Press Releases

PATCO News & Information - Archives

PATCO Ridership Up Significantly

As the cost of a gallon of gasoline in the region hits $3.00 or more, many drivers are escaping the pain at the pump by riding PATCO in South Jersey and Philadelphia. PATCO daily ridership is averaging around 35,000 passengers and that’s an increase of between 2,000 and 3,000 rides a day compared to the same period last year. So far this year ridership is up close to seven percent. PATCO President, John J. Matheussen, says “PATCO service is safe, reliable, and now more affordable than driving considering the cost of gasoline and parking.” PATCO General Manager, Bob Box, adds “Implementation of the FREEDOM Card Fare collection system along the entire route makes it more convenient for customers to pay their fares.” Box also notes “the FREEDOM Card gate system makes it more difficult for fare evaders to get a free ride resulting in more paid trips on the system.” PATCO has also announced the conversion to FREEDOM cards is now complete at the paid parking lots at the Ferry Avenue and Westmont Stations. In addition to PATCO, 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, the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal and the RiverLink Ferry.

[ Return to List ]