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Released:6/26/2025
PATCO Announces Phased Overnight Weekday Service Changes to Enhance Safety, Cleanliness and Efficiency
The changes will impact weekday owl service only, PATCO's overnight service period from 12:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, a time when ridership is extremely low, averaging approximately 25 riders per hour across the entire system. Weekend overnight service (Friday and Saturday nights) will remain unchanged. The changes will be implemented in two phases to provide riders with ample notice and time to adjust travel plans, while allowing PATCO to coordinate operational changes for a smooth and efficient transition.
Phase One begins Monday, July 14, and includes changes to both train frequency and overnight station availability. During weekday owl service hours, trains will operate every two hours, resulting in two fewer trains running each night. In addition, select stations will temporarily close and others will reopen on a rotating two-week basis to allow for focused cleaning, maintenance, and safety operations.
- July 14-July 25: Lindenwold and 8th & Market Street Station will be closed overnight on weekdays from 12:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.; 9/10th & Locust Street (normally closed overnight) will be open during this time.
- July 28-August 8: Broadway and 15/16th & Locust Street Station will be closed overnight on weekdays from 12:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.; City Hall (normally closed overnight) will be open.
- August 11-August 22: Lindenwold and 8th & Market will be closed; 9/10th & Locust Street will be open.
- August 25-August 29: Broadway and 15/16th & Locust will be closed; City Hall will be open.
The weekday overnight service changes will allow for necessary cleaning and maintenance across both PATCO and City of Philadelphia owned areas of the stations in Center City. As part of this effort, the concourse levels in Philadelphia will also be closed overnight. This coordinated effort between PATCO and the City of Philadelphia follows months of planning and discussion to address ongoing conditions in the city-owned concourse areas and to create time and space for cleaning, maintenance, and public safety work to take place more effectively. These changes are part of a temporary, six-month program focused on improving conditions and resetting the system overnight.
"On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, I want to thank Mayor Parker and the City of Philadelphia for their strong partnership and steadfast commitment to public safety," said James D. Schultz, DRPA/PATCO Board Chairman. "This collaborative effort with DRPA and PATCO has been instrumental in increasing the safety and security of our employees and customers. Together, we are taking meaningful steps to enhance safety, improve system cleanliness, and ensure PATCO remains a dependable and secure transit option for the communities we serve."
DRPA/PATCO Board Vice Chairman Jeffrey L. Nash added, "We deeply appreciate Mayor Parker's leadership and the City of Philadelphia's proactive support in helping us create a cleaner, safer, more secure environment for our riders and staff. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to public service and ensures that PATCO remains a reliable and welcoming transit option between Philadelphia and South Jersey."
"I want to extend my sincere thanks to Chairman Schultz, Vice Chairman Nash, Commissioner Deon, and Commissioner Garrity for their steady leadership and support throughout this entire process," said John T. Hanson, DRPA CEO and PATCO President. "I am equally grateful to our dedicated staff, whose hard work and professionalism have been essential to planning and implementing these necessary changes. With the continued support of our Board and the City of Philadelphia, we are taking responsible, coordinated steps to ensure PATCO remains a well-maintained and reliable system today and for years to come."
"I want to personally recognize and thank the dedicated men and women of PATCO and our Public Safety Department who show up every day- and every night- with a shared commitment to keeping our system safe, secure, and clean. Their efforts are the backbone of our operation, and their pride in service is reflected in every station and on every train. We are grateful for all they do to support our riders and uphold the standards our communities deserve," said John Rink, PATCO General Manager.
"The City's Office of Public Safety worked in a coordinated fashion with our partners at DRPA/PATCO and other key City departments to facilitate this much-needed maintenance project," said Philadelphia Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer. "Our work encompasses enhancing safety for residents, commuters and visitors, so bringing all parties to the table for one of our city's major transportation providers was a clear opportunity to ensure those using this resource feel secure and valued. When our Mayor says, 'one Philly - a united city,' this type of intergovernmental work is exactly what she's talking about."
PATCO encourages riders to check schedules and station access information before traveling during overnight hours by visiting RidePATCO.org or following PATCO on social media.
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