Port Authority Teams Up With Garden State

New York, NY —

The Port Authority is expected to enter into a formal partnership with New Jersey Transit to build a 2nd rail tunnel that will double rail capacity between New Jersey and New York. WNYC's Bob Hennelly has more.

REPORTER: If all goes as planned, the $7 billion tunnel will be completed by 2016. Over the last several years, the number of trains going through the single existing tunnel between the 2 states has jumped dramatically. In addition, the tunnel serves Amtrak's busy Northeast Corridor.

REPORTER: Planners say a 2nd tunnel would dramatically reduce rush hour congestion. Federal funds are expected to cover half the costs of construction. Also on today's Port Authority agenda - approval of a 4 year plan to replace the entire fleet of passenger cars for the Authority's Path commuter rail line.

REPORTER: All of the new cars will be equipped with video security cameras. Everyday, 200,000 commuters use the train line that links Manhattan, Hoboken, Jersey City and Newark. For WNYC I'm Bob Hennelly.