PATCO Speedline, Rapid transit railway line between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Camden County, New Jersey.
The PATCO Speedline is a rapid transit railway line between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Camden County, New Jersey, running 14 miles through thirteen stations. The route crosses the Delaware River and links downtown Philadelphia with suburban communities on the New Jersey side.
The line grew from a bridge train service that began in 1936 and evolved into a full rapid transit system opening in February 1969. Over the following years, new stations were added and infrastructure was upgraded to handle growing commuter traffic.
The name comes from the Port Authority Transit Corporation acronym, and many commuters simply call the line "Patco" when describing their daily ride. The rail cars carry the signature red, white, and blue color scheme that has become a familiar sight for travelers between the two states for decades.
Trains run around the clock with more frequent service during rush hours and fewer trips late at night. Seven stations on the New Jersey side offer parking lots, so drivers can leave their car and continue into the city center.
The line uses the lower roadway level of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge while cars drive on the upper decks. This two-level arrangement gives train passengers an unusual view of the bridge structure and river water below them.
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