Some relief from chronic overcrowding on PATH trains could come from plans to buy 22 new rail cars for $66 million, allowing the agency to run more trains and ease the crush riders now endure.

Among complaints from riders during a month of delays is overcrowding that is so bad, commuters can't board trains that arrive in stations because they are packed to the doors with people.

A vote to buy the new cars is scheduled to be taken Thursday by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey board commissioners. They're not cheap. Each car is estimated to cost $2.38 million.

On the overcrowded PATH train this morning, I jostled my way in, anxious not to let this one go like I did the one earlier. Just before the door closed, I felt a hand push me from behind. I was so tightly wedged... https://t.co/UoSkBidVm7 — anandrrr (@anandrrr) May 23, 2018

The PATH system is groaning under the weight of record ridership set three times this decade and more new riders coming from residential development built in Jersey City, Harrison, Hoboken and Newark.

Last year, PATH ridership topped 80 million for the first time in 55 years, PATH also plans to extend the Newark World Trade Center line to Newark Airport. Riders worry that PATH is packing 10 pounds of commuters in a five-pound bag.

Buying 22 more rail cars would allow PATH to increase capacity on the Newark to World Trade Center line by roughly 13 percent during peak commuting times as early as 2022, PATH documents said.

The combination of a new communications-based signal system going in service next year, a 50-rail car purchase approved in 2017, and the proposed 22 new trains would increase capacity by 23 percent, PATH officials projected.

Earlier this month, PATH officials said they were considering adding a car to eight-car-trains to move more people. The new cars also would allow PATH to send 10-year-old cars out to be rebuilt to increase reliability and reduce the annoying delays due to "car equipment" issues.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

