PATCO E-Newsletter - February 2011

Become a fan of PATCO on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for all of the latest news and information.

John H. Estey
Chairman
Board of Commissioners
 
Jeffrey L. Nash
Vice Chairman
Board of Commissioners
 
John J. Matheussen
President
PATCO
 
Robert A. Box
General Manager
PATCO
 
Welcome to PATCO E-News!!!!
PATCO E-News is yet another way for PATCO to stay in touch with you and to provide the very best in customer service. Through this monthly communication, we will keep you informed about train service, system improvements, events and happenings in the region and share relevant transit information from a regional and national perspective. You can also stay connected to PATCO throughout the week by following PATCO on Facebook and RidePATCO on Twitter. We'd love to hear from you, so stay in touch.

PATCO and the Franklin Institute - Making fun more affordable
Visit the Franklin Institute to see the new exhibition Leonardo DaVinci's workshop -FEB 5 thru MAY 22, 2011 -The genius of Leonardo da Vinci, the greatest mind of the Renaissance, springs to life in this much heralded exhibit from Italy. Enjoy full-size three-dimensional models of da Vinci's doodles, sketches and more.

PATCO FREEDOM Cardholders: Buy 1 adult Ticket; get 1 adult ticket 50% off.
 
Discount valid February 5 - May 13, 2011. Redeemable onsite or can be purchased by calling 1.877.TFI.TIXS or logging on to www.fi.edu. To redeem use code: LFREEDOM. The ticket includes museum admission. Processing fees apply when ordering tickets by phone or online. The discount cannot be combined with another offer. Not valid on tickets for groups, members or entrances after 5:00 p.m. Movies are an additional fee.
A New Bridge to the Community
The DRPA Board has approved a recommended list of candidates for its first DRPA/PATCO Citizen Advisory Committee. The Committee was created as a result of DRPA's increasing efforts for transparency and community participation. The Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) will work in cooperation with DRPA and be advisory in nature. The CAC will have an opportunity to comment on Board actions and may take part in Board activities where appropriate.  At each Board meeting one CAC designee each from New Jersey and Pennsylvania will be invited to provide input to the Board on relevant issues. The list of recommended members was compiled from applications submitted by 122 individuals who responded to aggressive outreach begun in November after the Board resolution creating the panel was approved. See the website for more details. www.ridepatco.org
Major Capitol Investments
The Overhaul is underway
DRPA/PATCO is investing $194 million dollars to do a complete refurbish of the entire PATCO fleet of rail cars. The first official meeting to begin the car rehab project took place Monday, February 14, 2011. The maintenance shop is buzzing with excitement knowing that that the first six cars are tentatively scheduled to leave the PATCO maintenance shop in March and head to Hornell, NY to begin their transformation.

The Pole Line/Cable replacement
Power Cable & Pole Line replacement provides upgrades to the existing 42 year old power distribution system.  New composite power poles are being installed along the right-of-way and power cables are being replaced from Broadway Station to Lindenwold Station.  Seven NJ substations and the Westmont power station are included to have their respective distribution power cables replaced.  New fiber optic cables are being installed from Broadway Station to Lindenwold Station.  Transit signaling cables, right-of-way cases are being upgraded from West Ferry Interlocking to Broadway Interlocking. These upgrades will provide PATCO with a sound infrastructure in distributing power, network links and transit signaling applications.
Your FREEDOM Card offers more ways to save
PATCO's FREEDOM to SAVE program welcomes our newest partner to the program, Autumn Ridge located in Blackwood, NJ.
FREEDOM cardholders can receive 1/2 a month rent free with a 14 month lease. According to its marketing material, Autumn Ridge (a gated community) offers studio, 1, 2, & 3 bedroom apartments and is committed to providing quality living and quality service. Click the link below to see the full list of participating FREEDOM to Save businesses and offers.
http://www.ridepatco.org/freedomtosave/


PATCO'S first day of service was on February 15, 1969.