PATCO Unveils Refurbished Rail Cars
By Mike DeNardo
LINDENWOLD, N.J., (CBS) -- PATCO is showing off the first of its new refurbished rail cars. And they also say some of their station escalators are beyond repair and need to be replaced.
The long-awaited first two rebuilt PATCO rail cars are back from the factory - and riders will notice the difference, says PATCO General Manager John Rink.
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"They'll see a brighter, more enhanced car. All new seats, all new linings, all new lighting," Rink said.
Most of PATCO's 120-car fleet dates back to 1969. The rebuilt cars feature firm blue seats, video message boards and enclosed operator cabs. Rink says the first eight rebuilt cars should be in passenger service by the end of February. Meantime, PATCO President John Matheussen says six broken escalators at the Woodcrest, 12th-13th, and 16th and Locust stations are slated for replacement - a process that would put them out of service for 9 months.
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"We obviously know that our customers are frustrated. I'm frustrated," Matheussen said.
He says PATCO has hired engineers from SEPTA to try to get the escalators running temporarily.
