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Transit Ambassadors Start Patrolling PATCO Trains and Stations

Uniformed transit ambassadors, clad in PATCO red and black, are now present at train stations and parking lots and on platforms and trains along the line’s 14.2 miles of track between Center City Philadelphia and South Jersey towns. The added presence will be seen during evening and late-night hours to assist customers and enhance their overall transit experience. PATCO commuters will experience a special brand of this service firsthand as Transit Ambassadors introduce themselves to customers at select stations by offering free soft pretzels and information. On Wednesday, November 14, through Friday, November 16, between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., newly stationed Transit Ambassadors will greet riders with an evening snack and information about the new program. Malvern-based Service Group Incorporated (SGI) was hired by the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) and PATCO to provide the ambassador service. The program, which began training in October and in-station work November 5th, provides a group of ambassadors who will rotate among stations and trains. “We at PATCO, wanted to be sure that we maintained a customer-friendly environment for our riders,” said John J. Matheussen, Chief Executive Officer of DRPA and President of PATCO. Transit Ambassadors are dressed in uniforms with red shirts, black pants and black hats and are equipped with a radio to quickly alert appropriate personnel of any situation that might arise. The PATCO police and public safety crews will continue to patrol the trains and stations as they had before the program started. “Since the implementation of the program, there has already been a great improvement to the overall customer experience on our trains and at our stations,” said Robert Box, PATCO General Manager. “PATCO passengers are already noticing a more welcoming and enjoyable ride and have offered positive feedback.” As a result of the Transit Ambassador program, customers using PATCO to return home from work and to attend dining, entertainment, sporting, and other leisure venues during late evening and nighttime hours can now feel more comfortable doing so. Transit Ambassadors are equipped with information about PATCO rules, schedules, ticket costs, and area maps and attractions. “Our region has a lot to offer, and we think that regional residents will find PATCO as appealing for use for travel to leisure time activities as it is for commuters,” said Matheussen. The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation and development agency. DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross bridges, and the PATCO High Speed Line, the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal at Pier 1 and the RiverLink Ferry.

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