PATCO E-Newsletter - July 2011
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Governor Tom Corbett
Chairman
Board of Commissioners
 
Jeffrey L. Nash
Vice Chairman
Board of Commissioners
 
John J. Matheussen
President
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.

COMING SOON - PATCO WAVE & PAY ANYWHERE PILOT

Hey, PATCO customers!  You've probably spotted one of the bright-red kiosks at the 8th and Market, Broadway, Ferry Avenue, Haddonfield, Woodcrest or Lindenwold PATCO stations. They're part of the PATCO Pilot launching in September.

The PATCO Pilot is one of the first tests of a new kind of payment system that allows riders to purchase their fare at the gate with a major brand debit card (Visa). Starting in September, PATCO riders will be able to get a PATCO Wave & Pay ANYWHERE Visa� Prepaid Card, and you'll be able to use it for your PATCO fare and parking, plus for buying your coffee, retail shopping, paying bills online and all your retail purchases anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

The PATCO Pilot is scheduled to launch Sept. 26 to all customers, but for those who would like to be the first to participate and enjoy the flexibility of this card, you can participate in a small sneak preview group. Please email pilotinfo@patcopilot.com if you would like to be one of the individuals selected for this opportunity. Be one of the first 100 people to register for the PATCO Pilot sneak preview group and you will be entered to win a FREE* 16GB iPad with WiFi and 3G capability! No purchase necessary.

The PATCO Pilot is the first program in the country to offer riders a transit-agency branded prepaid card of this type. Participants in the sneak preview group will be the first to experience this new level of flexibility, convenience and security.

Additional PATCO Pilot information is available on literature attached to the new red kiosks or at www.PATCOpilot.com.

*Cubic Transportation Systems sponsored

PATCO Cares Welcomed "LIVE STRONG"

On June 28, 2011 the PATCO Cares program welcomed "Live Strong" to the
Ferry station.

Created by Lance Armstrong, this foundation has been working to improve the lives of people affected by cancer since 1997. They raise money and provide support to guide people through the cancer experience. They believe that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything.

They started as a small group trying to fight this terrible disease. Their work has expanded and now reaches every corner of the globe. For more information on how you can help, go to www.livestrong.org.
PATCO Cares Welcomed "THE FOOD BANK"

On July 26, 2011 the PATCO Cares program welcomed "The Food Bank of South Jersey" to the Westmont and Collingswood Stations. The volunteers talked about their agency and encouraged passengers to bring back food donations for the next two days. The Food Bank of South Jersey exists to provide an immediate solution to the urgent problem of hunger by providing food to needy people, teaching them to eat nutritiously, and helping them to find sustainable ways to improve their lives. For more information on how you can donate your time or food, go to www.foodbanksj.org




Collingswood Crafts and Fine Arts Festival

On August 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on August 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 200 craft and fine artists from throughout the United States will be along picturesque Haddon Avenue. The event will feature contemporary craft works in wood, ceramics, clothing and jewelry. For the home and garden there will be an array of sculpture, fiber hangings, floor cloths and one-of-a kind decorative accessories. Ride PATCO to Collingswood and you are just a block away from the fun.




Thanks to our customers, PATCO's ridership is up 5% over last year.