and the flood of 1992, this line must operate while Christopher Street and 9th Street remain closed for safety (see question below).
8. Why are Christopher Street and 9th Street stations still closed?
- Christopher Street and 9th Street stations, originally built in 1908, were not designed to handle the large crowd capacity that currently rides PATH today. Therefore, just like after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, these stations are closed because it is not safe to open them until more PATH service can be restored.
9. Which stations are handicap accessible?
- Journal Square and 33rd Street.
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So some interesting developments. Hurricane Sandy caused more PATH flooding than the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which is significant (and a lot of water too!). Also 9th and Christopher Streets Stations are functional, they are just closed due to the really bad crowding they anticipate (the Island Platforms can't handle the crowds, I guess.)