Joey, do you like stories about economics?

If not gladiator movies Joey loves him some economic news.

According to Kate Slevin, executive director of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign the small increase in PATH ridership is a sign of better economic times for our area.

"It’s a good indication that the economic recovery is afoot. Generally, transit ridership increases or decreases depending on how the economy’s doing in our region."

That is good news, except when Johnny can't find a seat and has to stand all the way to 33rd St. PATH ridership was up 2.3% last year, 1.6 million more than in 2009. As the article link points out however, the NJ Transit fare increases may have played a part in raising PATH ridership. We here at the Jersey City Desk seem to recall an article in the New York Times that talked about more New Yorkers taking the PATH to avoid the huge MTA price increases. Does this add up to that 2.3% or 1.6 million riders? Most likely not but it does cause us concern before we start thinking a true economic recovery is underway based on PATH rides.

Just as the 6,000 teachers Mayor Mike is getting ready to axe across the river.