Press Releases

PATCO News & Information

PATCO Franklin Square Station to Open on April 3

The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) and Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) are pleased to announce the official reopening of the newly renovated Franklin Square Station on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 12 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Located at 7th and Race Streets, the reopening will bring Franklin Square Station into PATCO’s rapid transit system as its fourteenth station, enhancing connectivity between Philadelphia and Lindenwold, NJ. With 5.6 million riders using PATCO annually, the reopening of this station will enhance access and connectivity for the region’s residents and visitors.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the reopening of Franklin Square Station with the community,” said John D. Rink. PATCO General Manager. “The revitalization of this station marks an exciting new chapter, offering enhanced transit access and convenience for both residents and visitors. We are proud of the station’s transformation, and we look forward to welcoming both old and new riders to this historic, transformed station.”

Past to Present, Tracks to Tomorrow

Franklin Square Station, originally opened on June 7, 1936, as part of the Bridge Line connecting Philadelphia and Camden, has played a key role in the region’s transit history. Though its use has been intermittent over the years, the station last underwent a major refurbishment in the 1970s, reopening to serve visitors during the United States Bicentennial celebration. The station’s last passenger service was in 1979. Over the decades, both the city and its transit needs have evolved significantly. The revitalization preserves the station’s historic legacy while transforming it into a modern transit station for today’s riders.

The reopening comes at a time when the surrounding neighborhoods are undergoing significant growth. The reopened station will:

• Provide additional transportation options for the community.
• Promote intracity travel by offering a convenient connection between Franklin Square and Rittenhouse Square.
• Complement development in the surrounding area, providing improved transportation options to local attractions and businesses.

Renovations and Features

As part of PATCO’s commitment to improving its infrastructure, Franklin Square Station has undergone a $29.3 million renovation, with construction beginning in March 2022. This project includes the following upgrades:

• Full Accessibility: The station is now fully ADA compliant, featuring an elevator, escalator, and ramps for easy access.
• Sustainability: The station includes eco-friendly upgrades such as a green roof to manage stormwater runoff, bird-friendly glass to reduce bird collisions, and energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the station.
  • Powered by the Sun: PATCO trains run on electrified third-rail power, with 50% of the energy supplied from solar panels installed at PATCO station parking lots.
• Modernized Systems: The station has been updated with new mechanical, electrical, and communication systems, making it fully aligned with the latest PATCO standards.
• Historical Preservation: The renovation keeps the station’s original 1930s green and white subway tiles, cleaned and restored to preserve its historic character.
• Customer Convenience: The station features benches, leaning benches, electrical outlets, and USB plugs for riders. This summer, fare gates will begin accepting additional payment options, including mobile payments, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more.
• Bike-Friendly: The station includes bike storage racks within the paid area and a bike runnel along the stairwell, providing cyclists with a track to walk their bikes up or down the stairs.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature remarks from elected officials, DRPA representatives, and community leaders. The event is open to all, offering attendees the chance to be among the first to tour the newly renovated station. Train service to the station will begin later that afternoon.

PATCO Schedule Update

PATCO’s timetable has been updated to include the new Franklin Square Station stop. This addition does not impact overall travel or trip durations. All departure times remain unchanged, and the only adjustment is the added time for the new stop at Franklin Square. To view the schedule, click here.

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