PATH trains rumble past a glorious sight

Thursday, December 17, 2009
By SARAH RAHMAN
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

It's a holiday tradition for PATH riders moving in and out of the Pavonia-Newport station in Jersey City.

Those with a keen eye, or those who just happen to look out the window of the PATH train at the right time, will spot a 6-foot Christmas tree, decorated top to bottom with bright lights.

It's the only such tree in the PATH system, and it's been set up every holiday season for the past 40 years, says Peter Caggiano, terminal supervisor for the Hoboken PATH station.

"People look forward to (the tree) being put up. They ask when it will be lit or where they can see it. For the people who aren't too busy in their commute to see it, they really appreciate it," Caggiano said.

A new artificial tree is purchased every year by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, according to Ed Eastman, one of three employees with AM Single Construction Group, the contractor that sets up and decorates the tree.

The tree is lit every Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day and remains lit for 24 hours, seven days a week until the second week of January, when it is taken down, he added.

"The kids notice it a lot," said Juan Ramirez, a train engineer for 27 years. He enjoys overhearing the gasps of surprised riders when they spot the tree.

"The little ones love it. You hear them tell their parents that they just saw a tree in the window, and they get so excited," he said. "I think most people are happy that it's there."

I love the tree. I have a question, though....why would they get a new artificial tree each year? Does it get that dirty? So dirty a good rinsing wouldn't clean it off?

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It's in the tunnel for a month and a half by time they clean it it would be a waste of time.

Quote:You ever touched a horizontal surface in a PATH or MTA tunnel? If not, brush a finger on one of the pipes hanging from the ceiling. Or just take a look at the walls on the other side of the tracks. The tunnels are gross and caked with so much soot I can understand needing a new one each year.

Your thread title isn't very helpful.

It is a short but glorious life for that artificial tree.

If it is one with the lights already built in, being on 24/7 for 7 weeks is probably about 10x's more use then a tree in a normal home sees over a holiday season.

I can't begrudge anyone fore getting a new one annually.

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It's primarily brake dust -- the path uses rubber brakes, which the subway does not.

The tree is such a treat. I love the confused tourists who spot it zooming past.

I love the tree! The first time I saw it, it was a nice surprise, it makes me happy! :)