PATCO Plans Chug Along

Plans to evaluate an expansion of the Port Authority Transit Corp (PATCO) rail line are again moving forward according to the Delaware River Port Authority. The board passed a resolution this month to move ahead on hiring firms to perform an alternative analysis study – the first step required in securing federal funding for the project. Such a study would evaluate the cost, environmental impact and potential ridership in an effort to identify the most favorable alternatives to pursue in expanding the rail line. The study is expected to take 18 months to complete and if approved by the federal government, the project could be done in six to seven years. Possible changes to the rail line include:

• in New Jersey, expanding the line in New Jersey to Glassboro and vicinity;

• expanding it into Winslow;

• in Philadelphia, expanding the PATCO line to 30th Street or beyond, and

• reopening the Franklin Square station at the foot of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge to allow for service to the sports complexes and Navy Yard.