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Mapping Local and Commuter Rail Transit in NYC: PATH

This guide covers how to research for maps related to subways and railroads in New York City within the Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal's Map Division.

Quick Facts about PATH

  • Map of Hudson & Manhattan Railroad Hudson tunnel system : double track throughout 1908PATH is an acronym for Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation. 
  • Years of Note:
    • 1908: Originally known as Hudson and Manhattan Railroad (and later as the H & M Tubes), revenue service officially begins between New Jersey and Manhattan.
    • 1909-1938: More stations are added.
    • 1954: H & M files bankruptcy petition.
    • 1962: Port Authority assumes control of the H & M Railroad, leading to the chartering of the Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation (PATH).

A full timeline of the PATH's history can be found on the Port Authority's website: Click here to access the timeline. 

Image Source: Map of Hudson & Manhattan Railroad Hudson tunnel system : double track throughout. 1908. NYPL Digital Collections Image ID 5122118

A Selection of PATH Maps at NYPL

Map and guide of the PATH System.

Image Source:  Map and guide : PATH System. [1996].  Map Div. 20-1453

How to Search the Catalog for PATH Maps

Online Research Catalog

When using the Online Research Catalog:

  • In the Advanced Search function, checkmark "Cartographic" under Format.
  • If you are interested in finding maps created by the Port Authotity related to PATH, we recommend the following searches:
  • Not all maps that include PATH routes were created by the rapid transit company itself. Commercial, government, and other rapid transit companies would also showcase these local transit lines on their maps. As such, to include these maps in your search results, we recommend the following searches in the Keyword field:
  • Many of the current MTA subway maps - on the verso - do include where the NYC stops and connecting New Jersey stops of the PATH are located. To locate these subway maps by the MTA, we recommend the following search into the Author field:

  • Please note that you can have narrow your search to more specific results by combining the above search terms with any of the terms listed in the "Terms to Search in the Online Research Catalog" portion of this guide's Using Our Catalogs page.

Before PATH

  • For maps including the rail company associated with these rail lines before they were operated as PATH, please utilize the following searches in the Keyword field: 

Additional Recommended Books and Documents at NYPL