PATCO Pushes Back Implementing New Overnight 'Owl' Service

PHILADELPHIA — PATCO was planning to implement its new overnight rail schedule Monday, May 13, but on the rail carrier said it will postpone its implementation.

Owl service on PATCO is aimed at making overnight travel safer between the hours of midnight and 4:30 a.m.

On Wednesday, May 8, PATCO said its new implementation day for the owl service will be June 1.

The push back will "allow PATCO to analyze feedback from riders and the community, as well as provide additional time for notification of the changes to the public."

"It is our goal to incorporate the feedback and concerns to greatest extent possible to the new owl schedule to when implemented," the rail carrier said.

The owl service schedule and details are below:

Weekday Owl Service (Midnight to 4:30 a.m.)

• In addition to our regular police presence, a police officer will be on board all owl service trains.
• Owl trains will operate every 60 minutes instead of every 45 minutes.
• Between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m., owl trains will make stops at all 12 stations. 9/10th & Locust will remain closed as per the current schedule.
• Between 1 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., owl trains will only stop at Lindenwold, Woodcrest, Ferry, Broadway, 8th & Market and 15/16th & Locust Stations. During these hours, Ashland, Haddonfield, Westmont, Collingswood, City Hall, 9/10th & Locust and 12/13th & Locust Stations will be closed.
• Trains will resume making all station stops beginning with the 4:30 a.m. departures out of Lindenwold and 15/16th & Locust St. Stations.

Weekend Owl Service (Midnight to 4:30 a.m.)

• In addition to our regular police presence, a police officer will be on board all owl service trains.
• Between 12 a.m. and 2 a.m., owl trains will operate every 45 minutes and make stops at all 12 stations. 9/10th & Locust will remain closed as per the current schedule.
• Between 2 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., owl trains will operate every 60 minutes and only stop at Lindenwold, Woodcrest, Ferry, Broadway, 8th & Market and 15/16th & Locust Stations. During these hours, Ashland, Haddonfield, Westmont, Collingswood, City Hall, 9/10th & Locust and 12/13th & Locust Stations will be closed.
• Trains will resume making all station stops beginning with the 5 a.m. departure out of Lindenwold and the 4:30 a.m. departure out of 15/16th & Locust St. Stations.

"Safety and security are a top priority at PATCO," said John D. Rink, PATCO General Manager. "The owl service adjustments increase and maintain a safe and comfortable travel experience for our owl riders."