From the General Manager

STEWARDSHIP 

Enhanced Station Signage – Phase 4 of our new Passenger Information and Message System is approaching completion.  Eighty (80) double-sided LCD monitors will provide detailed, station-specific scheduling information digitally.  This signage eliminates the need to print and post numerous schedules; it also affords PATCO the opportunity to make prompt revisions should situations arise and a change to the schedule be warranted.  This capability would include track schedules, emergency schedules and snow schedules.  We anticipate that in approximately two months, the schedules will be posted live. 

Snow Removal and Customer Engagement – On March 22, our social media staff initiated a contest to interest our customers and draw attention to the magnitude of our response to snow storms, especially the nor’easter of the day before.  A pile of plowed snow had been collected in the parking lot at Haddonfield Station, and customers were invited to guess when it would melt away.  It finally disappeared on April 17.  Two contestants, one who communicated via Twitter and one via Face Book, received PATCO swag for their close guesses. 

Car Overhaul Project – As of May 2, we have 90 refurbished cars on-site, 88 of which have been conditionally accepted.  This leaves only 8 legacy cars awaiting their turn to go to the car builder’s plant.   

This marks a milestone of having refurbished 75% of the fleet.   

SERVICE 

On-Time Performance – In April, 2018, we had scheduled 5,398 trips.  Our on-time performance was 96.59% for the month and 95.87% for the Year to Date.  We achieved 100% on-time performance for 14 weekday mornings and 10 weekday evenings.   

Ridership - Ridership in April was 895,090, an increase of 7,229 (+0.81%) when compared to April of 2017.  Ridership year to date as of April 30, 2018 was 3,484,558, a decrease of 73,136 (-2.06%) compared to the same period of 2017. 

FREEDOM Card Service – In April the FREEDOM Customer Service Center handled 1,382 calls, assisting customers with various FREEDOM Card issues.  In addition, the Service Center processed over 3,600 customer prepaid benefits.  The staff receive paper transit vouchers via mail or electronic files from benefit providers.  The values are loaded into the fare system and downloaded onto the customer’s FREEDOM Card when the card is presented at a vending machine or gate.   

The Service Centers at Broadway and Woodcrest continue to replace cards which expired after 10 years of use; in April 336 cards were exchanged.  Furthermore, we registered 176 new enrollees in the Reduced Fare Program for seniors and the disabled. 

Preparation for Concert Season - Passenger Services is ramping up for the busy summer concert season.  During the summer, the BBT Entertainment Center in Camden hosts some very popular concerts.  Many concert goers use PATCO (some for the first time) to commute to show.  We have hired an additional 8 Transit Ambassadors to meet the summer rush and assist customers to safely ride PATCO.   

COMMUNITY 

Support of Community “Green” Events – Through seat drops, LCD signage, and social media, PATCO promoted participation in Haddon Township’s “Go Green” event, held in Lot N2 of our Westmont Station, and the Collingswood Green Festival.   

Visits to College Campuses – PATCO participated in Drexel’s Welcome to Transfer Students meeting and the Spring Fling events at Camden County College’s Camden and Blackwood campuses.  We handed out FREEDOM cards to students to save them the $5 cost of the cards and provided information about job opportunities, train schedules, and our FREEDOM To Save program.