The 2011 count of 76.6 million passenger trips were the most since the Port Authority established PATH in 1962 after taking over the bankrupt Hudson & Manhattan Railroad.

Through June of this year, PATH trips slightly exceeded 39 million, up from 37.6 million through the same period in 2011. Ridership rose 5% at the six stations in New York during the first half of 2012, compared with the same period in 2011, while trips at the seven New Jersey stations climbed more than 3%.

"The PATH rail system is a critical component of the Port Authority's interstate transportation network, and we have invested more than $1 billion to modernize PATH's stations, trains and signal system to make sure it remains a preferred mode of travel between New Jersey and New York," said Port Authority Chairman David Samson. "This continued record growth in ridership confirms our investment is working to attract millions of additional riders."