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PATCO Apologizes to Customers for Equipment Related Service Delays

Car Renovations In-Progress Will Make Delays Less Likely

PATCO officials apologized to customers for service delays caused last week by equipment failures.

On Wednesday afternoon, an electrical motor failed on a train and created delays during the evening rush hour.  On Thursday morning, an equipment failure in another train caused rush-hour delays.

“We want to apologize to our customers for the inconvenience caused by unexpected rail delays,” said PATCO General Manager John Rink. “We appreciate your patience and value your business.  We are working hard to renovate our track and rolling infrastructure, and we expect to reward your patience and continued business when the first six refurbished passenger cars roll into service in August 2013.”

PATCO is engaged in a massive infrastructure improvement program that will make the high-speed line more reliable, comfortable and efficient. The ages of PATCO’s passenger cars range from 43 years to 32 years.  Although regularly maintained, the cars have not been rebuilt or replaced since they entered service.

“Over the next four-to-six years, PATCO will spend nearly $200 million refurbishing its rolling stock,” said DRPA CEO John J. Matheussen.  “All 120 PATCO cars will be rebuilt to modernize breaking, propulsion control, climate control, communications, messaging and vehicle diagnostics.  The cars also will be modified to meet the latest Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.”

Last year, the first 26 cars shipped to the Alstom manufacturing facility in Hornell, N.Y.

A final note:  PATCO would like to alert customers that delays are possible on Monday morning as a result of work in the Lindenwold rail yard to replace interlocking equipment.

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The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation agency that connects millions of people and businesses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  The DRPA owns and operates the PATCO commuter rail line and the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross toll bridges.  The DRPA also owns the RiverLink Ferry.

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