"A penny saved is a penny earned," a Ben Franklin look-alike advised morning commuters on February 24 as they arrived at the 8th and Market Street station in Philadelphia, reminding PATCO riders to use their FREEDOM Card to save.  Ben helped PATCO kick off the anniversary of its FREEDOM to Save program; an evening event at Woodcrest Station in Cherry Hill had participating businesses giving out freebies and information on the program, and the events marked the one-year anniversary of PATCO's customer benefits program.   

On hand at Woodcrest were representatives from Franklin Institute, Any Garment Cleaners, High Point Insurance, NJ Travel, The Camden Riversharks, and Battleship NJ.

For the full list of participating FREEDOM to Save businesses in the ever-expanding program, click here.

PATCO is thankful for all the kudos about its operability during this year's big snowstorm, but it's just part of our job - keeping the region moving.  Here's a sneak peek at the work that's done to keep the trains running during a winter storm:

Planning
The planning process actually starts months before the first snowflakes fall.  Directors from the Transit Services, Equipment, and Way & Power Departments prepare a snow plan that covers the basic elements required to minimize the impact the weather may have on service.  Some items included in the snow plan are activating 3rd rail heaters, which help to prevent icy build-up; activating switch heaters, which keep switches from becoming frozen or clogged with snow; placing the parking lot gate arms in the up position so as to not impede the movement of snowplows; and barricading designated stairwells to prevent slipping hazards.

Staffing
All personnel designated as essential employees report to work on snow days.  Center Tower, which has overall control of the operation on the mainline, is staffed with extra dispatchers and customer service agents.  Extra train operators are brought in to assist in moving additional trains.  Extra equipment technicians are brought in to address equipment failures as they occur and to have the fleet ready for the coming days.

The Ice Train
The "Ice Train" consists of three single cars equipped with special ice scraping 3rd rail shoes.  In addition, the ice train maintains large storage tanks which contain an environmentally friendly antifreeze/de-icing solution.  The train lays down a thin layer of solution on the 3rd rail from the Lindenwold Yard to Broadway Station and across the Ben Franklin Bridge.

Snow Trains
"Snow Trains" are non-revenue service six car trains that keep the tracks functional by covering the gaps, with additional 3rd rail shoes running across the 3rd rail to prevent snow and ice from building up.

Post Storm Review
At the conclusion of each storm, PATCO Management reviews the outcome and discusses what went right and what could have been done better.  The status of all equipment and supplies on-hand are reviewed in preparation for the next storm.

Click here for more.