PATCO rail cars make their first run after rehab work

The Port Authority Transit Corp.'s (PATCO) refurbished passenger cars are beginning to re-enter service, the agency announced late last week.

Last week, the first six cars made their initial run along PATCO's high-speed line from Lindenwold, N.J., to Philadelphia after undergoing extensive rehabilitation of their interiors and operating systems.

The agency is spending $194 million to refurbish all 120 cars in its fleet. The remaining cars will be launched back into service gradually after work is completed, with six more scheduled to re-enter service this summer. Alstom Transport in Hornell, N.Y., is performing the upgrades, which include flip-up seating for wheelchairs and bicycles, new seats, slip resistant floors, new windows and new HVAC systems.

The company also will install new braking systems designed to conserve energy by returning the power generated in braking to the cars' power systems, PATCO officials said.

After the next six cars return to service, PATCO will send four cars a month to Alstom for refurbishing.

"With the rehabilitation of PATCO’s train cars, as well as the installation of new tracks across the Ben Franklin Bridge, PATCO is showing its commitment to providing safe, efficient train service to the people of Pennsylvania and South Jersey," said Ryan Boyer, chair of the Delaware River Port Authority, which oversees PATCO.