HOBOKEN, New Jersey (WABC) -- The Friday morning commute to work looked different for some 20,000 passengers who ride the PATH train between New York and New Jersey.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey temporarily closed the Hoboken station Friday at midnight to begin its $430 million restoration project.
The station will close for 25 days until FEbruary 25th while massive repairs are made to the 117-year-old system.
Many who use it as a vital leg of their journeys are getting a taste of what their temporary alternate means of transportation looks like for their schedules.
"It does make it inconvenient because the other options are the light rail, which isn't super reliable," said commuter Purvi Patel.
Another commuter Daniel Miletic echoed Patel's concerns, adding the PATH is the fastest way to get to where he needs to go.
The plan includes critical track and switch upgrades as delays often disrupt the railway due to an aging system. Crews will also be replacing the concrete platform as well as four stairwells inside the station.
"Actually right outside of Hoboken station we have a really complex overlay of tracks called an interlocking," said Rebecca Riehl, PATH Assistant Director of Passenger Services and Customer Service. "And that's all going to be replaced at the end of all of this riders will feel a better smoother, more reliable ride."
Working around the closure, NJ Transit is increasing service on the No. 126 bus from Hoboken Station to Midtown Bus Terminal. Commuters can also take a free PATH shuttle between Hoboken and Newport/Exchange Pl stations. During rush hours, additional service will be added to both stations.
"I think it's a necessary evil," said commuter Jessica Sarkisian. "You've got to get it done."
The agency is also cross-honoring tickets and expanding ferry service during peak hours, and fares on the New York Waterway from Hoboken will be reduced to $3.
Alternate service options being provided by PATH can be found here.
PATH officials recommend commuters give themselves extra time to plan Monday through Thursday with those four days marking peak travel times.
The closure period will last 25 days from Jan. 30 to Feb. 25.
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