Port Authority has scheduled four meetings in Hudson County, starting next week, to provide information to commuters about the halt of weekend service on the 33rd Street PATH line and other planned projects.

The weekend PATH service to 33rd Street is being halted, starting Aug. 6, to accommodate the installation of federally mandated safety and service upgrades, PATH officials said.

The federal government has mandated the installation of Positive Train Control (PTC), an updated safety-enhanced system, by 2018. PATH officials said the installation will provide riders increased reliability and lay the groundwork for increased passenger capacity.

Two meetings will be held in Hoboken and two in Jersey City. Those planning to attend need to register in advance, and can do so at www.panynj.gov/path/pes. PATH officials are looking to add a fifth meeting, in New York.

In Hoboken, the meetings will be Wednesday, July 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. (registration deadline July 11) and Thursday, July 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. (registration deadline July 19). Both meeting will be at A.J. Demarest School (158 Fourth St.)

In Jersey City, the meetings are scheduled for Thursday, July 14, 6 to 8 p.m., at Hudson County Community College, 70 Sip Ave. (registration deadline July 12); and Wednesday, July 20, 6 to 8 p.m., at the University of Phoenix, 100 Town Square Pl. (registration deadline July 18).

The suspension of service is expected to run through December, with the exception of major holidays, PATH officials said, noting that alternate travel options will be presented at the meetings.

The PATH 33rd Street line upgrade is part of Port Authority's 10-Year Capital Plan, which includes upgrading the signal system with Communication Based Train Control (CBTC), which continuously calculates and communicates a train's exact position, speed, travel direction and safe braking distance.

Once CBTC is in place, trains then will be capable of running more frequently and closer together, leading to an increase in rush hour service on PATH lines. Additionally, the CBTC system also will allow for further enhancements such as real time information in PATH stations.

A video explaining PATH's PTC/CBTC system is now available at www.panynj.gov/path/cbtc-ptc-video.html. Further updates, bus maps and details related to the service suspensions will be provided as available through the Port Authority's website, www.panynj.gov/PATH.