PATCO unveils new train cars
Single seats replace the benches in the new cars. (Photo courtesy of PATCO)
A southern New Jersey-to-Philadelphia commuter train line has received its first prototypes for refurbished cars.
PATCO unveiled its first two cars on Wednesday. Six others are also expected to arrive soon and all eight are to be put into service after testing.
The new cars have bicycle and wheelchair parking areas, brighter colors, new seats and upgraded heating and cooling systems. The brakes are also being upgraded and there are new security cameras.
The train line is planning to refurbish all its cars over the next three years.
About $70 million of the $194 million project is being funded with federal money.
The cars themselves entered service in 1969 and 1980 and have not had a major upgrade.
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