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PATCO's Next Stop: Social Networking

Lindenwold, NJ – PATCO might have turned 40 this year, but the transit agency has kept up with the latest in online communications with a presence on two top social networking sites. PATCO has been attracting followers and communicating with them on Twitter since the spring under its ‘RidePATCO’ handle and has recently added a Facebook page to keep ‘fans’ informed and engaged. 

Through its pre-launch research on the sites, PATCO discovered that its riders were talking about the system on their own and often asking pertinent questions and making insightful observations. According to PATCO President, John J. Matheussen, it was time for PATCO to join in on the conversation. 

“It was evident that our riders could benefit by having access to immediate and timely information from PATCO. These social networking sites allow us to connect with them in real time with information they can use,” said Matheussen. “It has also been enormously helpful to us to learn how our riders incorporate PATCO into their lives and how, while they view PATCO positively, we can do better.” 

PATCO’s Twitter feed has provided service alerts and updates as well as suggestions on how to use PATCO to get to events and attractions throughout the region. PATCO’s FREEDOM to Save program, a regional discount program tied to the agency’s FREEDOM Card fare collection system, is also regularly promoted with a link to the list of participating businesses. 

The Facebook page provides PATCO with a wider platform to interact with fans, most of whom are PATCO customers. In addition to providing service updates and sharing news, PATCO plans to engage and involve Facebook fans with contests, surveys, and calls for photos. 

“As PATCO takes steps towards its transformation, these sites provide another way for us to seek input on our planned expansion into Gloucester County and along Philadelphia’s waterfront,” said Bob Box, PATCO General Manager. “With Facebook and Twitter, we can engage our riders and provide them with an easy way to get in touch with us and share their views.” 

The PATCO Facebook page, in addition to providing news and information, will also soon contain photos, games, and other fun items. 

To follow PATCO on Twitter, check out www.twitter.com/RidePATCO. To become a fan on Facebook, simply search “PATCO” on the site, and look for the PATCO fan page. 

The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation agency. In addition to PATCO, DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross Bridges and the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal. The DRPA also owns the RiverLink Ferry.

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